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Especially when it comes to getting hired, pay raises and such things. I mean, I'm sure hospital administration can't possibly expect us all to look like super models, but isn't there some sort of 'look' hiring managers tend to gravitate toward?
People are overweight for reasons over than sloth and overeating. One's BMI is just one measure of health, but it certainly is a very obvious one to others. For those who suffer from eating disorders and/or other conditions that prevent or hinder them from being in the "normal" BMI range as well as those who simply let the pounds creep up, I wish society was more understanding and accepting.
I found an article that says more employers are looking for people that will fit into their workplace culture, a person that is similar to them and has the same interests. Not everyone agrees that this is the best way to go because they may miss out on some great potential employees but it seems to be the trend.
Employers tend to hire people they'd like to hang out with - Money - TODAY.com
IMO, I think that hiring managers look for a combination of many things which include someone who is qualified, the right fit for their department's culture and many other qualities that are important to them and their boss.
OK, got to put my 2 cent's worth in. First, I thought everybody knew that "ppl" meant "people." I have used that myself for years. Second, I have read a lot of articles lately that claim it is better to be a little overweight rather than underweight, esp. in times of illness, and that BMI is no longer considered to be that important of an indicator of health.
I found an article that says more employers are looking for people that will fit into their workplace culture, a person that is similar to them and has the same interests. Not everyone agrees that this is the best way to go because they may miss out on some great potential employees but it seems to be the trend.Employers tend to hire people they'd like to hang out with - Money - TODAY.com
IMO, I think that hiring managers look for a combination of many things which include someone who is qualified, the right fit for their department's culture and many other qualities that are important to them and their boss.
Hmm that is an interesting concept. Thanks for sharing!
OK, got to put my 2 cent's worth in. First, I thought everybody knew that "ppl" meant "people." I have used that myself for years. Second, I have read a lot of articles lately that claim it is better to be a little overweight rather than underweight, esp. in times of illness, and that BMI is no longer considered to be that important of an indicator of health.
I agree on both counts.
I'm in a researching mood tonight, can't sleep I have and A&P I final coming up, oy vey. So anyway, I found these two articles that basically say BMI is a tool that can be used to help predict potential health risks but it doesn't mean that those health risks will actually develop. Everyone's body baseline, genetics and "best weight" are different.
How Accurate Is Body Mass Index, or BMI?
Forget BMI. Do You Know Your 'Best Weight'? - US News
Final thought: It's possible for the same person to have a BMI of less than 25 with no health problems go up to a BMI of 40 and still not develop any health problems. Actually it can be a health risk if said person were to lose weight too quickly to get back down to the 24.9 BMI. I've seen it too many times, gallbladder removals because of extreme dieting and drastic weight loss. Not the ideal health scenario to be in but hey at least they will be at the lower BMI
What is up with this site and the fat nurse giving weight loss advice issue? This is almost as hashed out as the ADN vs BSN debates. Is there really an epidemic of fat nurses working in weight loss clinics? Is this something to lose sleep over?
I think it's naive to think that looks don't factor in to how others treat you in the world, including in interview situations. And while it's probably inevitable that we judge based on looks subconsciously, shouldn't we strive to consciously judge on more substantial things?
What's a "ppl"? And while I'm happy for you that you're getting all fit and healthy, you cannot tell just by looking at someone whether or not THEY are fit and healthy. A fat person may be far more fit and healthy than the skinny person standing right next to her.
Thank-you!
I'm 190 lbs and 5'7. I have stellar cholesterol, BP, glucose and heart rate. A friend of mine is 120 lbs soaking wet, (also 5'7), with hypertension and tachycardia. Neither of those is her fault, but I am certainly the more healthy of the two of us, "fat" and all.
What is up with this site and the fat nurse giving weight loss advice issue? This is almost as hashed out as the ADN vs BSN debates. Is there really an epidemic of fat nurses working in weight loss clinics? Is this something to lose sleep over?I think it's naive to think that looks don't factor in to how others treat you in the world, including in interview situations. And while it's probably inevitable that we judge based on looks subconsciously, shouldn't we strive to consciously judge on more substantial things?
