Nursing
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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.
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.
March 13, 2019
Medshop Editor
Every Nurse Wants to Get in Sanita Shoes; Here's Why
It’s more than only nurses clamouring for Sanita shoes. Doctors and paramedics also want them. At a glance, they’re nursing shoes, not much more than other popular medical shoe brands. What is it that makes Sanita so special? Is it just new kid on the block popularity or is there something else? The single answer to both of those questions: It depends on who you ask. Let’s be honest. It was only last year we were singing the praises of Oxypas as if there were no other footwear for nurses. Nothing has changed about Oxypas. They’re still great shoes for those who have to be on their feet for three shifts in a row. And what about Dansko, the third brand we carry? Well, we’re gonna get into some comparisons in this blog. We’ll talk about why you might prefer one over the other, and answer common questions then come up. This is your Medshop Sanita shoe shakedown, and it’s not a dance, but if it were it would be a clogging routine. Sanita versus Oxypas In case you missed it, we covered Oxypas in this piece: 7 Reasons Oxypas is the Most Comfortable Nursing Shoe You’ll Ever Wear To cut to the chase, there is an almost century-long gulf between these two brands. Sanita started making clogs in 1907. Oxypas didn’t start making them until 1991. They’re also split by many seas. Sanita is originally a Dutch company, Oxypas an Australian brand. What Oxypas does is close to the more popular brand, Crocs, but more professionally styled. Oxypas isn’t only injection-moulded footwear. They also work in some leather in some models. One thing is for sure, Oxypas makes comfortable shoes. They’re also quite a bit more affordable so for nursing students and those fresh out of school, Oxypas will likely be your first pair of work shoes until you get a paycheck or two under your bum bag. Their no-slip, non-skid, anti-static, antibiotic design is no-nonsense too, but you might want for something more modern. When you get up to speed, a pair of Sanitas will feel like an unnecessary upgrade. A sturdy pair of Oxypas will get you through many shifts without a complaint, but when you feel like flexing your style in something a little less conservative, Sanita will be there for you. Case in point, Sanita’s Wave professional knit shoe is both comfortable and stylish. The knit upper breathes like no other medical shoe, and they walk about like a cloud. Speaking of walkabouts, you might think they’re comfortable enough for getting out on the trail in your free time because they’re so darn easy. That’s probably pushing it, but it’s understandable how someone would reach that conclusion. Sanita versus Dansko If you’re wondering, “Aren’t Sanitas made by Dansko?” you’re right to feel confused, but made by? Not quite. They used to be connected. You could say that they share a heritage. Once upon a time, Sanita produced Dansko’s footwear, but that contract ended in 2007. That’s when the Dansko arm of Sanita, owned by a pair of Americans, moved their manufacturing elsewhere. When push comes to shove, the Sanita shoes are less expensive and more comfortable by many accounts. Your mileage may vary, but that's their reputation. At the top of the comparisons, both companies produce a professional shoe, appropriate for most medical workplaces. Unless you’re talking about the traditional stapled clogs made by both brands, which are nearly identical (see image above), Sanita’s styles can be less traditional than Dansko’s. For this reason, Sanita tends to sway a younger but more affluent crowd, but there is no age restriction on comfort or style. Wear what you prefer. If you’re accustomed to Dansko and see no issues with your current footwear, you might first ask yourself why you’ve read this far into this blog. But, if you’re only curious, there’s no cause for alarm. If you’re not 100 per cent sure or curious to the extent that you want to sow your wild oats, take a pair Sanitas for a spin next time you need a fresh pair of shoes. You might come to understand why they let the Dansko line split off. A good place to start would be Sanita’s San Flex clog with the closed heel. It’s nearly the same clog as the one Dansko made popular in the ‘90s. Where are Sanita shoes made? The history of clogging in Denmark might go back to the 15th century (the first instance in written history was in 1481), but Sanita didn’t start making them until 1907. For context, at that time roadways were clogged with horses, not cars, and the telephone was a hot new technology enjoyed only by the wealthy. When Christian Meldgaard Andersen started making his wood-bottomed clogs in Denmark, he couldn’t have imagined they’d eventually have worldwide appeal. They might