Nursing is one of the most demanding professions requiring long hours of physical activity. As well as this, the profession may also require focused concentration and compassionate care to provide patients with relief and comfort. But, working or taking care of patients for long hours may bring nursing staff potential health issues. For example, long-hour shifts, the load of patients, and irregular working hours may contribute to fatigue and stress.

At the same time, standing on the feet for long hours may cause swelling, pain, and other discomforts in the feet, ankles, or legs. Similarly, spending long hours on computers or screens for making reports and lack of exercise or stretching activities, may cause other physical as well as mental problems. So, in short, we can say that working as a nurse can be a challenging profession.

Nurses must have sound health because this is the only way they can pay proper heed to their work and can better take care of patients. Here we come with the ideas of must-have safety products for nurses that will surely help them work comfortably and provide them with an incredible working experience without facing any injury. So, let’s start exploring these safety or necessary equipment or products and must wear the one that you think you need to have a wonderful working experience:

Essential products for nurses to work comfortably

Experts or healthcare professionals suggest nurses use or wear a number of products during job hours to be comfortable. However, here we come with the most used and necessary equipment or products:

1.         Ergonomics chair

Nurses who spend extended periods on desks or workstations are recommended to use ergonomic chairs. They must look for a chair having adjustable features, including backrest tilts, seat height, and armrest height. Using ergonomic chairs is best at providing proper or needed posture and lumbar support. Maintaining good posture is key to reducing strain on the upper and lower back, and neck. As well as this, you must consider a chair with breathable fabrics to add comfort.

2.         Back support belts

Sometimes, nurses require to lift and transfer patients from one place to another. These actions can cause strain on the lower back. Wearing lower back support belts helps maintain proper posture and provides your lower back with added support. Thus, it helps reduce the chances of straining and spraining on the lower back. Wearing these belts may also help nurses keep their lower back protected during bending and standing for a long time.

It is advisable to look for a belt designed with adjustable straps and firm support. They will help provide needed or targeted support. Healthcare professionals also suggest following the proper lifting or bending techniques even if you are wearing lower back support belts. It will help reduce the potential risks of injuries.

3.         Posture correctors

Some positions at the workspace make nurses more susceptible to posture problems. For example, standing for a prolonged time, leaning over beds, and using computers for making reports and other tasks may cause posture problems. Using a posture corrector helps nurses keep their neck, shoulder, and back in a normal or straight position. It helps reduce putting excessive pressure or strain on these areas. Thus, it helps minimise the risks of posture problems or overuse injuries.

4.         Height-adjustable desk or workstation

Prolonged sitting on a chair or desk may cause serious health issues, including lower back pain and circulation problems. Using a height-adjusted desk or workstation helps nurses switch between standing and sitting positions throughout duty hours. Adjusting your desk accordingly and standing periodically helps promote movement and improves blood flow. Thus, it helps reduce the risks of musculoskeletal issues.

5.         Anti-glare computer screen filter

Nursing staff often spend a significant amount of time on the computer screen during making reports, schedules, and other tasks. Spending time on the computer or in front of a screen may lead to eye strain and other discomforts. This is why, they are recommended to use anti-glare computer screen filters. This screen filter reduces glare and reflections from windows or overhead lighting. Thus, it helps minimise eye fatigue and other discomforts. As well as this, it helps enhance visibility and makes it easy to read texts and view images on the screen. Consequently, it contributes to more comfort during work time.

6.         Wrist support for computer use

Those nursing staff that spend more time on clerical or computer work are required to excessive use of keyboard and mouse. Extensive use of a keyboard and mouse may cause pressure or strain on the wrists, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome. Wearing wrist support and using ergonomic keyboards or mouse pads help provide proper cushioning and promote wrist alignment. Thus, wearing wrist support braces helps keep the wrist in a normal or straight position, reducing the risks of carpal tunnel syndrome and other injuries resulting from repetitive actions.

7.         Compression socks

Nurses with prolonged time standing or involved in long hours of sitting may face circulation problems in the feet, ankles, and lower legs. When ignored or not treated properly, circulation problems may lead to serious diseases, such as deep vein thrombosis. Those nurses are recommended to wear compression socks. Compression socks provide gentle pressure on the lower legs, ankles, and feet, helping promote blood circulation during inactive sessions. Thus, they are considered the most effective tools to avoid the chances of circulation problems in nurses.

8.         Other personal protective equipment, PPE

Here we also come up with the ideas of some other personal protective equipment, PPE that nurses must consider to have a safe working experience. These products or equipment may include using hand sanitisers, anti-microbial cleansers, disposable gloves, goggles, face masks, and others. All these equipment or products help keep them safe from germs and other infectious diseases. Consequently, they work freely or comfortably and pay more attention to taking care of the patients.

The Bottom Line

Nursing is a demanding profession that sometimes requires long hours of duty and other challenges. These challenges may put nurses or nursing staff at potential risk of injuries. In order to take care of the patients, nurses must be active and fit in health. Otherwise, they may not be able to perform their best. This is why, healthcare professionals and experts suggest nurses take care of themselves at first, then move towards the patients. So, for maintaining sound health, nurses must consider using the above-mentioned equipment or products as per their needs. Following these precautions will surely help nurses to perform well without facing any bad experiences. However, in case, you are facing any other problems during your duty time, you must consult your healthcare professionals and bring potential solutions to have a safe and injury-free working experience.