Hee, hee... "substantial"....
But, seriously, I agree. Surely there are weightier isuues we could chew the fat over.
Actually it has been proven. You're sounding like one of those people who say evolution isn't true because it hasn't been proven in a study, when there is a preponderance of scientific evidence that shows it is true. This is the same concept. Being fat doesn't just affect cardiac health and liver; it also hurts your joints through increased mechanical wear. Unless we've got fat people who are able to defy the laws of physics, then that alone is enough to say that being fat hurts your health.You can point to some freaky exceptions where the fat person is healthier than the thin person because the thin person has some other underlying thing going on, but the fact is that all other things being equal, being thin is much healthier than being fat. I can't imagine anyone arguing against that, unless they have some freaky agenda in mind. Exceptions do not invalidate the general rule; that's why they're called "exceptions."
I never said, c'mon everybody gain some weight, because it's healthy for you. I would argue, that if you were to find a scenario with "all other things being equal" except for weight, the 2 people in question would have to be either clones or identical twins with the exact same life experience. And they would probably have the same "health" level! There are waaaay too many variables to expect to find "all other things being equal."
I'm not arguing that we should look at exceptions and decide to make that the rule. I'm simply stating that HEALTH and WEIGHT are 2 different things. You cannot tell a person's health level just by looking at them. That goes for both fat and thin people!
I'm not denying that there are plenty of studies that have correlated obesity with a number of health issues. But those studies have NOT controlled for things like: eating habits, movement/exercise, stress levels, sleep habits, and genetics. The conclusion that you draw that being fat hurts your health CANNOT be drawn from those studies. Remember research methods 101? Correlation does not mean causation!
There is a plethora of evidence that shows that healthy habits, not body size, are the best determinant of health. Take weight out of the equation if you are trying to achieve the best health you can (and not everybody is, and that's OK). So while I would never tell a patient to "lose weight," if they are interested in improving their odds for best health, I would tell them to work at healthy behaviors instead, such as:
-Eating lots of fruits and vegetables
-Moving their bodies in ways they enjoy
-Avoiding stress
-Getting plenty of sleep
-Not smoking
-Not drinking in excess
You might say that if a person were to do all those things, they would lose weight. Maybe they would. Maybe not. In most cases, weight loss is short term but the health benefits last even if the person is (shudder) moribidly obese!
If you tell people to "lose weight" and "Eat right" and "Exercise" you are most likely writing a prescription for failure, and in many cases your advice will mean the person actually ends up weighing more than if they had done nothing. But if you tell them to focus on behaviors, and simply let their weight fall where it will, you can actually help them become healthier. That's the point, isn't it? And that's EVIDENCE based.
Hee, hee... "substantial"....But, seriously, I agree. Surely there are weightier isuues we could chew the fat over.
I have to tell you, there are many students on here and the general public that stumble upon this site who are shocked by the insensitivity of people who claim to be nursing professionals. Where I come from if you choose nursing you know and act like it's your job to be a compassionate advocate for the suffering in your community. Not find a way to make fun of them every chance you get.
Stay classy AN.
Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN
20,908 Posts
Thanks....I really love being here. Healthcare workers.....A better understanding? read threads here about overweight, chronic pain, disability and "entitlements" but that is another thread....LOL
Someone actually came to an interview in jammies? Oh lord help us! I have had people in slipper though. I have always hired good people whio knew their stuff....so I always had a bit of a motley crew. But they were the BEST!!!!
I think it has to do with appearances....NO ONE can tell me that I am not qualified for a telephone triage job or ask a nurse line...however that position has eluded me somehow
There loss....It is what it is.
I use my talents elsewhere and spend my time here at my beleoved AN who has seen me from the begining of this reluctant journey and tutoring students online. I keep updated through a friend AND help her with her unit management by being a mentor. I volunteer as a sim lab instructor/tutor. I have another friend who is a critical care educator/clin Spec and I am forever helping her with educational things and teaching. I'm good!