Can a Nurse Be Too Small Physically for CRNA/ ICU?

[sixthwannabe]

Hi!

I am starting my clinical rounds in the fall of this year. My ultimate goal is to become a CRNA. For that, I need ICU experiance of course. I already have a chemistry BS so I've satisfied all of the prereq's for CRNA programs except the BSN which I will get in about 15 months. (so proud to be a RN sooon!!)

However, I am worried about the fact that I'm small in stature. I'm afraid if this will hinder by ability to succeed in the ICU and maybe in my duties as a CRNA. I'm only about 5 feet and 100 pounds, with a thin bone structure. I work out and i'm strong for my frame but I don't naturally have tremendous upper body strength. However I am also young, in my early 20s, and should be ok physically (no joint aches and pains--yet )

I work as a CNA on the weekends to help pay for my nursing school, and I often have problems with lifts and transfers (pivot transfers) of patients since I'm not that strong.

I 've shadowed a CRNA, and dont believe the job itself needs that much physical strength.

However, ICU is another story!

So, will i be ok in the ICU?

My nursing program also lets us choose preceptorships that usually result in a job offer at the end of graduation with the speciality you did you clinical preceptorship in. Should I choose an ICU division that doesn't need so much physical labor, such as Neonatal ICU? However, I heard that neonatal ICU isn't often accepted for CRNA school.

Is there an ICU speciality that doesn't require as much physical strength?

thanks!!!

[mildcigar_2001]

You current size is fine. A good share of my female collegues of Asian heritage seem to be right around your height and weight. The size is also okay for CRNA. A year or two ago we had a female ICU fellow who was about 4'10" and she seemed to do okay with intubations, central lines, etc. However, with some of our bigger patients we did have to find her something to stand on. Good Luck.

[Class2011]

No problem for CRNA, but ICU might be another story!

The med & surg ICU work can be very physical. One small lady I worked with wore a back support vest continually and buckled it faithfully for every lift and transfer--the kind that packers and loading dock workers use--smart woman!

It might be that CICU is a bit less physical as they tend not to get as filthy with wound drainage and GI infections--not sure about this though--anyone else?

[up-n-atom]

Hey!

At least your not to tall! I'm 6' 5' and wish I was short! It sucks raising pt's up & down for lab draws or anything else. Everything is just a little to short for me so I end up bending just a little to much...plus everyone thinks I'm a forklift because I'm big and tall (my back's sore too!) I work with short nurses, doctors, etc, There's a couple step stool things on our unit that come in handy. It takes all sizes and teamwork to get the job done.