Curious, re nursing and weight loss

nohika · Nov 8, 2011

Unfortunately, depending on the job, you may not be able to take much of a lunch break or generally a break at all. Even if you do get to eat it might be while charting.

beckster_01, BSN, RN · Nov 8, 2011

Lunch breaks are mandatory at my job. If you don't take one, the charge nurse has to sign off on it (as if to say, yes! She was super busy). As far as weight loss goes, there was a thread a couple months ago and I think the consensus was it depends on the person, job, and shift. I personally lost weight, but there were plenty of people who gained because of the stress and the lack of motivation to be active on their days off

noyesno, MSN, APRN, NP · Nov 8, 2011

I lost a few pounds due to a decreased intake (I don't eat when I'm stressed). I force myself to get my 30 minute unpaid break, even if it's right before my shift ends, even if I haven't charted yet (I'll chart after I give report). I am not working for free. I am not a volunteer.

Ratgirl · Nov 8, 2011

I'm a new nurse working a med/surg floor (night shift) and have lost 25 lbs due to the constant walking, non stop pace, and decrease in eating! Started job at 160 now weighing in at 138! Down side is all my clothes are now to big. Up side is having a paycheck to buy new clothes that fit! :yeah:

emmanewgrad · Nov 8, 2011

I fluctuate, I've lost weight while working four consecutive nights, up to 7 lbs :) but gain 3 lbs back on the 3 days off whilst I rest..and I mean rest!!!! :) enjoy ur new job and Congrats!!!!!

ChuckeRN, BSN, RN · Nov 8, 2011

I gained 15 lbs during nursing school and in 2 1/2 months of working, lost it all.

I went back to working out, though it's only Mondays and Tuesdays - my days off. I also don't get to eat my lunch during my 12 + hour shifts so I'm always eating a fruit that I take to work.

LouisVRN, RN · Nov 8, 2011

I lost about 50lbs in a year at my job, but I was also making a conscious effort. i take at least 30 minutes for the lunch. The key to losing weight at work is to pack your lunch, at least on night shift, where I work, there are minimal healthy options and bountiful fried fatty foods, after 6 hours of stress you are more likely to pick the yummy comfort food than make a decision based on the lifestyle choice you want. I also would walk laps around the unit and help other people when there was down time, even if it was just putting supplies away or organizing the storage rooms.

MomRN0913 · Nov 8, 2011

I started med surg float orientation on dayshift even though hired for nights. Lost 10 lbs. Started nights, stayed the same. Barely got a chance to eat.

Went to ICU nights and was told I would gain weight. They were right, put the 10lbs back on. Food galore. And my coworkers made sure I ate.

mom35 · Nov 8, 2011

I hope I lose some weight on my first RN job! I had the Rouxen-Y bypass back in 2005, but during Nursing school I gained back 40 pounds!!!!! I guess I just ate and studied and ate some more!

amarilla, RN · Nov 8, 2011

I didn't notice a gain/loss when I first started on med-surg related to the activity level, but what I did notice was: few or no breaks, less chance for healthy eating, no opportunity to leave the floor to purchase food, more stress and being more tired on days off (= less working out in free time.)

I went to nocs, make my own food, avoid vending machines and cafeteria scavenging at all costs, graze on snacks (vs. binge one meal), and exercise less but more often to make sure I get the time in. I've stayed basically the same size.

Good luck!

red2003xlt, LPN · Nov 9, 2011

Pack your lunch and avoid the cafeteria.

Leave your money at home and it's easier to lose weight.