wearing crocs at work

[english_nurse]

hi

i have been wearing crocs on my feet at work for about 18 months, they are the best shoe i have ever worn, they are comfy, hard wearing, hygenic (as i put them in the washing machine) and in my opinion have cured alot of the foot/back problems i used to have... most of which have been caused by being a blooming nurse anyway.

As you may have heard the hospitals are trying to ban them, mine is trying as they say they are not uniform policy, even though they are worn in ITU/HDU/theatres, infact i saw a woman wearing a bright orange pair in theatre the other day.

My manager is on holiday, so we havent been told either way on my ward yet but shes back next week and i know whats going to happen, a man who works on the ward next door has been threatened with disciplinary action if he wears his again.

just to verify, mine are the type without extra holes in, so there is no risk of needlestick/body fluid exposure, and mine are always worn with the strap down at the back so they dont slip off, infact ive had to run down the ward a few times in them with no problems. i did see the static thing in the news papers, but as far as i can see this link is unproven.

any advice on how to handle this? i know im breaking the rules, but what about not being able to wear them affecting my ability to work? do you think i have a chance??? i really feel it will affect how i feel at work alot

cheers

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

I think the issue would be dress code but maybe having a word with Occ Health about the results you have had health wise and feet issues resolved, just a thought

[english_nurse]

i started at occy health, just after i put the above post in and they said that if it was mentioned to me by my manager then she had to refer me as i cant self refer, im happy with that so i have to wait

for good measure i contacted our union rep apparently the problem is with those cheap scruffy imitation ones, but that the trust needs to define its policy on them, the nursing council are doing this on monday so it will be interesting to see what happens...

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

well good luck

[RGN1]

Yeah, let us know how you get on EN. I wear traditional leather shoes but with an insert to support my feet - that works really well for me.

[ann h]

I thought it was an anti static issue, I know is was when I was in the cath lab

[Sun*shine]

i think its harsh that we can't wear trainers. they're the only shoe that really give me support, and whats more they're comfy and quiet. Good luck with the crocs thing, I think they look really comfy and practical.

[english_nurse]

hi ann as far as i know the static isnt the issue as its an unproven link, its the type of shoe they are. Ive just looked on the crosc website and they have one with a full back which ive just ordered for work, if the static becomes an issue with my trust then i will have to wear something different i suppose....

[Belinda-wales, RN]

Keep up the good fight

[english_nurse]

hi bel, havent seen you online for ages, keep missing you!!! dont worry i will fight, to the bitter end lol

[cariad]

search the internet, I read an article last week saying how good they are for feet, especially diabetics. you can get antibacterial ones which are specially made for medical staff. loads of people wear them here, cheap ones or not. and no backs on them, not so fussy over here as there. I love them.

[suehp]

Let us know how you get on...

We wear them all the time - in fact I wear mine with Jibbitz (the union jack, the english flag and the american flag!!!LOL)

We have had no problems with them in fact anyone who doesnt wear them in our hospital is in the minority....the only problem I have had with them is that I keep tripping up in them - not badly just a little jump every now and then !!!! Not heard of the static thing though!!!