CPR Class info needed

allthingsbright · Aug 9, 2006

Hi Clover...

Actually, I have taken a couple CPR classes, and while you do have to be able to move around, it isn't super-stringent. Yet, like nursing, you do need to be able to handle the phsical side of CPR--which is hard and wears me out every time I do lots of chest compresions!

Nursing in general is pretty physical, but if you are only moderately overweight you shouldn't have too much of a prob! GL! :)

bandas · Aug 9, 2006

I'm used to sitting in a nice comfy chair all day at work, so CPR class was weird for me. I'd definitely never be mistaken for skinny, and I'll tell you that I was tired at the end of the day. But I was able to do it while I was there. There's not so much getting up and down, but a lot of chest compressions. My arms and shoulders were sore the next day. :pumpiron: But what taking this class did do, is strengthen my resolve to hit the gym several times a week. At least until I dislocated my pinkie toe last friday night, now I can barely walk on it much less exercise. :uhoh3:

Icess64 · Aug 10, 2006

I'm with allthingsbright...nursing is a physically demanding job, so if it's that hard for you to get up and down because of your weight then you should probably resolve to change that, since the CPR class will just be the beginning of it. I know it's easier said than done, and I know I'll never be called skinny, it's just not my body type, but I know I have to be in decent enough shape to do the job. Just one of those things. Think of it this way, you'll probably need the excercise to burn off the stress of school! Killing two birds with one stone and all that...

Stdy2BaNurse · Aug 10, 2006

In addition to what everyone else has said, let me tell you that I just had my CPR class less than 2 weeks ago. I am slightly over-weight and 5 months pregnant! In our class we didn't have to get on the floor at all - no one did. We were allowed to do the practice and the test at table level. I know not every true-life situation will be like this, but wanted to let you know how my class was handled :) Good luck! It's not that bad - though I agree with the sore shoulders/arms the next morning!

nursemama2be · Aug 10, 2006

I just did CPR class and they had modifications for people who couldn't be on the floor.. (ex. knee problems - person got a pillow)

Good Luck

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Aug 10, 2006

All our stuff was on tables, no one had to get one the floor for anything in my CPR class.

But I agree, nursing is a physical job....if you think your weight is going to hinder you, it might be a good motivation for you to start hitting the gym or start a walking program and eating a bit less or healthier. Good luck!

fleur-de-lis, BSN, RN · Aug 10, 2006

I am overweight (workin on it), and took CPR a few months ago before I started nursing school. It was rough, not the getting up and down for me, but it was HOT here in Texas so I wore shorts not even thinking about it, and my knees were killing me by the end of it! And unlike others, there were NO modifications for people having trouble. One of my knees was bleeding by the end of it (not bad, but still...) My advice, get some knee pads they use for volleyball, or the kind for gardening, and wear them under pants. Even ace bandages would have given some cushioning. A few weeks after the CPR class I tore up my knee pretty bad and I am convinced the stress on it from that day contributed to it. Be prepared, but also remember, it is only once a year and if you ever need to use it, you'll be glad you went to that class and won't even be thinking about your knees when you are trying to save a life!

user9876 · Aug 10, 2006

i took a CPR class offered through an ambulance service in my area. it only lasted about 2.5 hours, and nothing was done on the floor. we were taught while sitting in desks, took a written test, and if we passed, had to come to the front and perform CPR on a "dummy" that was lying on a table. weight wouldn't be a problem here - the only problem i encountered size-wise is the fact that i'm short, and getting my arms/shoulders in the proper position on the dummy required me to have to raise up on my tip-toes for the chest compressions. however, the instructor DID offer to move the dummy to the floor for us shorter people. there were a few girls shorter than i am, but all of us just raised up on our toes for the chest compressions and did it with the dummy on the table. no biggy :) but like another poster said - CPR class is only the beginning of the physical demands that nursing entails. anyone in the healthcare field would be better off to get at a healthy weight beforehand... it will be so much easier on your body, and the work and long hours will be more bearable. plus, it's better for your heart in general. remember, you must get re-certified every 2 years (*edit --for my program anyway.. it might be every ONE year for some). good luck! :)

Josh L.Ac. · Aug 10, 2006

I'm used to sitting in a nice comfy chair all day at work, so CPR class was weird for me. I'd definitely never be mistaken for skinny, and I'll tell you that I was tired at the end of the day. But I was able to do it while I was there. There's not so much getting up and down, but a lot of chest compressions. My arms and shoulders were sore the next day. :pumpiron: But what taking this class did do, is strengthen my resolve to hit the gym several times a week. At least until I dislocated my pinkie toe last friday night, now I can barely walk on it much less exercise.

Most upper body exercises can be done seated, meaning you can have your entire leg in a cast and still workout. The exercises are more strict since you can't swing your body to cheat, so you'll have to start out with lighter weight.

Just think of it as a refreshing change from the "typical" workout.

JoshuaC · Aug 11, 2006

CPR is really easy. Don't sweat it.

LydiaNN · Aug 11, 2006

I just renewed my CPR last weekend, and there was a man in the class with bad knees. The instructor let him put the mannequin on a table to practice.