How far does a nurse walk in one shift?
A hospital nurse typically walks 4 to 5 miles during a single 12-hour shift.
By moving between patient rooms, supply closets, and nursing stations, nurses often exceed 10,000 steps before their first break. Over a year, a full-time nurse walks roughly the distance from New York to Florida. This constant activity makes high-quality footwear essential for preventing joint and muscle pain.
Nerd Mode
A landmark study published in the journal MEDSURG Nursing tracked the activity levels of 146 nurses using pedometers to measure physical exertion. The researchers found that the average nurse walked approximately 4 to 5 miles (6.4 to 8 kilometers) during a standard 12-hour day shift. In contrast, the average American adult typically walks only 2.5 to 3 miles during an entire day.The data revealed that daytime nurses averaged 8,747 steps, while night-shift nurses followed closely with 8,377 steps. Some nurses in high-intensity environments, such as Emergency Departments or Intensive Care Units, recorded distances exceeding 8 miles in a single shift. This level of activity is equivalent to walking nearly 1,000 miles over the course of a working year.Physiologically, this constant movement puts significant strain on the musculoskeletal system. Occupational health experts from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) emphasize that such repetitive impact can lead to chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis or lower back pain. Proper arch support and compression garments are often recommended to manage the physical toll of these demanding shifts.
Verified Fact
FP-0008927 · Feb 20, 2026