There's nothing worse than a FAT nurse!

Stephalump · Jun 2, 2012

Uh, I think you misread my post. I said it doesn't matter. That a smoking nurse, or fat nurse, doesn't make their information (the dangers and health implications) untrue....
therefore, fat nurse or not, I don't get the hang up.

Ah, I did. I read it to mean something way different!

ImKosher · Jun 3, 2012

I'm Asian, my doctor is Asian. We sat down to look over some of my numbers (BMI, glucose leves, blah, blah, blah). He looked at me and said "your overweight". Ok I knew that, I work nigth shift causing me to gain a little extra then usual. He looked at my chart, then me, the chart, then me again "Stop eating rice." :eek:

How can my "Asian" doctor tell me to stop eating rice? He knows it's our staple? He's right though, white grains are a big carb intake so, I've been "trying" but I still enjoy it once in a while.

I know I'm overweight, and I do expect to be overweight until Nursing School is done. For a guy, I just don't get enough time to go to the gym in between classes and work.

Your Doctor was just having fun with you. He was giving you motivation and a confirmation for your accomplishment.

CNA1991, CNA · Jun 3, 2012

Yes, that doctor was being VERY socially innapropriate and should have noticed that joke was not a good one to make. Also, don't think less of all doctors just because this one was being rude. I hate to admit it, but some nurses do let themselves go because the stress of their work gets to them BUT that's people of all types; most people nowadays let themselves go in one way or another and it's not just nurses...statistically speaking some will be though. I hope you feel better in the future.

anonymousstudent · Jun 3, 2012

That was an obnoxious comment. His filter is broken. Or he thinks he's above a filter.

MANY people have this opinion, not just your doctor. This is such a sensitive area for people that they immediately default into a defensive posture when it comes up. You have identified it in your reasoning for losing weight - how can you talk to a patient about weight if you are not yourself healthy? The acknowledgement that hypocrisy is present many times in this issue is valid. While the comment was obnoxious, the reasoning wasn't.

We have a great opportunity to frankly talk to people about weight and the consequences it carries. But this issue especially cannot be presented as "do as I say, not as I do" issue. The same goes for many health related activities. The question is what is a nurse? Is it good enough to just know your stuff? Is it good enough to know that obesity will cause numerous and significant health problems? As a patient, do I care that you know being overweight is bad? You can tell me that all you want, but if I see that you yourself are overweight, it can't be that bad. Right? This is an interesting topic.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2012

i think people forget that "retarded" has a real definition.
[color=#333333][h=2]re-tard[/h] [ri-tahrd, for 1-3, 5; ree-tahrd for 4] show ipa
[color=#333333]verb (used with object)[color=#7b7b7b]1.to make slow; delay the development or progress of (anaction, process, etc.); hinder or impede.
so, if someone is socially retarded, then they have a delayed development of social constructs. you are the only one equating that word with intelectual disabilities here... fyi

i know the definition of the word and, if you paid attention to anything i said, i wasn't equating it with intellectual disability. i said the careless use of the word (especially as slang to describe something stupid) is offensive to those with intellectual disabilities because you're using a word that describes their disability to mean "stupid". there wouldn't be a national movement to eliminate the use of the word if it wasn't offensive and, ftr, there are laws on both the federal and national level regarding the use of this term. it's like how using the word "gay" as in "that's so gay" to mean stupid is offensive to homosexuals.

being retarded « herding cats

and i find it infuriating that educated people in a caring profession find it appropriate to throw around such a hurtful word in every day conversation.

