Nursing
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November 24, 2022
Carolyn Cumper
6 Best Nurse Christmas Gifts 2024
With Christmas fast approaching, now is the ideal time to start your festive shopping spree and find the perfect gift for the special nurse in your life. Whether they’ve been in the profession for decades, or have only just qualified as a healthcare professional, nurses need more appreciation, love and pampering this year than ever before. So, to help you find a fantastic nurse Christmas gift for your friend or loved one this year, we’ve put together a list of the best nurse Christmas gifts for 2024. 1. New Shoes Nurses spend a lot of time on their feet. This can lead to aches, pains and in some cases, ongoing back problems. One of the best ways to prevent long term issues and alleviate day-to-day pain is to wear comfortable, high quality nursing shoes. Sanita San Flex clogs make fantastic nurse Christmas gifts. Specially designed to relieve pressure on the legs and back, these durable, non-slip leather clogs can be worn on the wards day in, day out. Sanita makes a range of high quality clogs and nurse shoes, including open heel and lightweight Wave Knit shoes. This should make it easy to find the perfect pair to go under your Christmas tree. 2. A Nursing Kit Nursing kits contain a great range of specially selected tools and equipment, making them ideal Christmas nurse gifts. Contents vary, but most kits come complete with a stethoscope, sphygmomanometer and bag. Some also include LED penlights, fob watches, safety glasses and other essential accessories nurses use on a daily basis. If you’re looking for bulk nurse Christmas gifts, affordable nursing kits are the perfect choice. Offering great value for money, they’ll help to give new nurses and nursing students everything they need to kick start their careers. If you have a slightly bigger budget, why not opt for a Littmann Classic III nursing kit? Containing a range of high quality products all in a handy pouch, this attractive kit will make a great Christmas gift for a nurse this festive period. 3. Nursing Watches Time is often critical on hospital wards and in other medical settings. Nurses often use watches to help them calculate a patient’s heart rate and monitor a patient’s symptoms throughout the day. So, if you’re looking for Christmas gifts for nurse coworkers that are affordable and useful, watches are a great choice. You can make your gift even more practical by investing in colourful silicone fob watch cases. These cases make it easier for nurses to attach fob watches to their scrubs, protect the watch mechanism from knocks and scrapes, and add a bright splash of colour to the uniform. Stylish gunmetal silver, blue mesh and rose gold watches are also available. However, as they cost a little more than basic watches and standard silicone cases, they’re less suitable as bulk nurse gifts for Christmas. 4. Pens and Penlights Pens and penlights come in handy in pretty much all medical settings. Whether they need to jot down an order from a doctor or get a better visual of a patient’s throat, pens and penlights are essential everyday tools for most nurses. Penlights come in two broad categories: those suitable for optical use and those not recommended for vision checks. It’s important to select the right tool for the job in order to get accurate results, so make sure you check the product description before you invest. Penlights that aren’t recommended for vision checks can be used to look in the throat and to make it easier for nurses to closely examine cuts, abrasions and other injuries their patients may have. Investing in a high quality penlight will help to ensure your gift is useful and long lasting. 5. Compression Support Socks While compression socks may not be the most glamorous gift for nurses this Christmas, they are definitely one of the most practical. Helping to relieve pressure in the legs and prevent conditions like edema, phlebitis and thrombosis, compression socks will help to keep nurses comfortable throughout the working day. If you’re looking to buy nurse Christmas gifts in bulk, keep it simple with affordable black compression socks from Prestige. However, if you want your gifts to really stand out, why not give your friends or loved ones some eye-catching multi-coloured fashion support socks from Cherokee? 6. New Nursing Scrubs Brand new medical scrubs make fantastic school nurse Christmas gifts. A stylish new scrub top will help the nurse in your life to look smart when treating their patients. Buy a bold purple scrub top to help brighten up the ward or a set of playful print scrubs if the person you’re buying for works with paediatric patientsl. Because nurses wear scrubs every day, this is one of the best Christmas gifts for a nurse and is guaranteed to come in useful every year. Investing in some high quality tools, equipment or accessories is a great way to show the nurse in your life that you care. To find out more about any of these products, or to start shopping for festive presents of your own, take a look around our collection today. Author: Carolyn Cumper's career spans from being a Patrol Officer in Rhodesia to a Paediatric Nurse in the UK, and later a Deputy Hospice Manager in Australia. Her diverse journey includes roles in law enforcement, healthcare, and business, culminating in her significant contributions to Medshop.
