I overheard a disturbing conversation of nurses who were saying that overweight people should not be working in healthcare. They were basically saying that patients do not respect health advice or treatment from a worker who is unhealthy themselves. I am posting this topic because I wonder if this is a shared sentiment among the medical field? Or from patients? Or has anyone experienced anything related to this? Like getting fired, or discriminated by either pateints or a facility and such? Are there ever clauses in facility contracts that employees must maintain optimal heath to represent the industry's interest? (I am in Vegas & yes casinos do enforce waitresses/dealers with a +/- 5 lbs. original hiring weight monitoring weekly). I hope this is not what nursing school meant by "take care of ourselves before we can take care of others." Honestly, I dont think like this but wonder if others in healthcare do? Is this really a "thing?"
BTW, they were referencing a theme of nurses who gained weight from emotional overeating. They were not referencing a physiological underlying condition. ~ Thank You ~
Why Are So Many Nurses and Healthcare Workers Overweight and Unhealthy?
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
There are a lot of people who choose nursing as a career for the money knowing too well that they don`t belong.
I am one of the so-called dregs who entered nursing for the steady paycheck.
Just imagine that your manager approached you one morning and announced, "I regret to inform you that we can no longer pay you for your services. However, I am sure you would not mind one bit. After all, your compassion will pay the bills and your devotion will keep food on the table."
Would you continue to work your butt off without the promise of money in return? For me, the answer is "Heck no." I am shamelessly in it for the money.
Don't know about the rest of you but I too am ...gasp... IN IT FOR THE MONEY! I expect to be PAID for what I do! But that's just me. The rest of you can volunteer if you want.
It really shouldnt matter how any of our coworkers "look", as long as they are physically capable of the demands of the job. Its great to be healthy examples for our patients, and I think its wonderful (particularly with todays media) for patients to see non- fitness model body types doing an amazing job and pushing hard through each twelve hour shift better than any marathon runner could. We can be role models, but forget about everyone being runway models. Some people are skinny no matter what they do, some people are chubby no matter what they do...just be healthy. As for nurses mocking other (chubby or skinny)"capable" nurses... it sounds like people need to work out their personal issues with a counsellor and learn what a team is. I know I get judged for my body size (slender), but people wouldnt believe how much I eat just to keep my current weight (around 3000 calories/day). But my weight shouldnt matter to you, just what I do when Im on your team.
PS...I think members of the healthcare profession who suffer from anorexia/orthorexia deserve same level of attention and concern.
If we were genuinely concerned then both ends of the spectrum deserve attention. However, it's very apparent that overweight persons are stigmatized here and in real life. This isn't concern for someone's well being, it's dislike.
I should weigh at least 30 lbs lesser than I do today. The doctors, however, gave me a clean bill of health. Thank God for good genes. I would however, like to be thinner and kinder on my knees. I totally accept this as my own fault. I love food too much and like to sit on this damn computer to a fault.
I agree with the nurses who said it would be difficult for patients to believe me when I ask them to lose weight, because it would be hypocritical of me. I cannot afford to mollycoddle myself and get defensive in the face of facts. I need to be the change I want to see in other people.
Nobody, however, has the right to body shame me or call me lazy. All body types deserve respect.
p.s. All the docs who have asked to me lose weight have only performed lip service. Nobody showed me how. On a happier note, I discovered cutting down carbs does help. I have lost 10 lbs and 3 inches in the last 6 months by giving up the toast I ate with my breakfast egg and loving it.
Specializes in NICU, PEDs, Skilled Home Care, Biologics.
I have heard an occasional comment by a patient regarding nurse's weight and also comments re a dietician's weight. A lot of employers are now requiring bio metric screening every year in-order to be eligible for lower health insurance cost.
I might have. I've been overweight the last 6 years. Before I was slender. And I have been the most bullied and mistreated ever since being a bigger girl. The thing is, I was slim but I had eating disorder tendencies and smoked a lot almost all day if I could . It's funny how that is glorified over someone who may have extra weight and exercises but has trouble with their weight.
It's interesting to hear that comment since the majority of health care professionals are overweight and not very healthy. I personally think it is our duty to be an example by living the healthiest lifestyle we are capable of and making informed decisions. How can we instruct our patients on living a healthy lifestyle and expect them to follow our instructions if we can't do it or aren't willing to do it ourselves?
It's interesting to hear that comment since the majority of health care professionals are overweight and not very healthy. I personally think it is our duty to be an example by living the healthiest lifestyle we are capable of and making informed decisions. How can we instruct our patients on living a healthy lifestyle and expect them to follow our instructions if we can't do it or aren't willing to do it ourselves?
I would hope that this is not real but I have been a nurse for many years and have not heard blatent comments or witnessed discrimination related to weight. I am overweight and many times have attempted to lose weight and presently have lost a number of pounds only because at my top weight, I felt winded if having to run for an emergency and want to be able to physically meet the demands needed to the best interest of my patients. I have seen some nurses eat themselves into early retirement or disability and have heard and seen jokes that depicted a very large, sargent like nurse and a patient that is quaking in his bed etc. This day and time, with discrimination and bullying on the forefront of lawsuits etc, I would think that most would not relate weight issues to the ability of doing their job
TheCommuter, BSN, RN
102 Articles; 27,612 Posts
Just imagine that your manager approached you one morning and announced, "I regret to inform you that we can no longer pay you for your services. However, I am sure you would not mind one bit. After all, your compassion will pay the bills and your devotion will keep food on the table."
Would you continue to work your butt off without the promise of money in return? For me, the answer is "Heck no." I am shamelessly in it for the money.