'Unhealthy' nurses...bad examples?

Nurses General Nursing

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I hope this post doesn't offend anyone,but I have noticed a lot of the nurses I know are overweight,smokers or both. Obviously people become nurses because they completed school,and are qualified to do their jobs,which has nothing to do with physical appearance or vices.

Its common knowledge that smoking and/or obesity can kill you,but I would think those in the healthcare field would have a more acute idea of how health is jeopardized by these things. I am asking one out of curiousity,and secondly because I myself am overweight. I was just wondering if anybody has ever gotten any flak from patients or higher-ups? Or do you feel you aren't taken as seriously because of how you look,or because you need a cigarette break? I hope this hasn't happened,since its discriminatory and wrong,but we all know that doesn't mean much! :(

Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
I wonder how many nurses there would be if all the nurses who were overweight or smokers left the profession. Would the nurses who remained be the better nurses?

I wonder if nursing schools should use weight/smoking as a criteria for entry into their programs. But...why stop there? How about gambling, profanity, involvement in abusive relationships, social drinking, multiple sexual partners, or just bad taste?

You can't legislate morality or personal habits. You can educate and advocate and maybe people will change their behaviors but to generalize and call an entire group of nurses who are overweight or smoke "the rogues of the profession" is uncalled for. The definition of rogue is "vagrant, tramp, dishonest or worthless person." And, yes, this was in an earlier post, and, yes, it does seem to have disappeared. Merits an apology, I think.

Yes, I agree my earlier post warrants an apology. Therefore, please allow me to offer my most sincere apologies. I was guilty of misuse of the english language. My intent was to use the words hypocrtical rogue together as one thought, but later realized even that was inappropriate. I'm thankful one of the Mods via PM brought it to my attention how the phrase came across. So, I made an edit [Last edited by Corvette Guy : Yesterday at 01:26 PM. Reason: Upon Moderator request & alleviate any further misunderstanding...] I can assure I did not mean to inflict any deep wounds.

I've tried to communicate my thoughts on this matter of health care professionals and bad habits of smoking, substance abuse, excessive eating to the point of obesity and the bad example of wellness such indicates. I never meant to imply any of these bad habits indicated, or had a prevalent correlation with poor nursing skills, lack of compassion, or empathy for their patient. All along I've maintained that such bad habits provide a bad example of wellness, and nothing more & nothing less.

Again, my deepest apologies for any unintentional harm that I've caused.

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Unfortunately, our society is becoming more obese. We all know as nurses the health implications of smoking, overeating, not exercising, etc. However, we are human. Bad habits and weight become issues if they affect patient care. I have a few pounds to lose just like many people, but I don't feel that it affects my performance as a nurse nor do I know of anyone who has received "flak". I think as nurses we also have a tendency to take care of everyone else first, ourselves last. We work hard - our patients come first at our sacrifice. How many times do we push ourselves in high stress situations, work long hours, don't take breaks, eat whatever is available or not eat because we are putting patient needs first?

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
I just one quick response... We are all nurses right? We know that often times that a person can do all they can work out eat right and gentics just dictates that they will be heavier... Im not talking morbidly obese... but overweight.. I work out and play hard and still have a weight issue.. again not morbidly obese... but I have tried every thing to loose weight and as my doctor says as long as you eat healthy and dont put your self at risk by being morbidly obese then you are just a bigger gal. I would rather enjoy my life then die trying to fit into someone elses image of what is thin.

A typical nursing student gains 20 lbs during school

I understand exactly where your coming from... I'm no where thin & often times drastically thin can be as risky health wise as obesity. I don't think the topic [i'm not the OP, btw] is fitting into someone's image of being thin. Again, I do see where your coming from and make a valid point. Whenever I've posted on this thread about the subject of overweight my thoughts were on obesity ... more on the side of morbid obesity. I don't think any less of such folks, but do think it is time they get on some type of wellness program. BTW, if I come across as judgemental, then that is not my direction of intent. Plus, I do commend those that are trying to watch what they eat, get exercise & proper rest, etc. Yes, I realize life's schedule can be hectic and we can't always practice what is best on the side of wellness.

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Boy, I am sure glad you do not work hospice. You might find this hard to believe, but some of us are considerate smokers. I am amazed that someone that speaks like she is so judgemental is in the nursing profession. Some of my patients are in their deathbed at home, smoking a cigarette, and have floors that you cannot even see. I can only imagine what kind of support you would give them.

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.

