Can you "look good" as a nurse?

neutrophil · May 15, 2010

Interesting that you mention this. I am a nurse and a diabetic type II. When I was in nursing school, I was sitting most of the day, eating what I could when I could, often late nights out. I worked part time P.M. Shift. I gained 30 lbs. My hgba1c went to 13.8. from 5.6. Once in my class my fbs was 549. OMG. But there was only so much I could do.

Now that I am a nurse. I put on a pedometer, I take between 5000 and 6000 steps in an 8 hour shift. Depending on the run that I have. I make lunch at home, I don't eat late. I lost 20 of those pounds, my A1c went down to 6.8, still needs to be better. If I jog 30 minutes three times a week. Get on a diet in using the glycemic index, (exchange list is too complicated). I use 20 lb dumbells and exercise at home, I know I can shed another 15 lbs which would put me in a good weight, good A1c. Yes, nurses can and should look good!!

LoveANurse09 · May 15, 2010

Yes, mayybe if you work day shift...for those of us on nights..forget it! I sleep all day work at night eat "dinner" anytime between 12-2am. On my days off I have so much to day, (housework,keep kids happy) forget working out.

Birry · May 15, 2010

I work nights and most of the nurses I work with are fit and trim. I don't know how they do it, but somehow they manage to work nights in a hectic ICU, and remain active enough to keep looking good.

So it IS possible!

Katie5 · May 15, 2010

Yes, mayybe if you work day shift...for those of us on nights..forget it! I sleep all day work at night eat "dinner" anytime between 12-2am. On my days off I have so much to day, (housework,keep kids happy) forget working out.

This is whining. If you work night shift, yes it can still be done.

Otessa, BSN, RN · May 15, 2010

Is it possible to be a fit nurse (doing 12 hour shifts)?
How do you combat that?
Can you be physically healthy and mentally happy? In general, of course you will have the bad days.
And can you age well as a nurse, even with all the stress, with good diet and exercise and learn to do so?
Also, why are shifts for twelve hours?

The answer is "yes".

If you are worried about being unhealthy you need to be proactive regarding mind, body, spirit.

April, RN, BSN, RN · May 15, 2010

I was shocked at how many of my co-workers run marathons. Bikram yoga and spin classes are big around here, too. As far as eating right, you are better off bringing your own food to work. It really shouldn't matter if you work days or nights and what time you eat. As long as you are eating a balanced diet, not going over your calorie limit, and fit in some type of exercise a few times a week, it's absolutely possible to stay fit. Even if you are too tired to workout after a 12 hour shift, you still have 4 days off to fit some exercise in.

Argo · May 15, 2010

Most of the nurses in my department are fit and healthy. We all work about 50 hours a week but we all find the time 3-4 days a week. I am a big Guy but I'm very healthy. My wife and I hike 6 miles twice a week, my son and I ride mtn bikes once a week and I'm at the gym 3 days when my son is in judo. I also have one day a week that 10-12 of us in the department do a physical activity together like basketball or softball. Don't keep making excuses and just go do it.

JStyles1 · May 15, 2010

you've got 4 days off a week so there is no excuse not to find at least 30 minutes a day to workout.

CHDad · May 15, 2010

Although I am aspiring to be a nurse one day I am not one yet, but have worked many crazy shifts while I was in the military that didn't allow for a normal workout schld. First don't beat your self up too much. You have to start somewhere. Some start over weight, some start injured and have to keep that in mind or their bodies will fail. But the most important part of your body that needs a workout is your mind. Your mind has to be strong, if you mind says lets getup and workout at 4:30 in the morning then your body will follow, that is just how it works, but I can tell you from experience it doesn't work the other way around that well. Also don't overdo it at first. Being consistent is the key, remember you are working out your mind as much as your body and changing your mindset takes time at first just like your body. I though not one myself I have had the honor to workout with a few Para Rescue friends and this is what I observed. Its not the strongest guys that make it. Its the toughest mentally that are consistent that make it through training. Their attitude on working out is very basic. Their minds need to be strong just as much as their bodies need to be pushed so they are ready for game day. Though our missions are much different in the civilian world we still need to have goals physically that we are striving for. A marathon, a triathlon, being able to hike up that peak without stopping ect. And having workout partners to motivate you when you are tired and don't want to workout is essential. Goals are very important and keep us focused and more importantly get us out of the chair on a regular basis.

Good luck and remember don't beat your self up too much, being consistent will do more for you mentally and physically than pushing to hard at first and getting injured. Working out is not just a good thing to do, but your body and your mind needs resistance to be healthy its how they are made.

healthstar, BSN, RN · May 15, 2010

You can always find time to take care of yourself, I have professors who are in their 50's and if you take a look at their body you'll never think they are in their 50's. They are fit. They love their job as a nurse and as a professor and they never grow tired of it( according to them). If you have motivation believe me you can find at least 20-30 minutes to work out.

TonyaM73, ASN, RN · May 15, 2010

I have lost 30 lbs since I started working as a nurse 6 months ago. When I took over the evening supervisor position a couple of months ago, I put on a pedometer just to see how much I do walk. I am clocking anywhere between 6 1/2-7 miles a night!! I have lost a couple of dress sizes and am not losing so fast now but my legs are really getting toned. Just try to eat right and regular. Lots of water. On your days off do some weight bearing exercise as well. Some people gain weight when they start nursing, I think due to stress and not eating regularly, but if you keep in mind that "if I don't take care of my body, I can not care for anyone else" then you should be alright.