Is being overweight going to affect Nursing career choice?

[2amigos]

I'm not talking about the "skinny-ninny" that just has to lose those invisible 5 pounds... , I'm talking about being "plus size". I am 44 years old, have five kids (two are on their own now yeah!!!) and wear a 26/28 size. I bet some of you didn't know that clothes came in that size :chuckle

I am doing my prerequisites now hoping to start Nursing Program in fall of 2003. I know I should lose some weight, and I probably will.......but well, what do ya'll think? I feel kinda dumb even asking cause if someone made a comment to me in person I'd defend my right to work, etc...... but you know how it goes. I'd just like to hear what some of you have to think about this.

Thanks!

[RN-PA, RN]

I am an "average" size and the only thing I can think of that may be more of an annoyance than a problem is maneuvering in patients' rooms. With our semi-private, two-bed rooms-- and somtimes in a bed crunch, the larger private, one-bed rooms are doubled-- it's a challenge to deal with equipment such as IV pumps, Gomco machines (gastric suction), tube feedings, bedside tables, visitor's chairs, visitors, etc. etc. in a cramped space. Last night at work, I was trying to get to an IV pump in bed #2, and ended up bumping butts with a nurse attempting to insert an IV into the patient in bed #1. Fortunately, I didn't mess up her stick. I often feel like a contortionist as I try to work in these tight spaces. My hips have knocked many a phone or water pitcher off patients' bedside tables... Maybe it's just my clutziness more than my size.

With a positive, can-do attitude which it sounds like you possess, you can accomplish anything-- all the best to you!

[emily_mom]

I was a size 16-18 when I started school, and I didn't feel any different than anyone else. My changing point was when I had to tell someone they should lose weight and she was about the same size as me.

I went on Weight Watchers and am now a size 8. I was always thin but let my weight get the best of me. It was all I thought about, but I was never motivated enough to do it.

I say, if you can do the work (which I never had a problem), the hell with all the others. Go for it!!

Kristy

[Sarahstudent]

I think that the Nursing program not only teaches us skills for the job, it also teaches us lifestyle skills that we can use. Nutrition and Excersise are areas that we need to encourage patients. I just know that when I start learning alot of this stuff that I will be picking apart everything that goes into my families mouths. I think that to properly encourage your pts to loose weight, you must be able to encourage yourself.

I'm 5'6 and weight 175lbs. I'm not ashamed of my body shape. but I do wish that I was healthier and more active and ate right.

I think this will be a good opportunity to learn and practice healthy living.

[Hidi74]

Hey everyone!!

I was so glad to see this post! I am 5'8 size 22-24, I have often wondered if my being plus size would affect my work. I feel so much better now hearing all of your input! I do hope as I go through school and learn more about the body and nutrition, I t might help me to want to lose weight again.

[debralynn]

I too am a "Big Bone" woman!!(O Cartman, I love you!)! 2amigos, I am same size as you! I too have had these same questions and worries as you! The only thing I really worry about is my knees! My right one already gives me trouble! Heck, I was just happy when I tried on my uniform to get sized, they had my size!!!! 2amigos, lets pray, that all this stress and work that comes with being a nurse, our pounds will just drop off of us!!! I can only hope!!!! But right now, I don't miss out on much sleep on this topic, even though I know I should! Remember what Cartman says," You Ba....D, I'm not fat, I'm just BIG BONE!!!!

[HazeK]

ABSOLUTELY! Especially if you decide to do 12 hour days in a hospital!

Now, before someone gets bent because I said yes to your question,

I am 345 pounds, size 26-28, at age 50, and I work full time, plus in Labor & delivery!

Of course my weight affects my work! Dh!

-By the end of the day, my ankles drape over the top of my shoes...

-the scrubs issued to the rest of the staff don't fit me, so special ones were ordered that I have to wash myself...or go naked! (yuck)

-a comfortable room temperature for the skinny nurses is hotter 'n heck to me...

-the charge nurse gives me the fat patients "because I understand how they must feel" and because I am 'big enough to help them move after their epidurals".

-I can't jump into bed with the patient when there is a prolapsed cord incident...so I run backwards beside the bed and squish through the doors! (yes, fat does squish)

-I have varicose veins that look like roadmaps of the LA freeway system...but find it difficult if not impossible to wear support stockings due to my size and the heat!

etc.

Suggestion: start NOW to eat healthy, and get the weight down before you are working fulltime!

-I

[RNIAM, BSN, RN]

HazeK

I am sorry you have such a hard time. All it took for me to stop having knee pain was to start exercising. I had terrible knee pain and after three weeks of cardio and moving I am very happy to report that my knee pain is gone. Hope this helps.