November 16, 2022
Carolyn Cumper
The Best Scrubs for Summer
Summer can be a difficult time to work on hospital wards and in medical clinics. Even if air conditioning is installed, soaring outside temperatures combined with hard physical work can make summer a challenging season for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. One way to combat the seasonal heat is to invest in lightweight summer scrubs. Wearing breathable, light summer scrubs should help you to stay comfortable even when the mercury is rising outside. If temperatures in your workplace are starting to climb, take a look at our pick of the best scrubs for summer. Invest in some comfortable, seasonal workwear now and get through the coming heatwave unscathed. What Are the Coolest Scrubs for Summer? Scrubs are naturally cool, comfortable clothes. Their loose fit, short sleeves and lightweight materials make them perfect for use in summer, especially in hospitals and clinics without climate control. If you find your usual set of scrubs is still too hot, changing your outfit could make a big difference. Investing in scrub tops and scrub bottoms that are made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials will help to keep you cool and allow sweat to evaporate easily from your body. Choosing light, bright summer colour scrubs, like white or khaki, will also help to keep your temperature down. What’s more, you may want to avoid scrubs that are tightly fitted as this can inhibit airflow and make you feel hot and sweaty. If your current set of scrubs have a slimline design, why not swap them for a looser, cooler set this summer? What’s the Best Material for Lightweight Summer Scrubs? There are a couple of things you need to consider when looking for lightweight scrubs for summer. Two of the most important are moisture wicking and breathability. A fabric that has good moisture wicking capabilities is able to draw sweat away from the body quickly and efficiently. This can help to keep you dry, even in very hot conditions, and prevent odours and discomfort. Generally, synthetic textiles are better at wicking moisture away from the body than natural fabrics. Polyester is one of the best moisture wicking materials, while nylon and polypropylene also perform well in hot conditions. So, if you’re looking for moisture wicking scrubs for summer, look for a pair that contains these textiles. Cherokee Workwear Revolution WW610 scrub tops and Cherokee Workwear Revolution WW620 scrub tops both contain 78% polyester as well as 20% rayon and 2% spandex. This means they should be good at wicking moisture away from the body and keeping you dry during the summer months. Another good way to stay cool in hot weather is to buy a set of breathable scrubs for summer. Cotton is one of the most lightweight, breathable fabrics there is, so selecting scrubs with a high cotton content should help to keep you comfortable in hot weather. Cherokee Workwear WW645, 4700 and WW650 scrubs all contain 35% cotton and 65% polyester. Some styles also have built-in side vents, making it even easier to keep cool in hot weather. What’s the Best Colour for Summer Scrubs Tops? Choosing bright, light scrubs for summer will help to keep you comfortable when temperatures start to rise. Dark colours tend to absorb heat while light colours reflect it, so try to avoid shades like navy and black when it’s hot outside. Instead, opt for white, light blue or pink scrubs for your summer wardrobe. Another good reason to choose a light, bright scrub top is that it will look more cheerful and more summery. However, if your hospital has a colour code for its wards or roles, you may be limited as to the colours you can choose. If this is the case in your workplace, make sure you talk to your manager before you start shopping for your summer scrubs wardrobe. What to Wear Under Scrubs in Summer? Most doctors and nurses choose to wear clothes under their scrubs when they’re at work. As layering up garments can trap warm air close to the body and make you feel even hotter, it’s important to think carefully about what you wear under your scrubs this summer. When choosing undergarments, try to select pieces made from moisture wicking fabrics like polyester. Avoid tops made from cotton as it will trap sweat and make you feel damp and uncomfortable in hot conditions. Choosing a tight-fitting top to wear under your loose scrub top can also help to keep your temperature down. Tank tops and t-shirts that fit tightly against the skin won’t trap as much air and so will allow heat to escape from your body more easily. Pairing a tight tank top with a loose-fitting scrub top should be the most cooling combination of summer scrubs for nurses. Another option is to look for activewear that’s specifically designed to help wick moisture away from the body and keep the wearer cool. Wearing clothes that are made for runners and people in the gym could be a great way to beat the heat and stay cool, even when you’re hard at work. Alternatively, forgo your underlayer altogether and stick to simple scrubs instead. In fact, there are some areas of a hospital where underlayers are specifically not allowed for hygiene reasons. These include operating theatres and areas where immunocompromised people are being cared for. Treating yourself to bright, lightweight, moisture-wicking scrubs this summer will help you to carry out your duties and care for your patients in comfort. To find out more about our pick of the best summer scrubs, or to start shopping for a set of scrubs of your own, take a look around our collection today.
September 15, 2022
Carolyn Cumper
What do Different Colour Scrubs Mean?
