After several years of medical school, you are finally ready to take your first step into actually working in a hospital.
Aren’t you glad to be out of a classroom and sticking your nose somewhere other than a giant textbook?
Before you throw on your nurse scrubs and walk through the door with a stethoscope in one hand, there are some things you need to consider before getting everything started.
Below, we have a basic list that you can check off in just one day before beginning the next stage of your medical career.
Purchase Comfortable Clothing
When you’re looking for nurse scrubs, you may be tempted to go with the cheapest ones you can find. After all, there is going to be a lot of bodily fluids that end up on your uniform. While washing machines do exist, cheap scrubs are likely to break down and tear with constant washing and scrubbing. Make sure you’re paying a bit extra for your scrubs and trying something that’s comfortable for you.
Invest in Comfortable Footwear
With 24-hour shifts looming in your future and running from room to room, you’re going to need to make sure you’ve invested in some quality shoes such as these pediatrics nurse sneakers.
Dankos are probably the preferred option among medical professionals, as they offer fantastic foot support and will make the running back and forth a bit more bearable.
It’s not just the shoes, however, as you’ll need to purchase some quality socks too. Compression socks are quite popular, as they help improve circulation and keep those aches and pains away.
Plan Out “You” Time
Burnout is a legitimate concern for medical professionals and one of the reasons why so many people experience it is because they don’t feel like they have any time to invest in themselves.
You may not be able to continue running your travel blog or playing video games at the rate you are now, but remember to make time for non-work activities outside of work.
You need time to recharge so you can be at best when you go back to work.
Get into a Habit of Packing Food
Yes, it’s pretty easy to run over to the vending machine or down to the cafeteria and buy a bag of chips. Your body is going to need plenty of fuel but providing it with chips or candy is a cheap way to resupply yourself when you’re feeling low on energy.
Instead, start packing fruit or veggies the night before for an easy snack.
You can also mix some dried fruits and nuts for a bit of sweet and salty mix, maybe even throw in a piece or two of dark chocolate for a great flavor combination.
Don’t Forget to Move Around
While you might think that walking around the hospital floor is exercise enough, you still need to take the time and walk around or hit the gym on your own.
True exercise can be hard to find, but even if you’re just going to the gym twice a week, that’s better than nothing. Instead of taking the elevator, take the stairs or if you have a slow day, walk around outside during your break. Anything to stay healthy and fit.