How good of shape (physically) do you need to be in to be a nurse?

chicookie, BSN, RN · May 11, 2009

I am in really bad shape but I managed all right. My friend is obese and she has only the regular ol' complaints.

Be_Moore · May 11, 2009

There are plenty of nurses who are in terrible shape who still manage to do their jobs. But I will say that being in shape helps. There is a lot of manual-labor in nursing. The issue with the physical work is that it doesn't require you to be in shape, but being in shape acts as protection for you. For example: when you have to turn a patient, or pull a patient up in the bed...a person who is physically strong will use less of their body to do the work. A person who is not physically strong will recruit accessory muscles to help the job..what you lack in arm strength you will try to compensate with back strength and if you aren't careful, it will lead to injury.

But don't worry about if you are in good enough shape to be a nurse. Are you in good enough shape to lead a long, healthy life?

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · May 11, 2009

You should be in good enough shape to be on your feet for several hours at a time, to repeatedly bend and stoop and to boost, turn, and assist patients with transfers.

Music in My Heart · May 11, 2009

It's all relative.

Compared to a desk job, nursing is a physical job... compared to a lot of physically demanding jobs I've had in various trades, it's not too bad.

The obesity rate among nurses appears to mirror that of the general population.

Beyond body mass, the single biggest thing you could do to help yourself would be trunk strengthening.

Beverage · May 11, 2009

I'm a new RN with 1 yr on Tele floor and I lost 30# the first 4 months. Most days I run my ( ! ) off the entire 12 hr shift. Start with 4 pts, d/c 1 or 2 and the bed doesn't get cold before I have a slip with new admit so I've actually assessed and charted on 6 pt's. If you're not in shape, floor nursing will get you in better shape.

FireStarterRN, BSN, RN · May 11, 2009

This may seem like a silly question, but I keep thinking about how out of shape I am and will this affect me being a nurse. (basically I could stand to lose about 30-40lbs) How physically demanding is being a nurse? Thanks for your responses!

Probably the majority of nurses are not particularly in tip top shape, yet still manage to perform the job well. There are quite a few that are quite overweight and still function just fine. I don't think you should worry unless you have some underlying health problem.

Of course taking care of your body will keep you able to do the job for longer.

allnurses Guide · May 11, 2009

Well if I'm any example.... not very. :)

Seriously though, it's good to keep yourself fit.... not only does it set a good example for your patients, it's just better for YOU and your health! And, some fields of nursing DO require a good bit of physical exertion, so it does certainly help to be in good shape.

But you really don't HAVE to be in top physical condition or anything. Again, I'm in pretty lousy shape right now... not good.

NIGHTWOLF87 · May 12, 2009

i am soooo in shape, i can pick up the majority of my patients with one hand! :pumpiron:

then again.....i work in nicu.....:thankya:

RNperdiem, RN · May 12, 2009

You do not need the physique of an athlete to do this work.

You do need a certain amount of stamina and the ability to stand for long periods of time.

Fitness can be built up on the job.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · May 12, 2009

Just how physically disabled are you? I worked with people who were 150 pounds overweight, limped down a hall and couldn't get down on the floor to do CPR on someone. The hospital still hired them. Many of my pre-hire physicals involved being able to lift 25 pounds and that I passed a drug screen, not get on a treadmill and demonstrate that I didn't have exertional dyspnea (shortness of breath). You do need to be able to stand for long hours so if you have problems with your feet get comfortable shoes with arch supports.

ohcomeon · May 12, 2009

Thanks for the replies. I am a bit overweight, as I said, and I also have moderately severe scoliosis which does cause me some pain. It seems to be occuring more often now that I have gained weight, so maybe weight loss will help with that. I do work in retail now so I am on my feet 8-9 hours at a time there and can manage that. I'm just dead tired when I get home though, lol. Thanks again!