Fat nurses

AdamantiteEnigma · Mar 17, 2014

What's an overweight persay? Was that a typo for person? Or did you mean, "per se," which is the Latin meaning roughly, "in and of itself"?

I've been over ideal body weight since before I could walk, and I think I'm pretty good at what I do. :)

I wouldn't worry so much about what other people think about your appearance. As the immortal Dr. Phil says, most people would be shocked if they knew how little other people think about them at all. :)

I hope I'm correct in assuming that your question was directed at me. If not, I apologize.

In and of Itself... yes I did mean that. According to most Ideal Weight Charts, I'm supposed to be

[TABLE=class: tableizer-table]
[TR]
[TD]6' 2"[/TD]
[TD]171 - 209 lbs.[/TD]
[TD]6' 2"[/TD]
[TD]153 - 187 lbs.[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

Yet I am 6'2, 240 lbs. Oh no, yikes, I am obese! Except, I'm predisposed to muscle mass genetically. Even though I'd probably benefit from dropping 20 lbs, and thereby going back to my 20's weight - I don't think I turned out too bad as the years pile up on me. Being a person who also has been considered overweight since being a toddler I submit that what those charts say don't seem be terribly accurate overall.

So yes, BMI and ideal weight charts are not complimentary to me, 'overweight' becomes pretty questionable. And the concept of an 'overweight' or technically 'obese' nurse becomes subjective, and loses value compared to their contribution to the health care team.

morte, LPN, LVN · Mar 17, 2014

I don't think your extra is a problem, that said a little push on the work out would make it more obvious that it is muscle, rather than fat.

I hope I'm correct in assuming that your question was directed at me. If not, I apologize.
In and of Itself... yes I did mean that. According to most Ideal Weight Charts, I'm supposed to be
Yet I am 6'2, 240 lbs. Oh no, yikes, I am obese! Except, I'm predisposed to muscle mass genetically. Even though I'd probably benefit from dropping 20 lbs, and thereby going back to my 20's weight - I don't think I turned out too bad as the years pile up on me. Being a person who also has been considered overweight since being a toddler I submit that what those charts say don't seem be terribly accurate overall.
So yes, BMI and ideal weight charts are not complimentary to me, 'overweight' becomes pretty questionable. And the concept of an 'overweight' or technically 'obese' nurse becomes subjective, and loses value compared to their contribution to the health care team.

eeffoc_emmig · Mar 17, 2014

I am thinking of applying to nursing school to get my BSN and become an RN. Could I be a good nurse if I am fat/slightly obese? I am also a guy so I feel like I would stick out. Any nurses out there can you give me some advice? Would the patients, doctors, and co workers look at me like I am ridiculous? Like I dont belong. Also would that be a problem for me in the nursing program, like would the instructors give me crap about it? Any feedback would be appreciated.

I'm too sleep deprived to read all the responses...I'm sure you have received some good advice though. Here's my 2 cents...

Weight has nothing to do with intelligence. Lack of self confidence does have the potential to mess with you though...making you second guess yourself.

Anyone who gives you a hard time about your weight...well, it says more about them than it does you.

YOU are the only one who can let your weight be an issue.

Best of luck to you. This highly competent, pleasantly plump nurse is going night-night.

november17, ASN, RN · Mar 17, 2014

I was 5'9" 240 when I graduated nursing school. One year I decided to start taking my weight seriously. I started paying some attention to what I was eating and worked some light exercise into my week. I managed to lose 65 lbs in about a year (from 240 to 175). I've yo-yoed a bit, going up to 195 and then back to 180, but for the most part I've kept it off. No one is going to judge you based on your weight. The extra weight does make it harder to keep on your feet, though.

TheGooch · Mar 18, 2014

There was a hospital in Texas that was refusing to hire anyone with a BMI over 35. Wonder if they still do it.

T-Bird78 · Mar 18, 2014

6'2" and 240 isn't bad, it's almost typical for men now. I work with a female nurse who is 5'3" and 350+ (our scales top out at 350 so she's not sure of her exact weight). She's great, especially with the kids, and has a way with pts. There are times when she has to sit down, catch her breath, rest her feet/knees, but she'll get right back up when needed. Also, disregard those height/weight charts because they are so far off it's not even funny. BMI is a fancy height/weight chart too. I'm 5'3", weigh 142 after losing 18# of post-baby weight, and am overweight according to BMI. When I was the "appropriate" weight for my height I was too skinny and looked sickly. Just as long as you're healthy then go for it!

RunBabyRN · Mar 23, 2014

I don't think weight impacts how you are as a nurse. That said, being physically fit DOES help you when you need to be able to lift and move patients, and in squeezing into a small patient room cluttered with family, personal belongings, a computer, a bed, a bedside tray, etc. I also found that I was always hot when I was obese, and now that I am thinner, I tend to run more cold. It's easier to add a thermal undershirt than to peel off my skin! :)

Also, some jobs ARE starting to have health requirements, taking into account BMI, smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, etc, because it lowers their insurance premiums if they have a healthier staff. I would imagine there will be more push in this direction as time goes on.

Patient perceptions can also vary, depending on your weight and whether you smoke. Patients may not take your advice as seriously if they think you don't value your health (regardless of where the truth lies).

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 23, 2014

Could I be a good nurse if I am fat/slightly obese?

I have practiced nursing in Texas my entire career. And, as many people know, everything is bigger here in Texas (including the people). Most of my colleagues and coworkers are either overweight or obese.

martymoose, BSN, RN · Mar 24, 2014

I think being tall and "sturdy " would be a bonus against some of the rude, abusive, and crazy patients.

la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN · Mar 24, 2014

I think the issue that stands out most to me is that so many of the people you'll be taking care of have health problems r/t being overweight. For example, when my mother struggled with high BP she always hated having the morbidly obese nurse give her the what for about it. From the outset, it's typical pot calling the kettle black and pts don't appreciate it. Nor will they be very open to any teaching you may wish to provide. I take my health and fitness very seriously and I like being able to be a model of that for family and pts suffering the consequences of obesity. They're more likely to listen to me because they have proof it works.

However, to answer your question, no. It shouldn't be a problem for you and, yes, being on the sturdy side is a boon when you have pts behaving aggressively. I would consider getting on a healthier path, though, because nursing school is full of pitfalls to health and, if you turn it around, you have your own success story to share with your pts who are less motivated to drop some lbs.

LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN · Mar 24, 2014

I had the OP same concerns when I started my nursing program....it was never an issue

Then when I got hired on to a unit that deals with eating disorders I really thought that it might be an issue.....never has been

If my weight has ever been an issue nobody has ever said anything to my face. I have gotten glowing reviews from patients and co-workers.

Fat people know that they are fat without anyone pointing it out

toomuchbaloney · Mar 24, 2014

"Mar 13 by questions1025

I am thinking of applying to nursing school to get my BSN and become an RN. Could I be a good nurse if I am fat/slightly obese? I am also a guy so I feel like I would stick out. Any nurses out there can you give me some advice? Would the patients, doctors, and co workers look at me like I am ridiculous? Like I dont belong. Also would that be a problem for me in the nursing program, like would the instructors give me crap about it? Any feedback would be appreciated."

I haven't read the entire thread so forgive if this is a duplicate of another post.

Nursing can be a physically demanding job, but your weight should not be an issue as long as you are reasonably fit. Some of the environments can be a bit confining, so your choice of specialty or practice area might reflect that.

Good luck!