What do you think? Honestly

Specialties Emergency

Published

Just like the title asks, I want an honest answer.

I have been contemplating this dilemma for some time and actually about asking you guys what your thoughts are. I want some direct, honest responses. I recently finished nursing school and have passed NCLEX. 3 years ago I worked as an EMT-1 in an ALS crew and I did it for a year before moving into a better paying job that I had to take in order to pay bills.

The dilema deals with my weight and my passion of emergency nursing/medicine. If I had a choice, I would love to start my career as an ER nurse, but I am scared what the staff and other personnel might think about my functionality as an RN.

I am 6'2" and weight 380lbs, Pretty big dude huh? My scrub tops are usually 3XL and some even 4XL. During nursing school I never never had an issue with my weight, I performed amazing, was able to do all routines/procedures and even nurses and personnel loved having me in their floor because I could do a lot with moving and helping patients. My clinicals were twice a week 8-9 hrs per day and even when I did my preceptorship, which I was working 12s, which in reality were 13s I had no problem functioning at all! I am not going to lie, there were times when I got home and was pretty tired, but not immbile! lol

Due to this dilemma and insecurity of mine, I am applying to med/surg floors where I know it can also get crazy, but maybe not as intense as the ER. I joined a gym last week and started working on myself more to health reasons and to be able to do my job better, but do you think I should let this hold me from applying to the ER? What are your honest thoughts and advice?

Thanks!

Thank you guys for the responses; you guys have honestly giving me the confidence and push I need it to apply and go talk to the ER manager and tell them I want to work in the ED.

You know, you guys are really amazing and for that, I thank you with all my heart!

Thanks

Specializes in ED.

One of my classmates that got hired in the ED is a big dude, and also worked as an EMT throughout our nursing program. He's pretty awesome and the ED is lucky to have him! I wouldn't let your weight hold you back.

Specializes in retired LTC.

Go for it!

Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

I don't weigh 300+, but I'm tired at the end of a hard, busy 12 hour day. I've gone home slap worn out by one little baby the size of my hand.

If you work hard, you're gonna be tired, regardless of your size. Since you're going to be tired any way, you might as well work where you want to work. As to what people think about your size...well, I can't comment on those people due to restrictions in place on this forum against foul language.

I don't weigh 300+, but I'm tired at the end of a hard, busy 12 hour day. I've gone home slap worn out by one little baby the size of my hand.

If you work hard, you're gonna be tired, regardless of your size. Since you're going to be tired any way, you might as well work where you want to work. As to what people think about your size...well, I can't comment on those people due to restrictions in place on this forum against foul language.

Amen!!!

Specializes in Emergency, Pre-Op, PACU, OR.

We'd love you in our psych section!;) Don't let your weight hold you back. If you can keep up, apply to the ER. Good luck!

Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

What are you waiting for?!?!?!?

At the hospital system I work for I've seen lots of big men working the ER without a prob. They actually come in very handy. I think it will be ok!

Specializes in Urology, ENT.

Don't let your insecurity get to you -- one of my favorite teachers was an ER nurse who was by no means small. I really wish he had stayed teaching us (some stupid drama at school, but I digress), and he made nursing in general sound amazing, especially with his ER stories. I just passed boards too, and because of him, I remembered how to assess cranial nerves and IgMs and IgGs (...which actually helped on boards).

Good luck with your ER pursuit:)

I say get your butt into an ER!! The ER needs good nurses with field experience and I would welcome you in my ER any day. If you are a good nurse, take care of your patients and do a good job, I could give a rat's patootie how big you are. Like another poster said, I could use you around here when the occasional recreational user tries to charge me when I tell him no narcs :-) Course, the doc is usually hiding behind me :-0

Seriously, get healthy for yourself when you are ready and in the right way. Don't you dare let that get in the way of you getting in the ER.

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