Go to any hospital or health centre in the world and you’re likely to see medical professionals dressed in scrubs. A lot of the time, you’ll see people in different coloured scrubs, with blue, teal, purple, white, black and green all among the most commonly spotted tones. Many people believe that these colours denote a person’s role or seniority. However, while this may be true in some health centres, in many cases it just comes down to the personal preference of the wearer or the dress code of the hospital. For example, doctors and nurses who work with children often choose brightly coloured pink, purple or printed scrubs, while those who work in emergency care might opt for a dark colour like navy or black to hide the sweat patches generated by their fast-paced work. Surgeons and surgical nurses often wear green or teal scrubs. In some hospitals, darker scrubs show that a person holds a position of authority. While in other healthcare settings different colours indicate the various areas of medicine staff specialise in. The surgical team might wear teal scrubs while maternity unit workers might opt for pink or red scrubs. However, this isn’t always the case so it’s important to check with your hospital or health centre before investing in a new set. If you’re looking at scrubs and trying to decide which colour to choose for your new workwear, take a look at our guide to different colour scrubs and how to choose the right set for you. What are the Different Colours of Scrubs? Scrubs come in a wide range of colours and the most common colours are: Blue Teal Pink Green Purple Grey Black Blue is an enduringly popular choice for all types of medical workers. Blue scrubs look smart and the colour is closely associated with the medical profession. Teal scrubs and Caribbean blue scrubs are also commonly seen in all types of medical settings. Scrubs are also readily available in pink, green, white and purple. Neutral colours like grey and black are becoming increasingly common in health centres. If you like the idea of a neutral colour but want something a little different, why not choose an off-black pewter set of scrubs for your workwear? What Do Dark Blue Scrubs Mean? Often, dark blue scrubs are worn by doctors and senior nurses in order to differentiate them from more junior staff. Traditionally, nurses wore white outfits, so it made sense for doctors to wear darker shades. However, as roles have become more varied and dress codes less rigid, a lot of medical professionals have chosen to mix up the colour of their scrubs and choose a shade that suits their personality rather than their job title. Dark blue scrubs are a good choice for people who want a flattering but professional look. They’re also good for hiding stains and marks and can help doctors and nurses to look good throughout the working day. In some hospitals, blue scrubs are worn by doctors and nurses working on medical wards while teal and green scrubs are worn by surgical staff. In these cases, it’s best to stick to the colour code of your area and speciality to ensure you’re easily identifiable. What Do the Colours of Nurses Uniforms Mean? The colours of nurses’ uniforms don’t have any universal meanings, however some hospitals and healthcare centres do use different tones to differentiate roles. Talk to your hospital to find out if they’ve colour-coded their scrubs before you start shopping. Nursing scrubs come in a wide choice of colours ranging from light, bright whites and greys to deep purples and blacks. Often, more senior nurses will wear darker scrubs. This makes them easy to spot in a crowd and ensures other professionals can find an experienced nurse quickly in an emergency. Trainee nurses and newly qualified healthcare professionals often wear lighter scrubs like pale blue and green. It’s becoming common for nurses working in gynaecology and obstetrics to choose pink, red or purple scrubs over blue and green options. These warm, welcoming colours make these specialist nurses easily identifiable and help to create a positive atmosphere on the ward. What is the Significance of Different Colours of Scrubs? Different colours can have different effects on the look and feel of a hospital or health centre. If you can choose any colour you want for your scrubs, or if you’re a healthcare manager selecting new uniforms, thinking carefully about colour will help you make the perfect choice. Blue – blue is a colour commonly associated with the medical profession. A naturally calming colour, blue is a great choice for all types of healthcare environments. Teal – another popular choice, teal scrubs are often worn by surgeons and surgical nurses. This helps to differentiate them from other medical staff while ensuring they look smart and professional. Green – like blue, green is a calming tone. It also has a fresh feel that can help to brighten up wards and healthcare centres. Black – black scrubs can have a very formal look. Often selected for private clinics and treatment centres, it’s less common to see black scrubs in hospitals or doctors’ surgeries. White – white scrubs are also a popular choice for private clinics. You may well also see dentists and dental nurses wearing white scrubs as they give the wearer a clean, crisp appearance. Grey – grey scrubs have a modern feel but are less formal than black or white outfits. This makes them perfect for health centres that want a contemporary, but approachable, aesthetic. Pink – bright pink scrubs are often found on paediatric wards and in maternity units. Bold and cheerful, they have a feminine look and a welcoming, friendly feel. Red – red and burgundy scrubs are also commonly found in clinics and on wards specialising in women’s health. A little bolder than pink scrubs, they’re often chosen by more senior nurses and doctors. The colour of your scrubs can have a big impact on the look of your workplace. Find out more, and select the perfect set of scrubs for your role, by exploring our collection today. Author: Carolyn Cumper's career spans from being a Patrol Officer in Rhodesia to a Paediatric Nurse in the UK, and later a Deputy Hospice Manager in Australia. Her diverse journey includes roles in law enforcement, healthcare, and business, culminating in her significant contributions to Medshop.
