Nursing is quite a demanding profession. It usually requires long hours of labor-intensive work, where nurses have to constantly move from patient to patient. Nurse jobs are quite versatile, meaning they also have to hop from one unit to the other, from patient wards to emergency rooms and surgical rooms, all throughout the day. In such hospital and clinic environments, these nurses are constantly facing spills, bodily fluids, and emergency problems that may lead to injuries. This is why waterproof nurse shoes are an essential part of a nurse’s wardrobe.  

Studies have shown that an average RN job requires at least 3 to 5 miles of walking and running in just one shift, usually day shifts being more intensive than night shifts. Nursing jobs require them to stay on foot for entire shifts. This level of labor-intensive work puts a lot of strain on feet, ankles, and lower back, leading to fatigue, musculoskeletal disorders, and even injuries. Hence, choosing nurse shoes that are comfortable, safe, and durable can make all the difference. 

Given the constant exposure to spills and bodily fluids added to the fast-paced work environment, nurses are more at risk of slips, trips, and falls. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 450,540 work injuries happen due to slips, trips, and falls, out of which 865 lead to worker’s death. Hence, the right slip-resistant and waterproof nurse shoes are very critical for such a fast-paced work environment that puts nurses at high risk. 

The Demanding Nature of Nursing Jobs

Most healthcare professionals, whether they are in pediatric nurse jobs, physician assistant jobs, or surgical tech jobs, demand constant physical work, hoping from one place to another. More specifically, nursing jobs are quite labor-intensive. Hence, they require reliable footwear that supports them all throughout their shifts. 

Nursing entails many different RN jobs, from the fast-paced PICU and NICU nurse jobs to the draining and pressurized emergency nursing jobs. However, one thing remains the same no matter which specialty you choose for your nursing job, and that is the constant exposure to all kinds of fluids. Due to this, nurses can be exposed to viral and contagious diseases.

Moreover, due to the fast-paced work environment, nurses don’t get the luxury of taking frequent breaks to clean their apparel multiple times. Hence, this exposure can be a health risk, so choosing a nurse shoe that is waterproof can be a good choice. Because without the right healthcare footwear, these nurses are at constant risk of developing foot injuries, contracting diseases, allergies, or even chronic medical conditions. 

The Importance of Waterproof Nurse Shoes

Nurses are constantly exposed to spills, bodily fluids, and wet surfaces. Hence, waterproof nursing shoes are an essential part of their uniform. They are not only essential for protection, but these shoes are often designed specifically to provide comfort, support, and durability for labor-intensive RN jobs. A good pair of waterproof nursing shoes is crucial to help nurses perform their duties with confidence, without any fear of spills, trips, falls, or contracting disease, while ensuring good overall foot health.

Here are a few reasons why waterproof nurse shoes are important:

1. Protection Against Spills & Fluids

Hospitals and clinics often have unpredictable spills, from antiseptics and medications to bodily fluids from patients. These spills can be unhygienic or even hazardous for nurses. Waterproof nursing shoes provide protection against such spills, ensuring nurses do not come in direct contact with such fluids.  

2. Slip-resistant for Better Safety

Spills in hospitals and clinics can result in injuries and are more common than you may think. Waterproof nursing shoes are often slip-resistant, which is necessary on wet and slippery surfaces. The traction in nursing shoes reduces the risk of falls, trips, and slips, essentially making nursing jobs more safe.  

3. Comfortable for Long Shifts

As we know by now, nursing jobs have very tiring, long shifts. These long working shifts often exceed 12 hours of constant work staying on foot. Due to this, they often complain about foot strain, fatigue, and musculoskeletal disorders. According to a study on nurse’s foot health, approximately 24% of nurses were absent from work due to foot and ankle pain. However, most of this pain and fatigue can be prevented by using the right nursing shoes. 

4. Durable & Easy to Maintain

High-quality waterproof nursing shoes are specifically designed for the rigorous work environment of RN jobs. These nurse shoes can effortlessly handle daily wear and tear, making them highly durable. Moreover, due to their water-resistant property, these shoes do not require much maintenance and can easily be worn for long periods. Unlike fabric shoes, special nursing shoes can easily be wiped and disinfected, making them perfect for even sterile environments of many hospital and clinic departments. 

5. Ensures Overall Foot Health

Nurse shoes are often designed with ergonomic support. Many nurses often complain about foot issues like plantar fasciitis and arch pain resulting from prolonged standing during long shifts. The best nursing shoes offer perfect support, protection, and safety that ensures the overall foot health remains in good condition, reducing any risk of injuries or illnesses due to exposure, slip, or prolonged standing.

5 Tips for Choosing the Best Waterproof Nurse Shoes

Considering the crucial part of waterproof nurse shoes for nurses, it is important to choose the right pair. Here are some tips for choosing the right nursing shoes that help nurses perform their jobs with more confidence and ease:

1. Prioritize Comfort and Fit

Prolonged standing can result in poor foot health. Hence, make sure your waterproof nurse shoes have ergonomic support with a snug yet comfortable fit. If your nursing shoe is too tight it can develop bruises and blisters, while too loose shoes can result in tripping or falling while working in a fast-paced environment. 

2. Make Sure the Soles are Slip-resistant

Good traction soles in waterproof nurse shoes are very essential to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Hence, choose nursing shoes with rubber or textured outsoles that provide better traction and grip on even slippery hospital floors. This will make moving from one department to another easier, preventing any work injuries.

3. Consider Breathability

Many waterproof shoes can make your feet sweaty, which can be unhygienic and prone to allergies like athlete’s feet. However, waterproof nursing shoes with moisture-wicking linings are great to prevent this problem. Such nursing shoes with ventilation features keep your foot dry and clean throughout the shift.

4. Choose Easy-to-Clean Materials

As we know, the fast-paced and crucial nature of RN jobs does not allow time for cleaning after an unpredictable spill. Hence, make sure to choose materials that are easy to clean and can be wiped and sanitized easily. Materials like synthetic leather, rubber, and waterproof-coated nursing shoes are best for easy cleaning and disinfecting, even in hospital environments. 

5. Make Sure They are Durable

High-quality nursing shoes are an investment for optimal and confident performance for nurses. Hence, your nursing shoes should be able to withstand the daily wear and tear of RN jobs. Make sure to opt for reputable brands with good reviews for the best pair. 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right waterproof nurse shoes is very important to stay comfortable, clean, and safe throughout long nursing shifts. Hence, waterproof nurse shoes are a necessity. Nursing jobs are very demanding and require proper foot care. However, along with the best healthcare footwear, nurses also need staffing solutions to get the best nursing jobs.

So, if you are an aspiring nurse ready to join the healthcare force, make waterproof nurse shoes a necessity in your wardrobe and connect with the best nursing staffing agency to get the best RN jobs near you!