Is it Hard to be a Healthy Nurse?

joanna73, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2011

You have to make a choice, no matter what the career, to lead a balanced life. I walk, do yoga, eat healthy, except for my 2 junk days each week. I refuse to work certain units because I just don't want the stress anymore (ie ICU, emerg, acute). Nursing is my second career. I left my last management career due to burnout, so I'm much wiser this time around. I don't feel that I have anything to prove anymore, except an honest effort to do the best I can. And before I take care of anyone, it will be me first, in order to do that. So, no. It isn't hard to be healthy. It all depends on your values and your mindset :)

I'm a new nurse, but "old" to life, you could say.

Alpine Hiker · Apr 18, 2011

Thanks for asking this question, as it is one that's been on my mind recently! I too am starting nursing school in the fall, also as my second career, and I currently have a similar sounding 'desk job'.

Partly to get more fit and partly for the upcoming rigours of nursing school, I joined a gym a few months back, to make sure my body is strong for the upcoming career change. I also (mostly) eat healthy snacks at work, and keep things like almonds on hand in my desk, and yogurt in the office fridge, for when I get peckish for something to eat.

I loved Joanna73's answer, and I agree wholeheartedly. It is great to read something like that. Balance, satisfaction with doing your best without feeling the need to prove yourself and taking care of oneself truly apply to any career choice (and to life in general!)

Thank you to you both.

Music in My Heart · Apr 18, 2011

I find it easier to control my weight as a nurse than in previous tech profession. I'm on my feet and hustling all day rather than sitting at a desk.

Other than that, though, it's neither harder nor easier to be healthy than it is in any other field.

loriangel14, RN · Apr 18, 2011

Welcome and congratualtions. I also attended Georgians RPN course and it was a new career for me also. Yes you do have to make a conscious effort to stay healthy while working as a nurse. Being on your feet a lot does help but the challenge I have is that work a lot and not always the same shift. I have worked an evening, day and night shift all in the same week. Not many work like that but getting the right amount of sleep is important.Pack a nutritious meal when you go to work, don't eat junk from the cafeteria, drink lots of water and try to avoid all the yummy treats that appreciative patients and families drop off.Don't forget to take time when you are away from work to do things for yourself.Everyone needs a holiday from work stress now and then.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2011

It took me 5 years in total to get my BSN, too. I had to take prerequisites and then 4 years of school. I also worked, and made time for myself. Sometimes you have to remember the big picture and try not to get bogged down with all the small details. I really enjoyed school and I did well. What helped me was maintaining a balance. The school is really not too bad, if you can make yourself a schedule, and figure out how you learn best.

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Apr 19, 2011

Working rotating shifts is hard on the body, even if the work itself is not. People who work nights are prone to digestive and urinary tract and cardiovascular disorders and make pre-existing problems worse, especially those requiring prescription drugs to control. Many shift workers have sleep and/or mood disorders. Shift workers in one study had higher BMIs, waist-hip ratios, diastolic BPs, insulin, triglyceride, uric acid levels and leucocyte counts... all markers for metabolic syndrome. It's possible to be healthy and work shift work, but it doesn't happen by itself. It takes thought and planning to ensure that you eat properly, exercise, get enough quality sleep and socialize. The fact that you're asking the question suggests you're already thinking about it, and that's a good thing!

Fiona59 · Apr 19, 2011

It's not so much healthy eating and exercise that's the problem. It's wear and tear on your body by constant patient care. Every injury I've had is due to a patient refusing to follow safe transfer instructions. For some reason they seem to think a nurse can lift them up from anything without their co-operation. They just grab your arm, shoulder, hand, and pull on you. They don't care if you are off and injured due to their inability to follow instructions.

We have two nurses off on my unit due to these types of injuries. It's a bit of a joke on my unit "we want to have a back when we are your age". Seniors are the worst offenders.

So eat healthy, exercise and avoid patients if you want to be healthy.

Lyla_001 · Apr 20, 2011

Get engaged in a physical activity that you really like.

Otherwise it will be easy to find a excuse to do not doing it if you are tired.

I have been swimming for years, I´m pretty sure it protected me from many problems related with the long shifts.

Meditation, to calm the mind, is also essential for me.

CanadianWolverine · Apr 21, 2011

No matter what your job is you need to make healthy eating and exercise your lifestyle to be successful. I normally put in 126 hours with the biz a week when busy and can still fins time to lift some weight and make healthy choices in eating. A big mac now and then ain't gonna kill you though haha.

Ladyj83 · Apr 21, 2011

Thank you all for your posts! It's reassuring that it's not any more difficult in Nursing than it is in any other job. I guess it really is all about just MAKING the time.