September 09, 2022
Carolyn Cumper
Nursing Doctorates in Australia – A Guide
Nurses in Australia carry out a wide range of specialist, highly skilled roles. Many of these roles require extra training and extensive clinical experience in a particular field. One of the most advanced options open to nurses in Australia is a doctoral degree. These highly respected higher education courses allow nurses to become academic doctors and to advance the research, knowledge and skills in their area of specialism. What’s more, medical professionals with a doctor of nursing degree generally have a wider choice of career opportunities and are likely to earn a significantly higher wage than colleagues without a professional doctorate. If you’re considering adding a doctorate to your CV, here’s everything you need to know about PhDs and DNPs in Australia. What is a PhD in Nursing Australia? A PhD in nursing is the next academic step open to nurses that have already completed a master degree. A PhD program generally takes four to six years to complete. The time it takes will depend on whether you study full-time or part-time. During a nursing PhD, candidates will undertake focused research on a particular area of healthcare. This research may involve conducting interviews, data analysis, site visits and relevant reading. Once students have completed their research, they’ll produce a thesis on their chosen subject. This thesis will be evaluated by a panel of academics. Is a DNP Higher Than a PhD? The two main forms of doctorate available to nurses are DNPs and PhDs. A DNP is a Doctor of Nursing Practice, a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy, focusing on nursing, midwifery, or both. PhDs are considered research degrees while DNPs are practice degrees. Nurses studying DNPs tend to continue working in clinical environments while those studying for a PhD often work in academic research settings. These two different pathways are equally respected and equally challenging. Both qualifications award successful candidates the title of doctor. The route you take depends on your interests, your career goals and your area of focus. Can a Nurse with a PhD Call Themselves Doctor? Anyone who successfully completes a PhD is entitled to call themselves a doctor. However, as this can cause confusion in the medical profession, it’s advisable for nurses with a PhD or a DNP to clarify their qualifications when working with patients. In many cases, it may be more appropriate to place letters after your name than to put a ‘Dr.’ before it. This can help to prevent patients and colleagues from becoming confused and keep things a little simpler when working in a clinical environment. Can You Do a Doctorate in Nursing? Both DNPs and PhDs are doctorates. DNPs are specifically aimed at nurses looking to improve their nursing education. These hands-on degrees require extensive clinical practice as well as graduate research and academic study. A PhD is also known as a Doctor of Philosophy. It’s the most common type of doctorate available to Australian nurses. How Do I Become a Doctor of Nursing in Australia? If you think a PhD could be the perfect next step in your professional development, the first thing you need to do is find a university that offers the course. You can then check their entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to apply. Most universities expect candidates to have completed a bachelor degree and a master’s degree in nursing and to have a few years of clinical experience under their belts. You’ll also need to pay tuition fees and complete all course requirements before obtaining your doctorate. What is a Doctor of Nursing Degree? A Doctor of Nursing degree is specifically aimed at nurses and healthcare workers. It’s the highest level of postgraduate academic qualification that nurses can achieve and entitles successful candidates to be called doctor. In order to be successful, your thesis will need to offer an original contribution on a subject that hasn’t previously been covered by another candidate. How Can a Nurse Get a PhD? If you want to complete a PhD, you’ll first need to undertake a master’s degree in nursing or a related field like public health or mental health. You’ll then need to apply to universities that offer the course. In some cases, you’ll need to present a research proposal outlining your planned area of study, and suggested methodologies of research, during the application process. If you’re accepted, you’ll need to work extensively on your research project in order to complete your thesis. You may also be required to carry out additional coursework and attain a certain level in your professional practice. Can I Get a Doctorate in Nursing in Australia? If you were born in Australia or New Zealand and are already working as a registered nurse or nurse practitioner, you should be entitled to apply for a doctorate course. However, in most cases you’ll need to complete a higher degree, like a master’s before you can start your advanced studies. Unlike domestic students, international students may need to pass an English exam (IELTS) and acquire permanent resident status before they can apply. What are the Benefits of a Doctorate in Nursing? In order to obtain a Doctorate in Nursing, you’ll need to study for a number of years full-time, pay tuition fees and take on a considerable amount of extra work. So, it’s good to know there are considerable benefits to doing a Doctorate in Nursing and Midwifery. For a start, nurses who obtain a doctorate can earn a significantly higher wage than nurses without the qualification. In the US, nurses with a PhD earn around $10,000 more per year than colleagues with the next-highest qualification. Having a doctorate can also open up new professional pathways and allow for a career in academia or teaching. What is the Difference Between a PhD and DNP? A PhD is a research-based course. Nurses that choose to do a PhD often base themselves in a university or research setting and many stop working with patients during their university semesters. A DNP is a practice-based course. Nurses working towards a DNP will generally continue to work in a clinical environment and see patients throughout their studies. What is the Best PhD in Nursing? All nursing PhDs offered by Australian universities are highly respected. Among the institutions offering the course are: The University of Sydney The University of Melbourne The University of Adelaide The University of Tasmania La Trobe University Find out more about nursing in Australia, and explore our collection of nursing supplies, by taking a look around today.
August 26, 2022
Carolyn Cumper
Which Nursing Speciality Should I Choose?
