Do you think nursing is physically unhealthy?

Nurses General Nursing

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I work part time because I think it is healthier than working full time as a nurse because even if you are a great nurse, you are exposed to stress everyday. Do you agree?

Specializes in critical care.

Very unhealthy. Stress and a backache, what else can you ask for?

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I think that it depends on where you work, what shift and whether it's full time or part time. Management can also make a workplace toxic, as can coworkers.

I work mostly nights, and I'm starting to find that I am not getting enough exercise, don't have a social life, don't know when to eat anymore, and even though my home life is ok, I think it would be better on rotating shifts.

I refuse to work in the hospital, as the floors are known for their toxic environments and overtime, new grads and new hires are abused alot.

I think that we are expected to neglect ourselves for the "common good" and that a warm body at work is often all that is really important. I find that alot of the nurses that I work with are becoming extremely selfish and only look out for #1.

The best way to work is per diem, for even partime turns into full time unless you don't mind everyone hating you.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Geriatrics.

Bedside nursing can have a negative impact on your health both physical and emotional. I have decided that I will no longer work at a job that I can't leave at the job, so to speak. If it's unhealthy in any way, I don't want any part of it.

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Oh yes, I think nursing is physically unhealthy. I just took motrin for back pain due to lifting and pulling and pushing. More than half of my co-workers have been on sick leave for a long time at one time. A lot nurses I work with wear back support to work daily. And the exposure blood and air borne diseases is unspaeakable. Some times patients spend number of days post adm before they are dx with air borne diseases. And then the doctors, nurse managers, fellow nurses and the UAP's, all of these people add stress to one. Nevertheless, I love nursing and I do my best to protect myself and I also pray to the almighty to protect me daily.

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Well, contrary to most statements above, I do NOT think Nursing is the most unhealthy profession out there. I mean, I just graduated my RN program, but I think of the rewards of working 3 12 hour shifts, and being able to help other people. Emotionally, we all knew what we were getting into. Physically... it is up to you to keep your body in shape. I don't smoke, drink rarey, and exercise daily. I also practice yoga, and spend tmie in nature, and BELIEVE me... this helps!!!

So, enough pessimism about our health!!! :p Join a gym or take a yoga class. Better yet, stop smoking!

;)

Lots of Love...

I too exercise, don't smoke, drink alcohol rarely, don't eat pork, have decreased eating most meats and all that other good stuff, but after 17 years I can tell you that although I am not overweight, my blood pressure is significantly higher when at work, I have frequent migraines, I have back aches and more. I have co-workers that have been attacked violently or have contracted various diseases from being stuck by a needle. Of course, their are more physical risks.

All you have to do is take a look at the Workman's Comp claims that are actually being approved. Those are just the one's that are even turned in. Lifting, turning, bending, and more...who do you call when everyone is tied up?

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Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.

I believe in the power of fresh air and sunshine, and lots of golf. too keep me healthy and happy and swinging my putter

Which is why I will never live in the north

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Specializes in Pediatric, Obstetrics, Public Health.

Yes, hospitals are full of sick people and germs. There is no way that doesn't impact those working there. No matter how many times I wear gloves and wash my hands, if a patient sneezes and I'm in that room for an assessment or procedure, sooner or later, I'm going to have to breathe.

Plus, my legs and back hurt all the time. Plus, the stress! Plus, the 12.5 hr shifts. Plus, you get where I'm going here...

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Specializes in I have an interest in Travel and OB/L&D.
I'm pretty sure that most of the nurses who agreed that nursing is unhealthy are O.R. nurses because this is an O.R. nursing section.

Almost every type of acute care nursing is unhealthy though. If you want a nursing job that is not unhealthy, your goal should be to get some kind of desk job. There are some nursing jobs that do not include patient care such as management, research, education, etc.

I don't know about you all, but desk jobs can be very unhealthy and depressing too. I currently have a desk job in an industrial engineering department and it's sooooo miserable and mind-numbing. I cry almost every week after leaving work because it's so boring and miserable. Desk jobs make me feel lazy and worthless. One reason I am attracted to the nursing field is the idea of being on your feet, interacting and helping other people. I admire the real challenge and accountability that comes with the nursing career. I also like the flexibility with nursing as far as shifts you can work. I hate working in a cubicle from 8am to 4:30pm Mon thru Fri. I would love to work 3 days a week for 12 hours each day. And I do not think I would mind overtime either.

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^hey. I'm also an aspiring (black) nurse as well. I can't wait until I'm officially one :) neways, I agree with you, I have never worked in a cubicle(I bet its really boring) but right now just to make money for school I work in retail and its like pointless to me. I couldnt imagine that being a career like it is for some people. but I guess they don't mind. as for nursing, I do like the idea of 3-4 12 hr shifts as well. Once I start working, I hope my opinion on it won't change though. oh yeah off topic but I saw your myspace pics. I love the hair. my hair is also natural. power to the natural sistas hehe :) take care and have a good day.

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Specializes in I have an interest in Travel and OB/L&D.
^hey. I'm also an aspiring (black) nurse as well. I can't wait until I'm officially one :) neways, I agree with you, I have never worked in a cubicle(I bet its really boring) but right now just to make money for school I work in retail and its like pointless to me. I couldnt imagine that being a career like it is for some people. but I guess they don't mind. as for nursing, I do like the idea of 3-4 12 hr shifts as well. Once I start working, I hope my opinion on it won't change though. oh yeah off topic but I saw your myspace pics. I love the hair. my hair is also natural. more power to the natural sistas hehe :) take care and have a good day.

Thank you summersent! Looks like we have a lot in common! And yes, working in a cubicle is VERY boring. I feel like I went to college for nothing. My mind is just wasting away. I didn't go to school to learn how to copy and paste and format reports on Excel. That's for a computer tech. So I figure nursing would be a better career option for me since I'm a humble person who likes to stay busy, so I won't have to stay in one place. Plus, there are SO MANY options with nursing. :)

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