Extremely Overweight Nurses

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I've been seeing a lot of obese nurses lately. In my opinion it's not setting the right example,not is it SAFE. If someone codes or there's a fire a nurses who is huge can't run to get to/from the emergency. Another example ... CPR ! It's exhausting,if you're not fit to do it...should that patient pay the price? It's so hypocritical. I understand with long shifts and not much sleep... Gaining weight is extremely easy to do. However,choosing healthy food options ( not vending machines and pepsis) and staying active even on your days off is important.

The end

I think extreme obesity can affect people's work in some situations but it isn't guaranteed. Im 115 pounds, and let me tell you until I really started working on my arms, I had a very difficult time maneuvering and doing CPR as a lifeguard. Does that mean I cannot be a good Nurse? A lot of factors go into weight, it isn't as easy for some people to lose weight as others. I think your wording was offensive to a lot of people, and I hope in clinical and as a Nurse you won't be as judgmental as your post makes you seem.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.
I've been seeing a lot of obese nurses lately. In my opinion it's not setting the right example,not is it SAFE.

Does the thin nurse with bulimia, anorexia nervosa, poorly-controlled Type 1 diabetes, uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, or a meth addiction set a good example? Are they safe?

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Thank goodness this thread started. We'd been sooooo long without a young skinny girl telling us fat old women how hypocritical we are...

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I understand what you mean....but being thin and a nurse who can't critically think doesn't make you better than a nurse who is overweight and can do her job. I'm sorry but so what if a person is a littler heavier....we all have our flaws and that person who is overweight can competently do her/his job it doesn't matter. Don't be judgemental!!!

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

I picked the wrong profession, I can't drink my Pepsi as I sit with one in hand :)

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Being an overweight nurse, I guess I should chime in and add my two cents. I'm sure you are a newbie like most of use but one thing that you will be sure to learn is that pure adrenaline kicks in when we are in a situation that involves life or death. Whether you're fat, small, ginormous, or just slightly over you BMI, your body is gonna go into to high gear and get it moving...lumps, dumps, rolls, muffin tops and all! But thanks to your post, I called weight watchers, and got 4 weeks of meals for the price of one!!!!!

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Pulmonary Med, Primary Care.

You know, I'll admit that I am currently overweight. I knew there was an issue when I was a PCT when I was worn out within a minute of providing compressions in a code. The patient should not have to suffer the consequences of my bad habits, lack of initiative in the gym, etc. I am currently beginning my prereqs for BSN. I am also shopping for running shoes, my goal is to lose 70 pound before graduation. I've lost four pounds since April, I am proud :)

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Pulmonary Med, Primary Care.
Being an overweight nurse, I guess I should chime in and add my two cents. I'm sure you are a newbie like most of use but one thing that you will be sure to learn is that pure adrenaline kicks in when we are in a situation that involves life or death. Whether you're fat, small, ginormous, or just slightly over you BMI, your body is gonna go into to high gear and get it moving...lumps, dumps, rolls, muffin tops and all! But thanks to your post, I called weight watchers, and got 4 weeks of meals for the price of one!!!!!

I'm going to check out weight watches myself. Also, if you have an iPhone, there is a FREE app that is wonderful - LoseIt.

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Pulmonary Med, Primary Care.

*weight watchers

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Specializes in ICU.

It's not a new issue. I worked with a nurse in the mid 90s who was extremely overweight. She was young too, late 20s. There was a lot of things she physically couldn't do but she worked with a friend and they had some kind of system they were happy with where all the work got done.

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Specializes in MDS/ UR.

I assume you are without imperfection.

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I'm going to check out weight watches myself. Also, if you have an iPhone, there is a FREE app that is wonderful - LoseIt.

I LOVE LoseIt!! I track everything on that app.

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