Nursing is an important, highly skilled career that requires a huge amount of dedication, hard work and commitment. A lot of people are drawn to nursing because they want to help others, work as part of a team and do a job that really makes a difference. What many entering the profession don’t realise is that there’s a large amount of variation within the world of nursing. From school nurses to paediatric nurses and ED nurses to home help, nurses take on a wide variety of roles and specialities. If you’re just starting out on your nursing journey, you may well be thinking about which nursing speciality is right for you. As this will have a huge impact on your future career, it’s important to get the choice just right. To help you whittle down the options and find your perfect role, we’re looking at some of the different speciality nursing jobs you have to choose from. What to Consider When Choosing a Nursing Speciality Deciding which avenue you want to follow isn’t always easy. Different specialities offer different working environments, challenges and even salaries. If you’re struggling to decide which type of speciality nursing to pursue, here are some of the most important things to consider before making your choice. Interests Start by thinking about which areas of medicine you’re most interested in. If you love working with children, you could choose to become a paediatric nurse. If you enjoy being in a fast-paced and a varied environment, you could become an emergency or critical care nurse. While, if you enjoy a slower pace and find satisfaction in getting to know your patients, you could go into speciality nursing home care. Training Although some specialities, like elderly care, are entry level positions, others require extra training and speciality nursing certifications. If you’re currently working as a nurse and want to transition to speciality practice nursing programs in order to advance your career, you’ll need to find out what training is available in your area. Speak to speciality nursing organizations to learn which courses are available near you and what nursing speciality certification you’ll need for your dream job. It’s important to remember that these extra speciality nursing courses can add a significant amount onto the time and cost of your professional training. This could mean it takes longer for you to start earning a salary and will probably add to your student debt. You’ll need to weigh this up when deciding if a speciality is the right choice for you. Location As the name suggests, specialty jobs are often only available in certain locations. For example, if you want to work as an emergency department nurse, you’ll need to be within commuting distance of a hospital that takes urgent cases. And if you want to work as an elderly care nurse, you’ll need to be within easy reach of a nursing home or supported living accommodation. If you’re not able to relocate for work, you may be limited to jobs available in your local area. Talk to nearby hospitals and medical centres to find out which specialities are on offer near you. Working Hours Because many patients need care around the clock, a lot of nurses are required to work shifts. While shifts suit some people, they’re not for everyone and can be difficult for people with young children and other commitments. If you’d rather work a 9 to 5, you might find a job in a clinic or doctor’s surgery is better suited to your lifestyle. Job Pace When choosing a speciality in nursing, it’s a good idea to think about the environment you want to spend your working life in. Different specialities, while often equally challenging, can be very differently paced. For example, if you’re a school nurse, you’ll probably be dealing with trips, falls and slips and should have a relatively low-key working day. While if you’re a critical care nurse, or if you work in an emergency department, your work is likely to be fast-paced, high-stress and unpredictable. If you’re the sort of person who thrives on adrenaline, a high-octane speciality could be the perfect choice. However, if you know you work better in a calmer, quieter environment, a more tranquil speciality could suit you better. Patient Engagement Although every nursing speciality is patient-focused, the amount you actually get to interact with the people you care for can vary significantly between jobs. Critical care nurses for example often work with people who are unconscious or hooked up to ventilators, while nurses working in an emergency department might only see their patients when they’re being treated for serious injuries. These patients are often then transferred to other parts of the hospital for further care. On the other hand, paediatric nurses and elderly care nurses often have the time to work closely with their patients and to build a relationship with the people they care for. If you like the idea of getting to know your patients, a job with higher levels of patient engagement could be the perfect speciality for you. Nurses fulfill a diverse array of crucial roles in the medical and caregiving professions. As you train for a career in nursing, dedicating time and consideration to your future path will assist you in choosing the specialty that best suits your aspirations. This includes not only understanding the different nursing roles but also the importance of appropriate attire, such as nursing scrubs, which are essential for both comfort and professionalism in various healthcare settings. To discover more about your options and to explore our extensive range of nursing supplies, including high-quality scrubs, please browse our collection or contact a member of our team today. Author: Carolyn Cumper's career spans from being a Patrol Officer in Rhodesia to a Paediatric Nurse in the UK, and later a Deputy Hospice Manager in Australia. Her diverse journey includes roles in law enforcement, healthcare, and business, culminating in her significant contributions to Medshop.
June 15, 2020
Medshop Editor
Why Nurses Tell Time Upside Down – History of The Nurses Fob Watch
Everything about being a nurse centres on organisation. Quality patient care revolves around a carefully planned and executed schedule, thus keeping track of the time is the pulse of the nursing profession. It’s not only a matter of knowing the hour, but nurses also need to time certain and ensure that In modern times, smart devices, have in some ways eliminated the need for the traditional timepieces, however, the history of the nurses fob watch means that there's always a place for one as part of any nurses uniform. But where did the nurses fob watch begin its journey to healthcare necessity, and who's still using them today? Here, we take a look at the history of the nurse fob watch and why they're still as popular today as they were when they first became part of the uniform. It all started in 15th century Europe... History of the Fob Watch – The First Watches Credit goes, by most accounts, to Peter Henlein, a German craftsman, but (as is often the case) there were others working on the same idea at that time. Humanity had enjoyed some form of time management since the Greek sundial, earlier if one counts the casual sun observer as a "time manager." Transitioning the awareness of time from watching the sun’s position in the sky to a body-worn timepiece was a matter of thousands of years of evolution, and the overnight invention by Henlein. What he did was invent the mainspring—a serial torsion spring of steel