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by Sassybottom

Did you gain weight from your first nursing job? I just slipped on a pair of jeans and they are feeling snug I look in the mirror and see the beginnings of a double chin and fuller cheeks happening. I have been working for less than half a year and have already started packing on the pounds. I just have become increasingly less motivated to workout and eat right.

This is so frustrating...

Did you gain weight from your first job? How much? Insights? Help?

It doesn't help that I work an off shift too which somehow seems to be more draining then when I work a regular day shift.

I don't want to be lumbering down the halls ... help.

[GoLytely]

Re: Weight Gain Blues :(

50+# here.

I look like a Teletubby.

[Tweety]

Re: Weight Gain Blues :(

Stress causes some hormonal changes that might be the root cause of some of the weight gain. So while saying it's your first nursing job causing you to gain weight, realize that stress changes you and you should watch what you eat, exercise and try some stress reduction techniques that work for you.

I hate to say that I lost weight with my first nursing job, because I had money to shop for good healthy food and wasn't eating on the run, and I could exercise more.

Stress and your first job does not necessarily have to equate with weight gain.

Good luck!

[allele]

Re: Weight Gain Blues :(

My first job I didn't gain any weight, but I had been at that job for 6 years already as a CNA and I was comfortable there and worked with great people who really helped me along during my first year as an RN. But when I started my current job it was in a completely different specialty (I went from acute rehab to cardiovascular/thoracic surgical stepdown) I gained about 30 pounds the first year from stress....I just kept eating! I need to find a healthier outlet. Good luck!

[TheCommuter]

Re: Weight Gain Blues :(

Actually, I gained 40 pounds during the LVN program that I attended 2 years ago. It could be attributed to a lack of vigilance on my part, eating on the run, stress, and sedentary lifestyle.

[Glad2BAnurse]

Re: Weight Gain Blues :(

I gained more weight when i completed the LVN program. I work crazy hours and have been under alot of stress, but i am trying to exercise and eat healthier. so far i have lost 9 pounds this month, woo hoo!

[steelcityrn]

Re: Weight Gain Blues :(

If any job is going to cause wgt gain its nursing. STRESS, long shifts, swing shifts,learning a new job, dealing with crazy co-workers, patients and their families, nasty doctors, and just plain exhausted can cause one to eat things they would not normally eat and at times a person would not usually eat at. Now if you are so lucky to not have any of these problems, and your job is just peachy, then you can usually attribute it to group eating, treats , chocolates from gifts...ect..ect...

[earle58]

Re: Weight Gain Blues :(

i agree with both perspectives:
with tweety, that stress can and does cause hormonal shifts, attributing to wt variations.
and that stress can and does contribute to impulse eating and other undesirable, compensatory actions.
but if you can recognize the stressors and its resultant changes, you can also be proactive in a desired outcome.
it's certainly not hopeless.

i liked your correlation between tighter jeans and full cheeks.

leslie

[RealNurseWitch]

Re: Weight Gain Blues :(

I've gained weight with my current job... it's a SUPER WHAMMY when it comes to the factors that have contributed to my weight gain:

It's stressful
It's a mostly SIT DOWN job... I don't do as much running around but I'm still full of stress because I have to make all the decisions for the unit
I don't have a gym membership

I'm switching jobs and, while I know I'll have a pretty stressful job, I hope to actually lose weight. I'll be running around on the job more, plus I'll have a gym membership. =)

[Glad2BAnurse]

Re: Weight Gain Blues :(

amen steelcityrn!