Being a Big Guy

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2008

I don't see a problem with your size. In fact, a lot of guys get annoyed at being SO welcome. You're wonderful at transferring.

SICU Queen · Jan 20, 2008

Absolutely NOT an issue. I've worked with a lot of "big" guys (and I'm married to one too - but he's 6'6!) and not only have they usually been excellent nurses, but they're also big-hearted, big enough to sometimes make the "crazy" patient think twice about misbehaving, and usually, due to strength (like all male nurses), have a much easier time with the lifting aspect.

Most "big guy" nurses I've worked with have been in ICU or ER. The patients have never been afraid (unless they were afraid of everyone, lol).

You'll be just fine, I guarantee. :cheers:

riseandshineRN · Jan 20, 2008

Well, I can tell you this.

I am an RN. I am 6ft 9" tall, weighing about 385. I have been an RN for over 21 years, and recently transferred to another department.

I have never had an issue with my size, and on many occasions, it has been beneficial.

The biggest issue big guys in nursing face is the stereotype that we are big, therefore should do more lifting.

Zookeeper3 · Jan 20, 2008

sorry, not being sexist, but men in nursing, increase wages.. help with the heavy pt.s and are simply LOVED by other nurses.... welcome

LaxNP, DNP · Jan 20, 2008

I'm a big guy as well. Often called down to the ER to help with patients and such. I feel very accepted. As far as my acceptence by patients, I feel that being a man period is the big thing. Many women have never had a male nurse before but just give them great care and you will set the stage for the rest of us :w00t: I read a post a while back from a fella that took offense to being used to help the girls move people around. My theory is the stonger you are the better you can help a patient that cant move.

You'll do just fine Good luck with the BSN

Kenny

markm739 · Jan 20, 2008

You will soon find out that being big means that you will constantly be called upon to help turn patients to the point that it will be hard to get your own work done!

I had a preceptor who was a strong guy, and they would call him down from our unit to help move huge patient in the ED....well, this guy wound up with a HERNIA!

Please be careful; you will automatically be expected to go above and beyond the call of duty in moving heavy patients, and there won't be much you can do about it, so PLEASE watch out for your back, and use good mechanics as much as you are able, or you may wind up with a back problem. :pumpiron:

Bocephus71RN-BSN, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2008

I'm 6'2" and 275 pounds. Never encountered any problems. If patients are intimidated at my size, I have never heard about it in 13 years. Matter of fact, for the bigger patients they insist on "gettin that big boy" to help lift or transfer them. They feel safer than with a 100 pound soaking wet woman transferring them. And I feel when the s**t hits the fan my female co-workers feel safer having a man around. Pursue your career, size and sex has nothing to do with intelligence, diligence, or compassion. We need more male nurses to break the stereotypes of what a nurse is and should be. I say the bigger the better. LOL good luck:up:

abbaking · Jan 20, 2008

Don't worry about your weight or body size. In Nursing, we are a VERY diverse crowd- Some are 90lbs; some are 300lbs. I myself and 6'3" and close to 260 and nobody has ever said anything mean to me about it. In fact, last night during a transfer from gurney to the bed the patient (who was a FUNNY young lady) stated "Go slow you guys cause I am a little FAT". I reassured her as did the other nurses that she was not FAT. To make my point that she wasn't, I said to her, "Honey, you are not fat - This is (pointing to myself)". SHE WAS ROLLING.

:bugeyes:

Bill E. Rubin · Jan 20, 2008

Big guy nurse's aide and soon-to-be nurse here... 6'1" and 225 lbs. It hasn't been a problem for me either. Good luck on your journey!

Ruper · Jan 20, 2008

During my clinical experience the guy students were thought very highly of and was rightly so. I agree with being careful about getting "used" as the "muscles" but be sure to ask for help. Your strength can be a great asset, but don't do it alone. We women should do our part.

An RN had an 80+ year old lady fall while we were in clincal, two of our guys from the other side of the floor hear and came right away. They were able to lift her right up and back into bed without causing the patient any discomfort. The little lady was so thrilled and called them her "heroes." And our guys went right back to their side of the floor taking care of their patients. :saint: :yelclap:

caliotter3 · Jan 20, 2008

Like others have said, I've found that big guys are only too welcome in nursing as you will be relied upon to help with transfers. This is something that you will have to be careful about. You can be helpful without hurting yourself. Don't let your own work slack, because you turn into the transfer king of the unit and also don't hurt yourself physically. Make certain that you also pay attention to good body mechanics and don't hurt yourself trying to do something that really could be done more safely with two or more people. Don't worry about being intimidating, your big bear personality will take care of that. Welcome to nursing.