commonsense · Jun 3, 2012

Ok, I'm sure that title made you want to throw up in your mouth. I don't blame you. I felt the same way when my physician said it to ME.In January, I decided to take control my life and lose weight. I have lost about 30lbs so far. So, when I went to my doctor last week, he noticed that I was 30lbs lighter. He asked if I was on a diet and I told him yes. I told him I was going to nursing school and want to be a good example if I'm going to lecture on proper diet and exercise.I guess my statement gave him a green light to be an a-hole.Doctor: that is so refreshing to hear! Nurses are notorious for ignoring their health. Keep up the good work. Remember, THERE'S NOTHING WORSE THAN A FAT NURSE! ::::doctor laughs::::I was in shock. I could not believe it. I went numb. I did not find what he said funny or supportive. Yeah... I'm actively searching for a NP to be my primary care provider.... I happen to like NP's better. I find them to be less socially retarded.What's the general consensus on obese nurses? Are obese nurses not taken seriously? Is what my doctor said a common thought?

You should have told him the only thing worse than a fat nurse is idiot doctor.

justin.j · Jun 3, 2012

Way go to on the weight loss! Getting fit is no easy task. :)

Regarding your story, it made me laugh, not because of the situation, but because it reminded me about the other day. Out of the blue, my partner who works as a nephrologist suddenly looked at me and said, "When did I get this belly?! I need to loose it again...nobody listens to a fat doctor." So while I agree that the comment was really uncalled for in this situation, perhaps you can take solace in the fact that a lot of doctors think that about themselves too.

I do however want to share with you a story regarding a situation I ran into. I also used to use the term "socially retarded"...and then I said it around someone with developmental disabilities. They got upset. So while I didn't think it was insensitive, the fact is I don't have disabilities of that nature and this person did find it offensive. Who was I to tell them not to be offended? They went on to ask me how I would feel if someone said that a guy was "listening to gay music". As a gay man, I know that a lot of people commonly use the term "gay" as a negative, even though that's not it's proper definition. Yes, the word has a proper definition and I really don't think you meant any harm by it, but in the end, some people might be offended just the same. It's not necessarily what the word means, but the pain that some people feel because of the word. So now I find myself saying that someone is "socially inept", and that guy is "listening to happy music". I hope that makes sense, as I'm certainly not trying to attack you, just share my personal thoughts.

Good luck on your weight loss goals!

Darkstar1485, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN · Jun 3, 2012

Way go to on the weight loss! Getting fit is no easy task. :) Regarding your story, it made me laugh, not because of the situation, but because it reminded me about the other day. Out of the blue, my partner who works as a nephrologist suddenly looked at me and said, "When did I get this belly?! I need to loose it again...nobody listens to a fat doctor." So while I agree that the comment was really uncalled for in this situation, perhaps you can take solace in the fact that a lot of doctors think that about themselves too. I do however want to share with you a story regarding a situation I ran into. I also used to use the term "socially retarded"...and then I said it around someone with developmental disabilities. They got upset. So while I didn't think it was insensitive, the fact is I don't have disabilities of that nature and this person did find it offensive. Who was I to tell them not to be offended? They went on to ask me how I would feel if someone said that a guy was "listening to gay music". As a gay man, I know that a lot of people commonly use the term "gay" as a negative, even though that's not it's proper definition. Yes, the word has a proper definition and I really don't think you meant any harm by it, but in the end, some people might be offended just the same. It's not necessarily what the word means, but the pain that some people feel because of the word. So now I find myself saying that someone is "socially inept", and that guy is "listening to happy music". I hope that makes sense, as I'm certainly not trying to attack you, just share my personal thoughts. Good luck on your weight loss goals!

I really liked your story. It helps put things into perspective. Thank you for your kind words.

Question, if someone said that they felt "gay"meaning happy, would that offend you or would you just think it was strange that a person wouldn't just use the word happy?

CRNBSN18 · Jun 3, 2012

Congrats on your weight loss!! That is awesome!!

This is different.. But, still kind of inappropriate. Your post made me think of it. My pediatrician decided to call me a nutrition Nazi during my kids' last check up. He said it in a joking manner and was laughing.. And knowing him, I shouldn't have been offended but yet I kind of was. I guess mostly because he decided to say, in front of my 4 year old who I've had a very hard time with getting him to eat anything healthy, that "I've never eaten vegetables in my entire life unless it's fried okra, and I'm doing okay!". I left telling my husband if he wasn't such a good doctor then we'd be finding a new one!!