be a Danish company at heart, but Sanita shoes are now made worldwide. Thankfully, they broke the traditional wood-bottomed mould in the 1980s because ouch. Today’s Sanita fanatics can still wear a clog that nods to tradition without suffering the clopping sound of a horse when walking down the hall. Where are Sanita shoes sold? If you plan to visit Denmark any time soon, you can definitely find a pair of Sanita shoes. For the rest of us, they have distributors in over 50 countries, Australia included. They produce far more than clog, with more non-clog lines these days. Many workers the work round know the brand as their most comfortable shoes. Country by country, different distributors carry Sanita. At home in Australia, you’ll find what you need as a medical professional in our catalogue under footwear. Are Sanita shoes good for your feet? For the record, we’re not podiatrists. Nobody at Medshop could say beyond a shred of a doubt that any one brand is good for your feet. Every professional is going to have to find out firsthand what works best for her feet. That said, most of the shoes we carry will work for most people who have feet. That’s not to say they’ll be good for your feet, which is a complicated matter that could occupy an entire blog of its own. Some believe vehemently that shoes themselves are not good for the feet, but good luck showing up to work without a pair. There are certainly shoes out there which would be bad for your feet, none of which we carry. So, by process of elimination, one could argue Sanitas are good for your feet. They’re not only breathable, anti-slip, antistatic, and super comfy, they look stylish with a faux-denim finished upper. They’ll also receive cramping, which may relieve back pain, and other discomforts so yeah they’re good for your feet. They’re good for your whole body. Of course, if you have questions about footwear, contact us at Medshop. We would be more than happy to help you land on the right pair of shoes for work.
April 03, 2018
Medshop Editor
Just in Time; We Found 9 Ideal Nursing School Graduation Gift Ideas For You
Here’s the good news: You still have time to find the perfect graduation gift for your favourite nursing school grad. Here’s the even better news: Medshop Australia’s team already did all the heavy lifting. We combed through our inventory to pull out the best graduation gift ideas, ranging from “that was thoughtful” to “wow, you really shouldn’t have.” For most nursing school graduates, at this moment they’re in a panic of questions about what they will do after graduation day… More schooling? Get a job? They’re wondering, how will I afford rent, my lifestyle, and the tools I need to practice my profession? That’s where you come in... As a loving friend, parent or family member, this is your chance to shine a ray of light into their lives. These are the gifts that, when received, will allow your graduate to cross one more item off their list. Quick note: Prices listed are not quotes, but references to the price at the time this blog was written. They are subject to change. Please see Medshop Australia’s current online pricing for the most up-to-date information. Lanyard Something simple many may not consider is the increasing security protocols at most institutions. Employers these days outfit their new recruits with a security card loaded for their access needs. Lose that card, and it’s a tough Monday at work. A lanyard solves most of those possibilities, but the standard issue lanyard is boring. The Prestige Deluxe Lanyard features butterfly or heart beading, with a breakaway safety clasp, and bulldog clip to accommodate almost every type of security card shape. For $21.33, this makes a fun, functional gift that will remind that graduate of you every day. Select your preferred Prestige Deluxe Lanyard style now. Pen “Have you got a pen?” has to rank in the top three questions asked in a hospital. Nurses can go through disposable pens like water, unable to keep track of them as they look like every other pen out there. Investing in a high-end desk pen isn't always the best idea either, considering those walk off too. The better pen is one that clips in place, like the Mini Clip Pen Set from Medshop Australia. This $1.50 package of pens comes with four different coloured pens, all outfitted with an easy clip that affixes to belt loops, keychains, waistbands and much more. It’s tough to lose, and easy to spot in a crowd. Plus, for that low price, you could outfit your graduate with a few sets just to be sure they have enough. Order your grad the Mini Clip Pen Set today. Anatomical Cube Book For the nurse going into paediatric care, this is the perfect desktop accessory. It’s also a fun gift for a graduate who appreciates interesting items. The Anatomical Human Body Cube Book isn’t like other anatomical charts. The compact design packs a ton of information about the human