The CRANAplus offices will be closed from midday Tuesday 24 December and will reopen on Thursday 2 January 2025. The CRANAplus Bush Support Line is available throughout the holidays and can be contacted at any time on 1300 805 391.
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CRANAplus Q&A: Shoes for new RANs
“What shoes would you recommend new RANs to be wearing? I understand the work is very different from normal RN work, and I don’t think my runners will cut the NT wet season”. Corey, NT
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”.
Have a question about working in remote health that you’d like answered in the magazine? Email your questions to communications@crana.org.au. We’ll feature selected questions in the magazine and arrange for an experienced RAN or expert to answer your question in an upcoming edition.