I'm sorry that was said to you. But, like others, i'd have to hear how it was said. Keep up your hard work!!

CRNBSN18 · Jun 3, 2012

Also, I have recently lost 40lbs. I wasn't technically overweight but I was unhealthy and it wasn't appropriate for my body size. I gained 70 lbs--yeah that's right-- with my 1st child. I was roughly 100lbs before that. With my second one I gained almost 50 lbs. I was unhealthy because I didn't know any better. After starting my a&p classes it hit me and I decided to make a change! When I got to nutrition I definitely wanted to make a change. I watch what I eat, use smaller plates, drink plenty of water (I'm huge on hydration! I even did a study for a paper on it) and I run/jog. It has made a huge difference! I feel so much better and healthier. I have a lower bp. It was 100/70 the last time it was checked. Diabetes, HTN and heart disease run in my family so it's important to me to try and take care of myself. Some don't realize it, but man what a difference getting out and jogging or walking makes. It gives you a better outlook, enhances your mood, you can clear your head and relax! Plus you're getting some vitamin d! Turn on some music and just go. That's my "mommy time" and I couldn't do without it. Aerobic exercises are wonderful for the body. I'm actually working on a research paper about aerobic exercises and the benefits--pretty interesting stuff! Good luck! And keep it up! Ignore anyone who says hurtful things- like the dr. Just keep your head up. You realize what needs to be done and are working on it. That's the important thing!

grownuprosie · Jun 3, 2012

I know the definition of the word and, if you paid attention to anything I said, I wasn't equating it with intellectual disability. I said the careless use of the word (especially as slang to describe something stupid) is offensive to those with intellectual disabilities because you're using a word that describes their disability to mean "stupid". There wouldn't be a national movement to eliminate the use of the word if it wasn't offensive and, FTR, there are laws on both the federal and national level regarding the use of this term. It's like how using the word "gay" as in "that's so gay" to mean stupid is offensive to homosexuals.
Being Retarded « Herding Cats
And I find it infuriating that educated people in a caring profession find it appropriate to throw around such a hurtful word in every day conversation.

If you were offended by the doctor's comments, how do you think someone affected by intellectual disabilities would feel about your use of the term "socially retarded"?

You say you did not equate it to intelectual disability. However, as quoted above, you suggested that people with intelectual disabilities would be unilaterally offended by use of this term. I.E. equating the word "Retarded" with those with intelectual disabilities.

Implying that words of the english language need to be retired because SOME people use it incorrectly is tantamount to burning books because they have offensive content. Retarded is a word. Taking back the word to its true meaning is better than pretending it does not exist. Educated individuals in a caring profession would recognize this and not decide censorship is better than education. Are you offended by flame retardent fabric?

FORTHELOVEOF!!!! · Jun 3, 2012

Just going to chime in here about this whole "retarted" issue. I had a nursing instructor who adoped a special needs child and was super sensitive about the word. I asked her at clinical one day if she was sensitive to it when it was used in it's appropriate context and she said no. I asked her why of course and she explained that it has been used for years in a negative way (ie something stupid) and that she just preferred to use special needs because if she used "retarted" with her child and then she starts school and kids call her "retarted" using it inappropriately, she is afraid her child will think she is making fun of her as well. So in this case I understand, I don't care for the word at all but since it is a word and has a definition I don't care that people use it in it's appropriate context. I do believe that the definition itself can be lent to those who are socially stunted, but not those who you consider stupid. I do know plenty of doctor's who are REALLY socially stunted, they don't know how to act appropriately with people around them and say things they shouldn't. Since I don't know the OP doctor, I trust that she is using it correctly and not just calling her doc stupid. And to call a doctor STUPID is stupid all by itself, they are far from it, and say that about even the doctors I can't stand!