01/04/2016

Hi there, Hope you have had a good week. I have been in Hospital to have a small procedure done.  Glad its over with and will wait for the results in a week.  Feeling confident.
This week I want to talk about footwear, so it was very fitting to be in Hospital and take note of what Nurses are wearing.  Nothing like in my early nursing career.  I remember having to wear heavy hard white leather shoes and had to clean them with this white polish that didn't work very well.  I had been sent back to the Nurses Quarters to clean them again and another visit to the Matron, who told me she was see me to often for this.  I thought atht is she did see me more often we might get to be on first name basis.

I notices that many of them were wearing sports like footwear. Nurses spend a lot of time on their feet up tp 12 hours in some places and can run many miles on a duty. its great to look trendy but Nurses need shoes are comfortable. Shoes need to be washable as we all know how easy it is to get bodily fluids split on them. Some of the shoes that I saw Nurses wearing had a mesh front on the tops at the toes and I remember having shoes like this and getting bodily fluids on them and had to keep working in them till they dried. Not recommended when working in a place with bodily fluids. When wearing new shoes to work it is always a good idea to bring your old shoes to swap after about six hours as new shoes can start to feel a little uncomfortable if not worn in at home first. There are many Brands to choose from eg, Cherolee, Landau, Dansko, Sketchers to name a few. All have sometime different to offer and have great designs and colours to choose from, but sizing can alter. What fits in one Brand may not fit in other Brands. Some Hospitals insist on closed in heels for Health and Safety issues. Some thing to look for when buying shoes. Look for shoes that are anatomically correct for walking as bad fitting shoes can cause Back pain and Joint pain. Non slip soles are important and now come with patterns for better grip on wet surfaces especially in Operating Theatres. Shoes come with different measurements in heels to suit. Try and get insoles that have memory foam or latex (if not allergic to it), as these can mould to the shape of your feet and keep you comfortable on long days. As our feet can get hot with all the walking it is a good idea to have spare insole to change for coolness. While shoes come with many different fabrics it is an individual reason what we prefer. Leather is also very popular as some Nurses felt they gave more support. They are made with soft leather today and very flexible and come in many great colours and designs. If wanting the whole team to look the same there is a large selection of unisex shoes and clogs to choose from. Have a great week and I will see you all next week Leave me a commemt love to hear from you. Lynne

18/03/2016
www.nursefactory.com
Hi there another week as passed and hope you all had a great week.  Last week I mentioned about how our uniforms in the late 60s were starch stiff.  They were not designed for comfort but to make you look professional or so the Matrons made you think that.  When we walked you could hear the rustle of  our uniforms as we walked the hallow corridors and busy wards.  When we removed them at the end of a duty you could stand them up in a corner, (that we did and put a mop on the top for a head.  We did get caught and reprimanded for unprofessional behavior),  not to mention that nurses caps were no better.  We all had trouble keeping them on our heads as they were so stiff you couldn't mould them to shape your head and get clips to stay in place.
Its great that in todays nursing world how uniforms have changed and the wearing of Nurses caps are no more.
Most Hospitals require staff to adhere to uniform regulations, but most have the choice of Scrubs or Dress uniforms.  While this is great we have to remember that  we are not all the same shape.  The thing to remember when choosing Scrubs is to look at the length of the top.  If you are short like me some tops are so long they can make us look shorter than we are.  The same can be said if you are tall the tops can be to short.  So it is important when looking for Scrubs you choose the correct one for you.  Well fitting pants are also important.  I preferred the elastic waists as I was able to move more freely but many of my collegues preferred the waist bands.  (They were usually the more leaner nurses).  Remember when we are bending over to do a procedure we don't want to show knicker bands or skin.  Picking Scrubs with pockets is also important as we need to carry so much equipment from Stethoscopes, Scissors, to pens etc.  Pockets well placed on Scrub Pants is an advantage as have to much equipment in Tops pockets as I have had Nurses speaking to me about being weighted down and making them look bulky. 
Remember Patients and Visitors are looking as us and always comment on the appearance of Nurses.
Next week I will discuss the difference in styles and material types and what may suit different body types and in different situations.
Catch you next week  Stay safe and well
Lynne Thyne

Hi there. My name is Lynne and have been nursing for over 40 years. Let me tell you about myself. I started Nursing as a Community Nurse which was then changed to Enrolled Nurse then I did my Nursing Degree to become a Registered General Nurse. So as you can see I have done two levels of Nursing. I am from New Zealand have worked in England, Scotland and Australia. For the past eight years I have been working for a Nursing Agency in Australia. I work in Rural and Remote areas and have met some of the most amazing nurses ever. I would work three to four months then come back home for a couple of months then off again. I have a great husband who always keeps the home fires burning. When home we go away in our Camper Van. We both love fishing and enjoying the beautiful spots to enjoy and relax in. I am happily married with three children and four Grandchildren who I love dearly. I have just retired or until I get a call to do another contract. After seeing many changes in the Health Profession whether it be in uniforms procedures or learning tools I feel that I am very experienced to write this blog. I will be writing a blog once a week and I will discuss one topic at a time. This blog will coincide with my website nurse factory.com. I created this website to make it easier for Health Professionals to purchase all nursing products in one place. As this is my first Professional Blog please hang in there I know I will get better. Today I will look back on my first days of training in brief. It was the days when the Matron did the ward rounds and checked all wards. Beds had to have the wheels all turned in one way, pillow cases had to have the openings away from the doors, hospital corners had to be really neat. Doctors were held in awe and we jumped at their every request. When the Ward Sister spoke you have to stand with your hands behind your back and yes sister no sister were all you were allowed to say. Uniforms were starched and left chafing marks on your neck. You stood up when someone more senior came into the room. This is just a brief description of my first days in nursing next week will go more in depth. Have a great week all