body in one place, in an interactive cube. Flip one side of the cube one way to reveal a new chart. Flip it another to reveal yet another system. Created by the crew at ZooBooKoo, the Human Body Cube is an entertaining as it is informative. The best part is, it’s only $12.07. Get the Body Cube Book for that low price now. Penlight Penlights are so popular, in February, we dedicated an entire blog to them. A nurse may grab for that penlight almost as many times as their pen, more than their stethoscope. For this reason, penlights can wear out or disappear even faster. Many nurses opt for low-cost options so they don’t have to shell out heaps of cash every month for new penlights. An alternative solution is to use a higher quality penlight, like the Welch Allyn Penlight. With its powder-coated, solid brass construction and bright halogen beam, this penlight will operate well beyond the normal life expectancy of most others. For graduates, it makes a possession they won’t anticipate, as the $63.50 price tag pushes down on their priorities list. They won’t frown at receiving it as a gift, though. It’s the little things like this which make starting that first day at a new job that much easier. Make the Welch Allyn Penlight the perfect graduation gift. Nursing Watch That pendulous timepiece worn by Australian nurses, the fob watch, comes with a history almost as venerable as the invention of the watch itself. Ironically, fob watches are one of the most common graduation gifts for new nurses. As such, many gift-givers go for economic, fun, silicon versions like Medshop’s silicone fob watch kit. That one comes with a reliable timepiece and five coloured silicone band options. At $25.45, these are in most folk’s budget for graduation gifts. But, if you really want to wow someone, consider the Classique Nursing Watch, a $94.88 timepiece as classic as the manufacturer’s name. Inside its stainless steel, waterproof housing, the cogs of Swiss movement power accurate time and date information. What’s more, it comes in three finishes, stainless steel, gold, and rose gold. Give the traditional graduation gift with a Classique Nursing Watch. Stethoscope Many grads start with a budget stethoscope, one that does the job but doesn’t offer much in the way of confidence. It’s likely that your grad already has a stethoscope of this calibre or one inherited from someone else to get through school. Going out into the professional world, however, mandates an upgrade. Like a Monte Blanc pen or Swiss-made watch, the stethoscope one carries sends a message to colleagues and clients or in this case, patients. For that reason, a Littmann Classic III makes a generous but lasting gift at $132.00. It also provides your graduate with a quality tool that can fill them with confidence for a lifetime as long as they maintain it. Stethoscope Case In order to keep that new stethoscope in top form for life, a case will go a long way towards protecting the components. The Medshop stethoscope protective case is a hot seller for that very reason. It comes in five different colour options and carries more than one type of stethoscope. The Littmann Cardiology III, Cardiology IV, and the Welch Allyn Harvey Elite all fit in this durable case, with room to spare for accessories. It zips closed, and features an easy grip rubber exterior and handle to ensure that stethoscope never hits the ground. This $16.50 case makes a nice standalone gift or an ideal insurance accessory for the generous gift-giver; as in one who already planned on gifting a stethoscope. Nurse’s Pouch Getting organized is the world’s great stress reliever. With everything in its place, one can push forward with confidence, ready to take what comes next. Nurses are no exception. A stylish pouch, like Australia’s Best Nursing Pouch, gives nurses easy access to their tools. It gets them organized. This one even drops straight into the washing tub when soiled, and comes out strong every time. Medshop Australia offers 15 different colour combinations. For $11.81, you could get them one for every day of the week. Clipboard They say one can go almost anywhere with a clipboard. Something about carrying one implies organization, power, and importance. The Prestige Nurse Assist Clipboard does all of that and a little more. The clip of the board provides an easy-access calculator and timer, endlessly handy throughout a nurse’s day. Also, hidden below the clip one finds a slew of diagnostic charts so the nurse who carries it doesn’t have to worry about being caught unprepared ever. It does all this for $36.80, less than the cost of many calculators. You now have nine reasons to show up to that graduation party, 10 if you count the likelihood that the host will serve cake and cold beer. That’s reason enough to go to any party. Considering the number of graduation parties coming up, you’ll want to stock up on the goodies above.
