To say that nurses do a lot at work would be a great understatement. Every day, they help patients heal and recover by performing physically challenging tasks while also doing detailed documentation. Because of the number of tasks they do, the great physical demands of the job, and the long hours they spend at work, they’re exposed to many challenges that impact their health and well-being, including work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs).
Healthcare facilities are not immune to workplace hazards; in fact, nurses deal with many dangers in hospitals. One 2025 study that involved 222 nurses found that 20.3% of nurses experienced high ergonomic and 14.4% physical hazards at work.
This article lists the best ergonomic tools for nurses, including things they can purchase themselves for posture and support, and hospital ergonomic equipment that they can use to prevent accidents and injuries. We also provide a brief overview of what ergonomics is and its major domains.
What is ergonomics?
Ergonomics refers to the study of people in their working environment. It involves creating designs and modifications that promote efficiency, productivity, well-being, safety, and comfort.
According to a Physopedia article, the International Ergonomics Association lists the three broad domains of ergonomics as follows:
· Physical ergonomics: Involves creating better working experiences to prevent WMSDs by focusing on anatomical, anthropometric, physiological, and biomechanical factors.
· Cognitive ergonomics: Involves the mental processes that affect interactions among employees, such as perception, memory, and reasoning.
· Organizational ergonomics: Involves social technical systems, such as policies and processes.
This article will focus on physical ergonomics and provide helpful tools and devices that nurses can use daily to improve their overall experience at work.
Best ergonomic tools for nurses: Things to buy for proper posture and support
· Supportive footwear
Posture and support are vital to good ergonomics and overall health. And as professionals who are on their feet for long hours, nurses are more prone to developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and they must have the right footwear to allow them to perform their tasks as comfortably as possible.
Great nurse shoes promote proper posture and prevent falls, and must have proper:
· Arch support
· Cushioning
· Non-slip soles
In terms of arch support, one study found that nurses can benefit from prioritizing shoes with 1.5 centimeters of arch support in the metatarsal zone, and a heel height between 1.8 and 3.6 centimeters. These measurements minimize foot pressure distribution and impact force, as well as boost shin and ankle comfort.
Typically, foot challenges, including discomfort, are characterized by increased lactic acid levels in individuals. A 2023 study found that nurses who wear anthropometric shoes, which are shoes that are specifically designed to fit a person’s exact foot measurements, can have lower lactic acid levels and reduced muscle fatigue and pain.
· Compression hosiery or socks
Compression socks can help relieve foot and leg fatigue, especially for healthcare professionals who typically end up walking four to five miles in a 12-hour shift. Nurses’ high daily step count can contribute to foot and mobility challenges, including pain, soreness, and swelling, which can all negatively impact their work performance and efficiency.
Because nurses are on their feet for extended periods daily, they’re also more prone to developing venous diseases. Wearing compression socks can help alleviate edema, improve venous function, and reduce pain in the lower extremities.
Hospital ergonomic tools for nurses
Nurses must make the most of the following ergonomic tools at work:
· Bed lifts: Patients need to be repositioned and mobilized to promote venous return and intracardial pressure. To facilitate mobility in patients who have difficulty moving on their own, nurses must regularly use bed lifts. Lifts can be manual or mechanical in nature and can help nurses reposition or transfer patients.
· Height-adjustable work desks: Nurses’ work desks should allow them to switch from standing to sitting positions throughout their shift, as doing so can help prevent back-related challenges and improve posture. Other health benefits of height-adjustable work desks include lowering blood sugar levels, improving mood and energy levels, and even bolstering productivity.
· Gait belts: Nurses can use gait belts to stabilize patients when standing, transferring, or ambulating.
· Slider or transfer boards: Nurses can use transfer boards, which are flat and sturdy boards that can be used to bridge the gap between two surfaces, such as a stretcher and a hospital bed, so that patients with limited mobility can move or slide between them safely and securely.
