Good Looking Enough to be a Nurse?

Audrey28 · Jul 11, 2008

To the OP, I hope you're feeling better and more confident soon. Trust me, once you're in the thick of a 12 hr. shift no one could give a rats behind what they're coworker is wearing or looks like. They're just hoping you're competent enough to help the patient and get everyone home on time. Good luck. :nuke:

I love that coming from a guy! [Wish more men were like that]... BIG POINTS FOR YOU! LOL :yeah:

:redpinkheAudrey

annmariern · Jul 11, 2008

I find this very sad, sad because this is something I've noticed lately in the teenage, 20 something girls who seem to feel that they have to look like Media barbie to be accepted. Its not new, but the proliferation of media images, so called "stars", Paris and the like, famous for nothing useful, are obviously having a huge impact on young girls. That someone who is thinking about a nursing career and more worried about "pleasing" the doctors and patients with their appearance, wow.

before my time, but the fifties spring to mind. To the OP; this is a real issue for you, I get that, we all have insecurities, men too, how can we not when 16 year olds on magazine covers are being airbrushed to perfection? And I won't say that being beautiful doesn't win you a lot of advantages in life. It does. Naomi Campbell for instance. And then look at how she behaves. As ugly as sin. All that matters is who you are. What kind of nurse you want to be. As someone said, no one gives a damn what you look like after 12 plus hours running around, you think anyone looks good? :nono: All your coworkers, your pts, the doctors will care about are your skills and your personality. Honestly. I agree that this issue for you needs some help, because its no way to live your life feeling so negative about yourself. Its changeable with some work, I have felt some of the same pressures and spent hours and money and precious time on the outside when all along the only thing I needed to change was the inside. Good luck.

rogramjet · Jul 11, 2008

I have struggled with weight my whole life. I went to nursing school to be a diabetes educator, since I have diabetes myself, I wanted to help others. I went to my class reunion and was talking to a classmate who is also a nurse. When I told her that I wanted to be a diabetes educator she told me that I was too fat to be a diabetes educator. I AM a Certified Diabetes Educator, and I'll tell you that my patients appreciate the fact that I DO struggle with weight and diabetes right along with them. I think in the 4 years since I started as a diabetes educator I've only had 1 pt comment on my weight. It is your personality, your knowledge, and your skills that your patients will notice and your coworkers as well.

michaelarose · Jul 11, 2008

I know it sounds like a silly question. But, I'm worried because I know most doctors want to have good looking nurses to work alongside. Also, I know many male patients will want to have good looking nurses taking care of them. I'm so insecure about my appearance and have struggled w/ eating disorders on and off for years. I'm a third year student in the fall and am already dieting like crazy to be in top shape for my first clinical. I know I shouldn't worry about this or let it enter my mind, but it always comes up! Ahhh . Thanks guys.

Actually most patients that are sick are not too concerned about how their nurse looks, they just want someone to help them. Plus, as one of my Clinical Instructors use to say "Nursing is all about bobby socks and Reeboks, if you think you being cute is part of this profession you are in the wrong field."

Most patients are pretty embarrassed to need help with ADLs period... I don't think they are worried about how their nurse looks.

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Jul 12, 2008

Some of this type of thing got brought up at work one day. The way I as an ER nurse looked at it was if I was in a MVC or a trauma (or my family) would I want a nurse that was competent and had not had time to check her lipstick in the last hour, or one that was reapplying hers while I was hurting, bleeding, ect.

Now, I'm not saying I get out of bed and go to work within 5 seconds, not saying that pretty nurses aren't good nurses, or anything else like that, but you get my point. I'm not working on the set of General Hospital!

Anne, RNC

chenoaspirit, ASN, RN · Jul 12, 2008

Im sure any patient would rather have a GOOD and COMPETENT nurse caring for them rather than worrying about what he/she looks like. When I was a patient I just wanted to be taken well care of so I could go home. And you can bet your bottom that any doc would rather work alongside a competent nurse, pretty, ugly, short, tall, whatever. You should get in shape for your health and inner peace, not for any other reason. If they want a pretty nurse, then Im out of luck! lol

nici1978 · Jul 12, 2008

i agree. it does not matter how you look but it does matter how good you work....

nici

suespets · Jul 12, 2008

I have to say,where I work in ltc, an obese nurse did take verbal abuse from a few residents. They were not all demented either. Yes ,it hurt her,cuz apparently she can't lose her wt.I think, the best You could do for your self,while you are tryng to rectify your situation(& have,to some degree) is to know, at the end of the day, you are the better person!!! sue

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jul 12, 2008

It's sad to read the initial post, realizing that this young woman isn't a crackpot but rather the product of a seriously screwed up media portrayal of nurses.

How many times have we tuned in to tv shows to see either a ridiculous nurse character with perfect figure, perfect makeup and perfect hair (who is well liked) or the overweight, bad hair and frumpy nurse who is seen as The Evil Nurse, who is mean to children and animals? And what the heck does any of that have to do with how nurses really ARE and are REALLY perceived by physicians, therapists, patients, etc?

I'm sad to see the OP actually dieting to be in what she perceives as "top shape" for her first clinical, when she's coming from a background of an eating disorder. "Top shape" for your first clinical should be well-rested, having had a good breakfast beforehand and a snack brought along for stamina, and having prepared academically. Whether you weigh 120 or 170 is far less of a concern.

Please heed the responses you've gotten here, and realize that if YOU expect others to judge you primarily (or perhaps only?) by your physical appearance, you give them much ammunition against you. People tend to reap what they sow!