January 13, 2016
Medshop Editor
Make $100K as a Nurse
Nursing is a fantastic career for many reasons. Not only do nurses get to save lives, brighten people's days, promote health and well-being, they also receive an above average income package. In saying this, there is a vast difference in the earning potential of a nursing assistant compared to that of a director of nursing. In Australia housing costs are some of the highest in the world. The cost of living certainly isn't going down, so it makes sense that people are striving for higher incomes to meet the demands of modern life. For all of these reasons, we've decided to take a look at the average yearly incomes of nursing roles across Australia, to let you know what it takes to earn at least $80k as a nurse in Australia. Entry-level nursing position average incomes: Nursing Assistant: $48,893 Enrolled Nurse: $59,309 To become a nursing assistant or an enrolled nurse requires a vocational certificate combined with practical experience. The average incomes for these roles are less than that of a registered nurse, a role that requires candidates to hold a bachelor's degree qualification in nursing. Registered Nurse: $77,062 While it is possible to earn $80,000+ as a registered nurse, it is the exception rather than the rule. It might involve some serious overtime with multiple night shifts, but don't dismay. The role of registered nurse is a right of passage that can lead to higher paying roles in the future. Next-level nursing position average incomes: Clinical Nurse/Midwife: $86,478 Clinical Nurses are RN's who have gained experience working in a particular area for a number of years. They have usually undertaken additional postgraduate study within their area of expertise. These additional experiences, combined with the insight that comes with them, affords clinical nurses a higher salary that registered nurses. Clinical nurses also act as a mentor to registered nurses. Additionally, they may take on roles in education, leadership, and activity programs. A midwife is a registered nurse who has undertaken additional study in midwifery to achieve a registration to the midwifery board of Australia. This licence indicates that they are a registered nurse with midwifery endorsement. Want to strive for more? Nurse Practitioner: $109,413 A nurse practitioner is an experienced registered nurse who has undertaken additional education to enable them to work in an advanced clinical role. If all you are seeing right now are the dollar signs and thinking that sounds great, be prepared. To qualify for the role of a nurse practitioner in Australia, not only do you need to be an experienced registered nurse, you also need to hold a masters degree in nursing. Depending on whether you opt for full or part-time study, this can take anywhere from 1.5 - 3 years to achieve depending on the institution. Nurse Unit Manager: $111,629 Nurse unit managers are experienced registered nurses who have worked their way up the ranks. They've displayed exceptional organisational, administrative and leadership skills. Their role is to oversee all aspects of operations within a healthcare facility. This can involve supervising and organising staff, overseeing patient care and handling some administrative tasks. To qualify for a role as a nurse unit manager you need to have extensive clinical experience and administrative experience, combined with additional education or training in both nursing and management fields. Oh, and exceptional communication skills are a must as well as the ability to take leadership of any situation. Director of Nursing: $156,855 It is no surprise that the competitive director of nursing roles demand such lucrative incomes. Directors of nursing possess a blend of highly developed administrative skills along with well seasoned nursing credentials. They usually hold a master's degree in healthcare administration and or a master's in nursing. This is the kind of role that a nurse unit manager might aspire to transition into. Building on all of the responsibilities of the nurse unit manager role, directors of nursing are responsible for additional administrative functions including record keeping and budgeting. You might notice there is a progression with these roles, each building on and leading into the next. Of course everyone has different priorities and many nurses are content to work as a registered nurse for their entire nursing careers. Others aspire to reach the top of their field. Whatever you choose Medshop Australia is here to provide you with the tools and equipment you need to reach your goals. In fact, we are so committed to getting you the equipment you may need we owe you this information: We have discounted the Welch Allyn Pro 4000 thermometer probe covers. So if you own a Welch Allyn Pro 4000 thermometer, now is the time to stock up. All information on nurse salaries was obtained from the following resource. http://healthtimes.com.au/hub/nursing-careers/6/guidance/nc1/what-do-nurses-earn/605/
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