ribbon, which stored energy, released by turning the cogs of a timepiece until the stored energy demanded the user rewind the timepiece. The first portable versions were not wrist worn, but pendants, not much different from a conventional nurse watch. Watches would retain this basic engineering until the 20th century, and many antique pocket watches such as these are in high demand today. Transition to Nursing It is not known exactly when nurses began to don the fob watch as part of their uniform. The first portable watches were a toy for the wealthy, as high-quality, hand built watch movements were very expensive. The difference in the watch worn by nurses, and those worn by fashionable dandies back in the day, was that the nurse's fob needed to be accessible without hands. This is where the history of the nurses fob watch comes to life. As a matter of practicality, not so much sterilisation, nurses couldn't fumble a watch. Not only would reaching into a pocket for a watch soil the watch face, it would take time and a free hand. Nurses' hands would likely have fluids on them, and the open-face pocket watches and white dials simply weren't up to the task. They needed a simple solution. Some clever nurse discovered that the common pocket watch, when pinned upside down to the lapel of a tunic, made for a perfect hands-free reading device whenever needed. Watchmakers soon caught on, and the evolution of the nurses fob watch continued apace. Rites of Passage Again, it's difficult to say when, but at some point, fob watches turned into the perfect gift for nurses, and a stainless steel brooch watch became a rite of passage for many aspiring nurses. Like the prestige of gifted writing instrument to the graduating law school student, the fob watch moved from functional accessory to a symbol of accomplishment. Quality counts too—or at least it used to. The same way a quality pen can lend an upwardly mobile office professional more confidence, a classic Swiss timepiece serves the same purpose. Reliable fobs have fuelled not only the careers but the confidences of ambitious nursing school grads for centuries. The New History of the Nurses Fob Watch Advancements have moved the nurse's fob watch far from Henlein’s first pocket watch. The manufacturing of consistent reliable parts is no longer an art but a matter of production. Inexpensive fob watches are easily replaced, even on a tight budget. That said, like the pen before it, there is a vein of tradition running through the fob watch that stitches together the years like a tapestry. Nurses and other medical professionals who appreciate history wear traditionally fashioned fobs as a nod to those who paved the pathway before them. However, advancements in digital technologies are slowly taking the place of the historical nurses fob watch. Today, you are just as likely to see a nurse wear and smartwatch on their wrist, and smartfobs are also beginning to make their way to market—giving nurses a huge range of tools at their fingertips. The history of the nurses fob watch then, is about to enter a new chapter. Now, nurses can monitor their own health as they work as well as their patients. They can take messages and calls directly from their watch, while also ensuring they stay on schedule with push-notifications and other calendar features. Additionally, nurses fob watches can provide important information and resources at the tap of a button or touchscreen. The future of the nurses fob watch, looks very bright indeed. Regional Variances While, Australian and British nurses tend to keep the tradition of the fob, nurses in other parts of the world do not. They may not even know what constitutes a fob watch. In the United States, for example, the tradition of the fob watch is hardly observed. However, it wasn’t always that way. The U.S. Navy Nurse Corps General Uniform Instructions from 1917 read: "No ornaments or jewellery other than a plain watch fob to be worn while on duty. Plain wrist watches are permitted to be worn except when centre-indicated by professional duties." Nurses in the States may own a fob, mostly likely gifted at graduation, but they won’t likely wear it as part of their uniform. There are, of course, exceptions to this. The good news for new nurses and their families is that in this modern world, even quality doesn’t have to cost a fortune. One can purchase a lovely, classically-styled nurses fob, without draining your bank account. Alternatively, there are plenty of no-nonsense silicone fob watches which do the job well with a little colourful fun to boot. Whereas a nurse from the sixteenth century might be fortunate to own one carefully guarded timepiece, today’s nurses may have one to go with every pair of scrubs. One thing hasn’t changed. The job still rides on the shoulders of a meticulously organised person.
January 28, 2020
Medshop Editor
The Future of Nursing - Will Nurses Ever be Replaced by Robots?
Now that the holiday madness is well and truly behind us, and the dawn of a new decade is slowly making itself felt, it seems like as good a time as any to consider what the future holds for the nursing profession. We’re moving ever deeper into the 21st century, and for the sci-fi fans of the world, that means the robot apocalypse is drawing closer by the day. All jokes aside, however, the latest push for increased automation, alongside developments in artificial intelligence and robotics reveals something peculiar about our obsession with technology. Across a whole range of industries, it seems we’re engineering ourselves out of a job, and the question is not IF robots will take part or all of any specific position, but WHEN. Technology is primarily designed to make people’s lives easier, however, we’re increasingly removing the “human” from the equation entirely, and the fear surrounding a less human approach within the nursing profession is particularly palpable. So, if the rise of the robot nurse is inevitable, where does that leave real nurses? And to what extent will AI nurses or other technologies render human contact obsolete? Here, we take a look at what the future of the nursing profession holds as increasing automation and robotic tech begins to be the norm. Wearable Tech and the Internet Arguably, there are already cases where certain, routine nursing tasks can be performed by readily available consumer devices. Today, wearable technology is able to monitor a multitude of different metrics, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature among many others. While these nascent technologies are in no way designed to replace those tests delivered by healthcare professionals, they can act as early warning signals for individuals, prompting them to visit a doctor or nurse. They can also serve as repositories of data that allow individuals to track and monitor their own health without the need for professional intervention. Additionally, its requires little imagination to predict where this type of tech is heading. As these devices become increasingly common, and in tandem with the Internet, it seems logical to suggest that any data extrapolated by wearable tech can be stored and uploaded to a user’s profile, which can then be accessed by a nurse of doctor. This flood of data is likely to reap huge rewards for everyone involved, giving a holistic picture of a patient’s health on a day-to-day basis. Robotic Nurses, Automation, and Advancing AI Believe it or not, there are already a few, basic nurse robots in Japan going