If a nurse specializes in oncology, yet is a heavy smoker & carries the lingering odor as proof, then would not family members of a dying patient of lung adenocarcinoma be a little concerned... would they be passing judgement... I don't think so, but JMHO.

I know plenty of onco nurses that smoke (I don't). They rarely have patients/families raise any issue with them, even if they smell of smoke. But then many of those that have lung ca (plus any of the other dozens of smoking related cancers/diseases), the patients and the families themselves smoke.

There frequently is a lot of denial. When my own father died of end stage emphysema and cancer, the family of course blamed his working in the military without wearing a mask......not the 3-4 pack a day unfiltered pall mall habit. But then most of them shared the same habit, and were actually trying to smoke in the funeral home.

But I have dalt with people that get snide about weight issues. Even minor weight issues on a nurse provokes comments. One of the other BB that specializes in med students routinely has antinurse comments, usually prefaced by fat or ugly or both. As if either one is synonymous with "bad nursing".

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I was actually speaking to the original nurse and the thin and beautiful one. I was not speaking to the posts just prior to mine.

Thanks...:D

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
Boy, I am sure glad you do not work hospice. You might find this hard to believe, but some of us are considerate smokers. I am amazed that someone that speaks like she is so judgemental is in the nursing profession. Some of my patients are in their deathbed at home, smoking a cigarette, and have floors that you cannot even see. I can only imagine what kind of support you would give them.

I am not a she, and I am not judgemental, but I am a very compassionate nurse. However, thank you for not judging me. :rolleyes:

Folks, please don't make this personal. If ya'll wish for me to go away [from this Thread], then I can comply for the sake of honor.

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
I was actually speaking to the original nurse and the thin and beautiful one. I was not speaking to the posts just prior to mine.

Thanks...:D

Okay, then I appreciate the clarification... besides I'm not thin & beautiful ;)

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
I know plenty of onco nurses that smoke (I don't). They rarely have patients/families raise any issue with them, even if they smell of smoke. But then many of those that have lung ca (plus any of the other dozens of smoking related cancers/diseases), the patients and the families themselves smoke.

There frequently is a lot of denial. When my own father died of end stage emphysema and cancer, the family of course blamed his working in the military without wearing a mask......not the 3-4 pack a day unfiltered pall mall habit. But then most of them shared the same habit, and were actually trying to smoke in the funeral home.

But I have dalt with people that get snide about weight issues. Even minor weight issues on a nurse provokes comments. One of the other BB that specializes in med students routinely has antinurse comments, usually prefaced by fat or ugly or both. As if either one is synonymous with "bad nursing".

Agreed! Snide & rude remarks about one's bad habits is always inappropriate.

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I am not a she, and I am not judgemental, but I am a very compassionate nurse. However, thank you for not judging me. :rolleyes:

Folks, please don't make this personal. If ya'll wish for me to go away [from this Thread], then I can comply for the sake of honor.

"Thank you for not judging me."

Gee, Corvette Guy, you kinda brought that on yourself.

I appreciate the apology. Over it. :wink2:

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
Interesting thread. I appreciate the many atriculate and thoughtful comments.

I absolutely do not think we should pander to our patients and their biases. I've had patients who are racist, too - and I ignore their comments just as I would ignore any ignorant comments about my appearance. I've had patients who have refused to be cared for by a man, "a foreigner," a woman; who think their caregiver is incompetent because s/he is too young or old, and on and on.

Patients often ask me the nationality of my coworkers, and I smile and say, "I am fortunate to work with such outstanding people." The message is received. The question is not usually asked again.

I aim to deal with people politely and professionally. I expect that in return.

Ultimately, what other people think of me is of much less interest to me than what I think about myself.

A persons nationality and a persons unhealthy habits are not paralleled. Heck, I'm nearly 5'7", which means on a cold day I probably look like a Smurf. If someone wants to complain about my height, race , or gender [i.e. male nurse] for that matter, that is their problem. If, someone has an unhealthy habit they can with help modify such habits.

BTW, thank goodness I enjoy working out because if not with the way I like chocolate the Army would kick me out in a heart beat. However, if I stay fit & watch what I eat I can be in better health, thus be a better health care provider R/T more energy and a good presentation.

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
"Thank you for not judging me."

Gee, Corvette Guy, you kinda brought that on yourself.

I appreciate the apology. Over it. :wink2:

I respect your opinion and just as important glad you were receptive to my sincere apology. I do hope this Thread can get off the path of a personal nature.

:flowersfo

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