Are TOMS acceptable nursing shoes?

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Hey all! I start clinicals in January and was hoping for some feedback from experienced nurses on what shoes would be best on the job. I assumed I could wear Toms as they are super comfortable and low key. Have any of you worn Toms during shifts? Any advice would be great !!

Thanks :)

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Are they canvas? If so, not acceptable for safety reasons.

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You could but trust me you want to wear leather shoes when dealing with patients, body fluids, needles. You want a shoe that you can wipe off easily. Think of an unknown fluid seeping through your shoes......

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

No for many reasons. I love Toms, I don't know how many pairs I own at this point but I would never wear them to work. If you get stains on them good luck getting them out. I would not want to wear them for 8+ hour shifts. My feet are killing me after work with sneakers I couldn't imagine wearing Toms. What if you dropped a needle? Yikes!

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Make sure whatever shoes you are interested in comply with your school's dress code before you spend any money. Nursing programs usually have pretty specific and detailed dress codes, esp. for clinical.

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A) your feet will hurt for days

B) you will get hep

Don't wear toms

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I learned the hard way that shoes that support your feet are a must.

I used to wear Tom's-like shoes to work. After being on my feet for 12 hours day after day, I developed severe tendonitis in one of my feet, requiring 8 weeks immobilzation in a boot. It was not fun.

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Specializes in ER, Trauma, Med-Surg/Tele, LTC.
Make sure whatever shoes you are interested in comply with your school's dress code before you spend any money. Nursing programs usually have pretty specific and detailed dress codes esp. for clinical.[/quote']

This.

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A) your feet will hurt for days B) you will get hep Don't wear toms

Lol! Agree. You need a shoe that stands up to all of the bodily fluids you will encounter. Save your Toms for after your shifts over..

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Specializes in ER.

No, no, no to Toms! Yes, they are comfortable but not 12 hours on your feet comfortable! Go with a leather (easy to wipe off) tennis shoe. Think like NIKE Free Runs, or the Air Max! I have Free's I wear to work with a pair of insoles and they are perfect! Toms, ouch!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Most facilities & schools require hard shoes made of leather or faux leather to comply with OSHA regulations for safety & reduce contamination from blood borne pathogens. One dropped sharp can cause a lot of damage

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Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

Trust me! I wore Tom's to work (with shoe covers) once because my coworker called and asked if I would come in. I was already away from home, so I came as I was and wore hospital scrubs and my Tom's. My goodness! My feet hurt so bad! Tom's are really comfort for casual wear, but not heavy duty.

I normally wear the Nike flex line at work. I love them. No hurtin' feet here.

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