comfort during clinicals? best shoes? tips please!

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2012

Clothing:

I wear Sketcher's Shape-ups. I know they've been in the news recently for the incorrect advertising regarding their muscle toning effects, and some people find they make back/foot problems worse. However, I've been wearing them for a year and they are the only shoe I've worn that doesn't cause my lower back to ache after a few hours on my feet. Danskos are also very popular. In general, you'll want a good-quality sneaker with ankle and arch support. Search the threads here and you'll find multiple ones about shoe recommendations.

Dress in layers. If your school will permit it, wear a long sleeved shirt under your scrub top or a scrub jacket. That way you can adjust to the temperature on the floor. I get cold easily, and without a long sleeved shirt I would be really uncomfortable all clinical.

Fatigue:

Proper rest and nutrition. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to EAT (coffee doesn't count) before a day at clinical. You need a proper breakfast with carbohydrates and protein. Bring a healthy snack like a granola bar or some crackers and peanut butter with you to eat on your break. Always bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

Before clinical, go to bed early. It's not the night to be staying out late. Lay out your clothes/supplies before you go to bed so you have everything prepared. Get at least 8 hours of sleep- especially if you aren't used to getting up early.

VictoriaMareah · Jul 16, 2012

Thanks Ashley! Those are great tips! I am not one to eat breakfast but I know I am going to have to.

jep039 · Jul 16, 2012

everything you said was PERFECT! thank you so very much!

bfactivist · Jul 22, 2012

I have a pair of Danskos. They are NOT the clog, those sent a shooting pain up my left leg as soon as I tried them on. They are a full-formed shoe. They are okay. If you can get away with wearing some running shoes, like a pair of Nikes, try that. Some schools don't allow you to have logos or colors though, so make sure you are meeting the guidelines.

Try picking up a pair of calf-high support hose. You can get them for under $20. If you know a doctor, I've heard you can get them cheaper if you can get them prescribed? I don't know about that for sure though. My instructor said there's a cotton version which are nicer than the stretchy hose version I have. You just need low grade support though. I found mine at a medical supply store and they helped me pick out the right ones.

itsmejuli · Jul 23, 2012

If you're not used to being on your feet alot you'll find your feet will be sore regardless of the shoes you wear. Over time your feet, knees and lower back will get used to the new activities. Everyone has differet opinions on footwear, what works for one person may not work for another.I like New Balance walking shoes and I also have other shoes that I rotate through.

ahnmuhree · Jul 23, 2012

i hear that skechers are pretty reliable for clinicals.

i will be purchasing them for my first year along with a pair of new balance to switch off between. can't go wrong with new balance (for the most part).

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Jul 23, 2012

Ugly (read that supportive) shoes.

Eat breakfast

Sleep

Keep your 'brains' (report sheet) in your pocket - nothing more tiring than trying to remember stuff you SHOULD have written down.

Oh - and a four color pen.

Good luck! I remember the days of school clinicals very, very well - despite the fact that is was 32 years ago.