Which is worse- sitting all day or standing pretty much still?

Nurses General Nursing

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My legs are swelling like tree trunks after an 8 hour shift of mostly sitting at the desk (I've been subbing as a school nurse) with some intermittent standing mostly in one spot. So, I turn to the experienced working masses to ask: which is hardest, sitting all day or standing pretty much still?

I am not as physically tired after I sub, but due to the swelling I am laid up for the evening with my feet up. I doubt I could do this much sitting as a full time school nurse, even though I like the job in other respects. So, i have gotten a PRN position with LTC. I thought I would compare the moving around with the sitting to see which makes the swelling worse.

Please share any and all tips because this is ridiculous! It wouldn't even matter if I what job I had at this point (secretary, sales person, etc ) with the impact of the swelling. Help appreciated!

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Specializes in Clinical Documentation Specialist, LTC.

I have Fibromyalgia, Idiopathic Neuropathy and crush injuries in the backs of my legs so sitting for long periods of time is murder on my legs and feet. I am currently working as head nurse in an Alzheimer's assisted living home and it is very laid back with lots of sitting time, so I have to get up and walk at least every 30 mins. or I am miserable. I worked in office jobs for 14 years prior to this and I honestly think all that time sitting at a desk in front of a computer made things worse.

I always tell nurses who want to get away from the bedside and into an office setting it's not as cushy as one might think. Balance between sitting long periods of time and being on your feet long periods of time is hard to achieve IMHO.

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I sit and my butt gets larger, and larger......

I stand all day and my feet feel as if they could fall off.....

I think a balance of all these with some walking help. And really, really good shoes.

And it has helped tremendously to wear comression hose or socks.

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I have Fibromyalgia, Idiopathic Neuropathy and crush injuries in the backs of my legs so sitting for long periods of time is murder on my legs and feet. I am currently working as head nurse in an Alzheimer's assisted living home and it is very laid back with lots of sitting time, so I have to get up and walk at least every 30 mins. or I am miserable. I worked in office jobs for 14 years prior to this and I honestly think all that time sitting at a desk in front of a computer made things worse.

I always tell nurses who want to get away from the bedside and into an office setting it's not as cushy as one might think. Balance between sitting long periods of time and being on your feet long periods of time is hard to achieve IMHO.

Thank you for your post. I know what you mean about moving around. I subbed today, tomorrow and also Friday. I don't think I have done three days in a row. But, the impact of one day- once the feet go up, I feel "funny" like too much fluid return towards the heart. As I rest, the kidneys start putting out so I get some fluid off before bedtime, but not entirely. I'm up at least once in the night. So, if I go back the second day, it's a progressive swelling that hasn't entirely resolved over night.

I know everyone is thinking I need to see a doctor. Believe me - I have a cardiac referral for this June. I just needed to get the new LTC job settled with orientation and all. But not working is NOT an option. I have to do something.

When I sub at this school the next two days, it's really quiet. I can bring projects to work on (like my orientation materials). But, I get up every 20 minutes to exercise (it's private). However, I still am swollen at the end of the shift. I also watch the sodium.

The absolute best job for me was the one I had- mom. I would put my feet up for a while, then go do a task for a couple of hours. Then, feet went back up. Then, another task. This pace let me be productive without injuring my legs. At this point I worry about future venous stasis ulcers etc.

Maybe if I pay some dues I can get a home health position (my home, that is) doing telephone triage or something along those lines. It's unfortunate though because I like getting out. It's exciting. If I could find a way to do that and leave my feet/legs home, I'd have it made!

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I sit and my butt gets larger, and larger......

I stand all day and my feet feel as if they could fall off.....

I think a balance of all these with some walking help. And really, really good shoes.

And it has helped tremendously to wear comression hose or socks.

Thank for the post. When you wear compression hose, are they knee high? And, if so, do they cause an indentation in the calf area (a problem for me). What brand and where do you get them?

Any shoe preference. I've been where Reeboks for years but they keep changing them and the fit isn't right anymore.

I'm open for any and all suggestions!!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

1) Compression hose

2) get one of these under-the-desk bicycle contraptions like this :Amazon.com: Aerobic Pedal Exerciser - Use for Arms & Legs: Health & Personal Care)

3)Clipboard - that way you can stand/ walk while doing paperwork

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1) Compression hose

2) get one of these under-the-desk bicycle contraptions like this :Amazon.com: Aerobic Pedal Exerciser - Use for Arms & Legs: Health & Personal Care)

3)Clipboard - that way you can stand/ walk while doing paperwork

Great ideas! Thanks!

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