about their business! However, while these may be a indicator of what is to come, there’s little question over whether these supplemental robots can replace nurses for the time being. Today, robots are much more likely to take charge of heavy lifting here and there or offer simple scheduling and appointment making functionality. However, the question remains as to where we draw the line on the types of functions a robot nurse should fulfill. Most people today will enter their hospital or clinic and instantly engage with a computer to register their attendance. Before that, they may make appointments through an app or online, and after, results are automatically sent to their phone or email. It makes sense that these basic functions are fully autonomous, ensuring real healthcare professionals spend less time on admin and more with their patients. What is perhaps less clear is the role AI nurses will take as the technology continues to progress. Will AI nurses/doctors, combined with robotic technology, begin to identify health issues and make the requisite tests automatically? Or will AI even begin to predict a patient’s potential and future health simply by analyzing profiles? In truth, there are still plenty of speculative ideas surrounding advancing AI technology, but until real-world use cases are proposed, this kind of tech is unlikely to be changing the industry in the near future . Conclusion — Nurse Robots are Coming but Your Job is Safe While their are multiple avenues to explore in the case of robotic nursing, the technology and its adoption within the healthcare industry is still in its infancy. From both a patient and a professional perspective, there are also other considerations that go beyond the time and cost efficiencies that tech is predicted to bring. People are still concerned that human connection remains an integral part of 21st century healthcare, and there’s little point in arguing that nurses or other healthcare professionals can be replaced in this respect. So, can nurses be replaced by robots in the future? In some respects, yes, however this is more likely to be in areas of administration or labour rather than in aspects of care—at least for now. Robots and automated tech will essentially just be another tool for nurses to bring increased efficiency to their jobs, and while there are many exciting developments coming out of the healthcare tech industry, including those that make nurses jobs easier, it’s probably safe to say that you won’t be out of a job anytime soon.
October 01, 2019
Medshop Editor
Student Nursing Kits — A Budget-Friendly Way to Get Everything You Need
Studying medicine is time consuming enough without having to spend hours worrying about which is the best student nursing kit for you. Enrolling on the path to becoming a nurse is a big step, and fees for undergrad courses can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. Not only will you be expected to put in the hours on your theoretical studies, but a large portion of your course will be focused on gaining practical experience, and that requires the right equipment at the right price. In Australia, we have some of the best university nursing courses in the world, and here at Medshop believe students on these courses deserve the best nursing kits to support them on this journey. Each year, these institutions produce thousands of graduates who go on to play an integral part in the healthcare system. A system in which over half of all health professionals are nurses! In order to meet this demand and support our future nurses, Medshop stocks a broad range of top student nursing kits that accommodate all budgets and styles. As nurses’ specialties range from aged care, through surgical, paediatrics, mental health, education, chronic disease, palliative care, research, to health promotion and everything in between, it’s important our nursing kits contain a wide selection of the highest quality equipment. Stethoscopes for Students Whether you’re just after the basics or in need of something a little more comprehensive, there are a few things you should look out for when choosing student nursing equipment. Perhaps the most obvious of these being the stethoscope. The trusty stethoscope is almost as old as modern nursing itself. In their current form, stethoscopes were developed in the mid-19th century and their importance to medicine has grown steadily ever since. A 2012 research paper claimed that the stethoscope, when compared to other medical equipment, had the highest positive impact on the perceived trustworthiness of the healthcare professional seen with it. Now, with its value beyond doubt, the most pressing choice facing our nursing students is which brand of stethoscope to go for. The best student nursing kits at Medshop come with either a 3M Littman or Spirit stethoscope. Both have their own merits but there are a few things to consider when choosing. The Classic 3M Littman stethoscope is widely regarded as the best in the business. Made from high quality materials, they provide improved acoustic performance with excellent audibility of high frequency sounds. However, this does mean they come at a price. For those equally discerning but budget-conscious student nurses, our best student medical kits are also available with the ever reliable Classic Spirit stethoscope. Although less well known, the Spirit stethoscope does not sacrifice any performance thanks to its rugged durability at more affordable price. So, once you’ve decided on your brand, you’ll be faced with the equally tough decision of which colour to go for, as both the 3M Littman and Spirit stethoscopes are available at Medshop in a variety of colours to suit every personality and style on the ward. Now we’ve considered the all-important stethoscope it’s time to take a closer look at some of the best student nursing kits that are available at Medshop. Student Nursing Pack - Littmann Classic III / Spirit Our premium nursing kit is designed to meet the requirements of university nursing courses across Australia. It comes with a top of the range Littman Classic III stethoscope as well as a traditional sphygmomanometer and 10 other vital pieces of equipment. The pack is also available with a Classic Spirit Stethoscope and comes in a rainbow of colours. Either way, with this nursing kit by your side you’ll be the envy of all your colleagues. ACU Student Pack Originally designed for Australia’s best nursing school, ACU, this excellent student nursing kit is now widely used by students at many other universities across the country. Available with the Classic Spirit stethoscope this affordable kit is ideal for those budget conscious students. For an added personal touch, you can even have your stethoscope laser engraved, ensuring it always comes back to you wherever you put it down! As you would expect, Medshop had also packed in all the other essentials you might need, including a sphygmomanometer, LED penlight, nurses’ pouch and safety glasses. Basic Nursing Utility Kit For those who only require the basic essentials when it comes to nursing packs, our Basic Nursing Utility Kit has you covered. This small kit packs a big punch, filled with high quality equipment designed for performance and reliability all at a very affordable price. You’ll find scissors, forceps, a penlight and a practical nurses fob watch in the kit. Like most of our other nursing kits it comes in an extraordinary variety of colours to suit even anyone with an eye for style.
