[GrumpyRN63]

Does anyone know if it is acceptable to wear Birkenstock type sandals during the summer -open toed. I'm a comfort girl with wide feet and would love to wear them during the summer, any feedback would be great, thanks

[AirforceRN]

You'll have to check your hospital's policy.
Generally open toed anything isn't allowed as it removes a much desired safety barrier between your feet and the elements. Do you really want blood, cdiff laden poop or sputum soaking into your foot? Comfort is one thing but safety first.

[GrumpyRN63]

I would never in the hospital, I'm asking about Home Health only

[donster]

Originally Posted by GrumpyRN63

I would never in the hospital, I'm asking about Home Health only

I would think the same rationale would apply, especially in Home Health! A hospital environment is somewhat controlled, but you have no idea what you're (literally) walking into at a home visit. I would certainly want some sort of safety barrier there.

[caliotter3]

Most of the employee handbooks of my home health agencies have prohibited open toed shoes. I wouldn't recommend this type of shoe because of safety issues. I know that I've had things fall on my feet and I've knocked my feet up against things in the home. You don't want to hurt your feet if you can help it.

[GrumpyRN63]

Thanks, I was asking b/c I'm new to HH and last week a seasoned nurse came in with summer sandals, I did raise my eyebrows (to myself) thought it wasn't kosher, but then got my curiosity as to what others do and their experiences-thanks

[Silverblitzen]

Originally Posted by GrumpyRN63

Thanks, I was asking b/c I'm new to HH and last week a seasoned nurse came in with summer sandals, I did raise my eyebrows (to myself) thought it wasn't kosher, but then got my curiosity as to what others do and their experiences-thanks

Hi Grumpy,

I'm also in your situation and I've seen all sorts of footwear. What I think may work is to wear what you want while out and about, but take along a pair of house slippers to wear in the homes - like those canvas espadrills? Just slip those in your bag and take off your Burks at the door. You can politely tell your clients you don't want to track in the outdoors, but slip on your close-toed slippers to protect your tootsies from whatever lurks on the floors of some of these places ! Then you just slip them into a little biohazard bag when you leave.

Best,
Sue

[BlueRidgeHomeRN]

Originally Posted by Silverblitzen

Hi Grumpy,

I'm also in your situation and I've seen all sorts of footwear. What I think may work is to wear what you want while out and about, but take along a pair of house slippers to wear in the homes - like those canvas espadrills? Just slip those in your bag and take off your Burks at the door. You can politely tell your clients you don't want to track in the outdoors, but slip on your close-toed slippers to protect your tootsies from whatever lurks on the floors of some of these places ! Then you just slip them into a little biohazard bag when you leave.

Best,
Sue

My safety concern would be for the limited protection offered by thin canvas from bumps, bugs, and big needles!

But otherwise, the changing shoes is a great idea..I may even drag out my soccer sandals to wear in the car, and switch back to leather shoes for visits. I know it will be OK for the dress code--I WRITE IT

[dhyser96]

I wear my Crocs ( without the "air" holes) so I can easily slip them off in the car but still very comfy and safe in the patient's homes. Love them!!

[GrumpyRN63]

I went with summer style crocs that almost look like ballet slippers, they only have a few tiny holes on the sides, double straps across the top , fit my wide feet ,very comfy and I can germicide them, I had been wearing the fuzzy crocs before the weather warmed up and they were great in the home ( rain and cold)