Hi Corey,
Most rural and remote organisations and workplaces will have their own dress codes and policies around footwear for you to consult, and that will include footwear that is safe, non-slip, enclosed, and comfortable.
Many RANs out bush do wear runners/sneakers. Lace-up boots (safety boots) or hospital shoes like Hush Puppies can often be worn too. There’s definitely an argument for wearing shoes that needles won’t go through, in any context.
If you’re headed remote, take multiple pairs as you may go through them in the wet season. They can become mouldy or disintegrate and may only last a few months. To counteract that you can try to store them in an air-conditioned room when not in use and allow them to dry out. Leather may not be the best in the wet, as it may be prone to rotting.
Michelle Mason,
Professional Officer, CRANAplus
Outcome: Corey ultimately went with ‘Steel Blue’ work/safety boots. He tells us: “I wear these 90% of the time, they’ve been pretty brilliant. Attending call-outs day and night, not knowing where you’ll end up or what you’ll step on, has made these the right choice. At times, when certain to be in the clinic I’ll wear my old faithful ED work shoes”.