June 24, 2019
Medshop Editor
Smart Fobs – The Future of the Humble Nurses Watch
Nurses fob watches have been a staple of the uniform for almost as long as anyone can remember, and while the first watches to be flipped upside down and pinned to a white apron may be lost to history, it is clear that the practicality and functionality of those simple designs have remained important to nurses the world over. While the healthcare industry has progressed in leaps and bounds over the course of the past two centuries, the nurses fob watch remains pretty much as it was. Sure, we’ve moved from analogue to digital in some cases, and new materials such as silicone have replaced metal and leather, but on the face of it, the fob watch is essentially the same piece of equipment it always has been. However, perhaps all that is about to change. It’s the 21st century, and like so many other areas of the medical professional, technology is beginning to play a huge part in the evolution of the humble nurse`s watch. Today, smartwatches are able to complete complex functions that a standard watch could never hope to, bundling together a huge variety of features that could help streamline day-to-day tasks. Here then, we take a look at what the future might look like for nurses watches and how intelligent tech might change the face of nursing forever. Smartwatches and Healthcare Smartwatches are at the very cutting edge of the technological curve. As microchips and circuitry have become ever smaller, the development of miniaturised computers that can be worn on the wrist is like something out of a science fiction novel. They feature all kinds of sensors and instruments that can measure, time, control, and record both digital and real-world events. What’s more, once part of a larger system, smartwatches can ensure that nurses and other hospital staff are connected at all times, increasing efficiency in hospitals and clinics. The healthcare applications are numerous and exciting for many in the industry, however, there is still a long way to go before they are seen as standard equipment for nurses. Here are just a few of the ways that smartwatches may be used in the future: Notification Systems — Smartwatches can be used for instant notifications from both medical staff and patients. Whether it’s messages regarding staffing problems or notifications when a patient requires medication, receiving the information directly on your wrist can save time and help nurses to be more efficient. Messaging Systems — Pagers are widely disliked by healthcare workers since messages often get lost. Of course, smartphones have gone some way to solving this problem, however, they can be awkward and unwieldly when on the job. Like smartphones, smartwatches also provide an archived record of all messages sent ensuring increased responsibility for all staff. Patient Updates — Accessing patient updates and other critical information on a personal device that’s conveniently accessible is ideal. Smartwatches can send all the information nurses require instantly, with accurate, real-time updates on patient records always available. Vital Signs Monitoring — Smartwatches may have a role to play in the monitoring of patient’s vital signs and threshold alarms. If a patient’s condition changes, real-time notifications can be sent directly to the device. Task Management — Managing day-to-day tasks is always challenging for busy nurses. Smartwatches can streamline the process by providing timely notifications of when tasks need to be completed. They can also monitor tasks completed and provide an overview of working processes on any given day. Voice Control — Removing the need to complete calculations or enter data using your hands is a great way to maintain hygiene standards and improve efficiency through hands-free operation. Instant Access to a World of Knowledge — Of course, smartwatches are connected to the Internet, and having improved access to both general knowledge and hospital or clinic materials ensures everyone is on the same page. Smartwatches and Nurses It’s true that the many benefits of smartwatches for nurses are generally directed towards providing better care for patients and increasing productivity in the workplace. However, they also offer benefits to the individual through a variety of health and wellbeing orientated features. Almost all smartwatches today provide monitoring and recording of heart rate, blood pressure, and steps walked, alongside a huge range of apps that encourage mindfulness and other wellbeing-based activities to help support nurses through particularly stressful days. Smart Fobs and the Future Today’s smartwatches have so much great technology packed inside their tiny form factors that it’s difficult not to fall in love with them. However, there remains one issue that is hindering mass adoption for nurses and hospitals in general—they must be worn on the wrist for many of the features to work effectively. This, of course, can be problematic when some clinical hygiene standards dictate that nothing must be worn below the elbow. However, innovation never stands still, and today, smart fobs for nurses are beginning to make waves. Most recently, as part of the 2018 Young Entrepreneur Program 2018, nursing student Jordan Kidd has designed a silicone fob that provides easy access to Apple Watches. The fob can be used as a standalone piece, or in conjunction with a standard strap for the best of both worlds. In the future, Jordan hopes to develop a referencing app that will allow access to useful information such as vital sign ranges, electrolyte levels, and drug calculation formulas to ensure the smart fob is equally as effective as its wrist-worn counterpart.
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