Have you ever worn a pedometer at work?

Altra, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2007

Yep, I did try it - I logged 6.2 miles in an 8-hour shift in a very physically compact unit.

CritterLover, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2007

my last travel contract, the unit i worked was nuts, which resulted in me running all day. i actually developed shin splints working there.
i borrowed a friend's pedometer and wore it to work for two shifts.
i don't know how accurate it was, but it said i walked 38 miles the first shift, and 42 the second! (16 hr shifts).
i do know i ran my rear off at that job.
anybody else ever wear a pedometer to work?
if so, what were your miles at the end of the day?

no, but i've thought about it.

may i ask if you adjusted the stride length on the pedometer? (if your friend is taller than you, or uses the pedometer for running, that the stride length will be longer, and your distance over-estimated.)

42 miles in a 16 hr shift works out to about a 23-min mile. definitely a pace that could be accomplished while walking, but that means you never stopped, even when charting, pulling meds, giving meds.....

however, if you "claim" you stopped for an average of 2 hrs per shift for these tasks, then it gives you an average of a 20min mile. still within a walking pace (esp if you are in a hurry, trying to get stuff done).

yeah, so it is believable. wow. kind of makes me re-think my insistance on running a few miles when i get home from work.

Advocate1 · Nov 2, 2007

I work 8hr shift and I wear a pedometer also. My pedometer only measures steps and not miles- I usually walk about 7000-9000 steps at work. Combined with my running I log about 14000-17000 steps a day.

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2007

no, but i've thought about it.
may i ask if you adjusted the stride length on the pedometer? (if your friend is taller than you, or uses the pedometer for running, that the stride length will be longer, and your distance over-estimated.)
42 miles in a 16 hr shift works out to about a 23-min mile. definitely a pace that could be accomplished while walking, but that means you never stopped, even when charting, pulling meds, giving meds.....
however, if you "claim" you stopped for an average of 2 hrs per shift for these tasks, then it gives you an average of a 20min mile. still within a walking pace (esp if you are in a hurry, trying to get stuff done).
yeah, so it is believable. wow. kind of makes me re-think my insistance on running a few miles when i get home from work.

my friend is only an inch taller than me- so i didn't adjust stride length.

i have a hard time believing the 38, 42 miles myself. it just seems unlikely. but as i said, i did develop shin splints on that contract, so who knows?

my friend co-worker wore it a number of times, and he always logged 30-something miles per shift.

RainDreamer, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2007

I wear one too, although I haven't this week because I need to replace the batteries.

I've never looked at the miles, just the steps. I usually clock in about 7,000-10,000 steps too, depending on my assignment.

That mileage is crazy though, I need to start looking at that!

I don't think I run as much as you guys though, we're a very compact unit and practically on top of each other ..... and all my patients are in the same room.

4theBetterGetter, RN · Nov 2, 2007

i have worn one...i walked almost 10 miles in one 12 hour shift. i then informed my pmd that i do in fact get exercise at work....10 miles counts! lol

lvnandmomx3 · Nov 2, 2007

I Have worn one to and logged in 8,000 steps but not sure how accurate they are and think it depends on where you wear it. If I wear in on my shoe or sock then when I move my foot it counts a step. If i have it on my pants when I use RR it counts the movement of pulling pants up and down as steps. Any Idea where to wear it for an accurate reading.

abundantjoy07, RN · Nov 2, 2007

I have 2 or three lying around the house...but they never seem accurate to me. And half the time they don't measure my steps when I'm walking and looking at it at the same time.

RainDreamer, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2007

I've noticed mine is pretty accurate, and I just keep mine clipped on the inside of my pocket .... and it rests inside my front pocket.

But if I take it out and look at it, then no, it doesn't count ...... it picks up on the up/down movement of the leg.

But from counting my steps and then seeing what it says, it's pretty accurate.

bill4745, RN · Nov 2, 2007

My typical 12 hour ER shift is 6-8 miles.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Nov 2, 2007

Hahaha...I'm afraid to....the poor little thing may begin smoking at my waist, a code Red then being called, with the Fire Dept showing up and hosing me down!