Denied because of small body?

SeattleJess · Sep 9, 2014

That doesn't seem to happen at my facility! I'm 5'8", "big-boned", wide-footed... and I work with many petite women. It takes an extra few seconds to negotiate an agreeable bed height between the two of us and I always end up in a feet-apart squat position so that we'll line up.

I'm still somewhat new but in my limited experience, fall prevention is not about pure mass. It's about knowing your resident's abilities and using the appropriate techniques to transfer. You could be a giant doing a two-person max assist alone and your resident could still end up on the floor because you failed to position someone else on the other side.

And it doesn't take a linebacker to keep a resident safely in bed. Again, correct positioning is powerful.

Have confidence in your abilities and convey that to your interviewers. Think fulcrum-and-lever and/or rope-and-pulley. The laws of physics are more powerful than brute strength... and easier on a back. Think adjustable seesaws from childhood and know you can move an elephant with the right set up. (You will be using mechanical lifts for the elephants!)

Going to the gym is a good idea for everyone. I need to get myself there to work on those muscles I'm using only to "shorten down" to match my 5'1" coworkers!

Good luck on your career. And watch your back (literally).

illestglitch · Sep 9, 2014

Thank you so much for the response!

Being a new CNA, I wasn't sure what to expect with the interview process. But I do know my skills! I will be confident next time!

Thank you so much.

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · Sep 9, 2014

I was 5'1", 100lb when I started working as a CNA. I was 5'2", 105lb when I joined the Army.

You'll be fine.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Sep 9, 2014

I am your size 5'0, and weigh 100 lbs, soaking wet. I never had a problem as a tech or now as a nurse finding employment. If you are using proper body mechanics you should be fine.

SeattleJess · Sep 9, 2014

Thank you so much for the response!
Being a new CNA, I wasn't sure what to expect with the interview process. But I do know my skills! I will be confident next time!
Thank you so much.

Go get 'em, Tiger!

manderrrae · Sep 10, 2014

I'm also very small. I'm 5"3 and 98 pounds and have gotten every job I have applied for. I dont think it has anything to do with weight, its technique and knowing which muscles to use. Ive never had a problem with transferring.

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Sep 10, 2014

Many of the women from the physical therapy department are very small and still transfer patients much better than I do.

duskyjewel · Sep 11, 2014

IME ladies your size are the ones the rest of us better get out of the way for.

I know a Dominican nurse originally from New York City, who is 4 foot something and probably weighed all of 120 lbs when she was 8.5 months pregnant (and still working)! She is amazing and I love working with her. She nurses circles around many of the bigger people she works with.

You'll be fine. Your attitude and work ethic mean much more than your size. And yes, do be very aware of body mechanics, but we should all do that.

Nina_k13 · Sep 13, 2014

I'm 4"11 and 110 pounds and I work at a LTC facility ? Don't give up.

johndough · Sep 14, 2014

During my CNA internship, I saw many small framed CNA's there. You move patients with hoyer lifts, so it's a big game changer. You should not have any problem with your size unless you get easily fatigued. I'm not going to lie when I say that being a CNA in a LTCF is very much labor inducing.

kellirae4392 · Sep 20, 2014

No they won't pass you over because you are small. There are plenty of people all sizes and shapes where i work.