No one told me....

i was surprised the first time because what the book says is really different than what happens in real life

Have you tried support hose? Some of the posters on this forum swear by Dansko shoes but it'll cost you a pretty penny

I am working on my First job. Fortunately its an Asissted living Place. Most of the residents we have are not in that bad of a shape. Oh yea, they take 10-15 meds at a time. All of them have their preferences to how they wanna take there meds, some like em crushed with apple sause, some like em early and some like em late. I was told about those needs and try to take care of them as much as possible. As far as those legs, boy they hurt bad. They don't hurt when you are working but they hurt really bad when you get back home.

I dont even work yet, but I have the same problem. Do you think it could plantar facsitis? When I wake up in the morning its so hard to get started. Once Im up and moving around Im okay. Its just getting home and being off my feet for a while and then they start to hurt.

Take it from an old nurse with 32 years experience--take care of your feet and back! Do not underestimate the importance of good shoes. Support hose might help. My feet are ruined now and i'm only 53. I wear custom orthotics(about $600!) My right foot is so damaged now that I am scheduled for total foot reconstruction as soon as school gets out. Who knows if this would have happened anyway? But I'm sure that 32 years of standing and walking on concrete, with few breaks, lifting, pulling and stooping probably didn't do anything to help me.

Try the expensive shoes. A lot of people love Dansko--they were worse than awful for me! made my foot pain 1000 times worse. I only wear New Balance. Nothing else. I one pair in black and one pair in white. i wear them to work, church, weddings, funerals, date nights and camping.I wear no other shoes, ever. My feet are totally ruined.

I wear the support knee highs at work and then the athletic arch support socks at home and to bed. Otherwise, my feet ache. I do excercises for plantar facsiitis. Elevate your feet at home when possible.

Not so much my feet, but sort of along the same line...

Since I became a RN 16 years ago, I have had to have bilateral hip replacements and bilateral knee replacements!!!!

(and I am not that old.....seriously, I had my first total hip while still in my 40's)

Obviously, there is something going on with me...but Nursing did not help...and yes I am still working!

Just as important as your feet is your back!

I know so many nurses that have had surgery, will have surgery or need surgery on their backs.

Try to use good body mechanics.

Good shoes are essential. Everyone has a shoe that works better for them. I absolutely could not wear Danskos! Killed my feet. I can wear Birkenstocks but only for about 6 hours not 12...used to switch shoes mid shift. New Balance are good but mine tend to wear out quickly. Oddly enough, the most comfortable for me have been Crocs. Not so much a looker...sort of Ronald McDonald...but cushy. You do have to watch out for the dreaded "Croc stop" however. I sort of anticipate it now and havent run into a wall for some time.:)

Good luck everyone with the great shoe hunt...however, sore feet(and legs and back)...sort of come with the territory. 12 hours + No sit +Running around = Sore feet.

s

No wonder they put so much emphasis about proper body mechanics during my orientation the other day since a lot of nurses are complaining about back and leg pain at the end of their shifts. Thanks for giving me an idea on what kind of shoes I need to wear.

Thanks everyone for their advice! Glad to know I'm not alone in all this pain.

I agree with SWS RN, my feet love Crocs! :redpinkhe I wear the Bistro version that is specially made for professions that are on their feet for most of the day. It has no holes and an anti-skid sole.

I was sore most days but now I wear sneakers. I had extreme back problems but I truly recommend the sleep number bed. I awake every day without a back ache when before I could barely bend over to make my bed.

Good idea, but pricey.

I bought a Tempur-pedic and love it. Wont go back to regular mattress.

So important to have a comfortable place to recline.

s