Is it possible to be a fit nurse?

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With all the stresses a nurse generally deals with plus the shift work times (crazy twelve hour shifts from seven in the morning and seven at night), is it possible for nurses to stay fit throughout their lives and not just when they are young? I am just wondering if the stress of being a nurse is worth it... or the toll it takes on the body is worth going into nursing...even with decent pay to help keep physical fitness (example: being able to afford swimming lessons).

It's definitely not a career for people who are in it for the money...burnout will most likely happen.

What strikes me as odd is that this profession is female dominated, why is it? I've also heard that females were more likely to suffer from depression than men. So, would that mean if nursing was a male dominated profession it is easier for them to handle the emotional toll?

I don't know...in some respects, I feel like nursing might be better male dominated? In the context of the gender-depression fact. Just like I think businesses should be more female dominated... because I've always thought that men were less compassionate in the business world..etc...Just a personal opinion.

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Specializes in ICU.

Fit nurse - I think it's more than possible! It's all a matter of priorities and time management. I don't think you'll ever get to or be in the shape you 'were' - but it is absolutely feasible to become and stay 'fit'.

As for the depression and the 'male' nurses - in the eye of the beholder.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Interesting topic(s).

Nursing is definitely a stressful career, but burnout and depression don't have to be a given, even if one is a female and/or prone to it.

I've been relatively fit for the 18 years I've been in nursing, no back injuries, haven't burned out, but definitely have been stressed out for sure. I'm not sure what "toll" nursing has taken on me. But I'm a decent weight, havn't been sick in the last several years (not even a cold or sniffle), take no medications, have completely normal labs. Not bad a for a 50 year old.

A couple of years ago I got plantar fascitis from having tile floors and being on my feet a lot at work. But I took care of it and still do preventative exercises on my feet and wear inserts to keep it from coming back.

In other words I take care of myself. I just don't let stress happen to me. Not that I haven't had my "issues" and given in to poor choices, I just don't make it a habit.

Given my financial situation, I probably have 20 years left to work and I plan on doing that healthy and fit.

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My husband's aunt is a nurse and one of the most fit people I know. She participated in the Iron Man Triathlon in Hawaii when she was in her 50's. It's possible to be a fit nurse if you make it one of your priorities.

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Specializes in Psych, CICU, Ortho, Army Medic.

I fail to see how your choice of career would influence your fitness level.. Whether or not you're fit, is a lifestyle choice you make.

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Specializes in CSICU/CTICU.

qbedo - I suppose career could impact fitness, especially if you worked and insane amount of hours a week..that being said, I would think a three day schedule would be conducive to physical fitness...that leaves four days to hit the gym..or three if you need a break...agree?

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Specializes in ICU.
qbedo - I suppose career could impact fitness, especially if you worked and insane amount of hours a week..that being said, I would think a three day schedule would be conducive to physical fitness...that leaves four days to hit the gym..or three if you need a break...agree?

I would agree with ElleNY, barring from other responsibilities and extra hours working 3 12's should allow for SOME time to exercise.

Of course we all have responsibilities outside of work, I guess it's a matter of making time.

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Specializes in Psych, CICU, Ortho, Army Medic.

Whether or not I was an RN or a dump truck driver, I would still devote time to my workout routine. It would most likely be implemented in different ways, but being it's part of my lifestyle, I would always do it.

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Specializes in ICU, MedSurg, Medical Telemetry.
With all the stresses a nurse generally deals with plus the shift work times (crazy twelve hour shifts from seven in the morning and seven at night), is it possible for nurses to stay fit throughout their lives and not just when they are young? I am just wondering if the stress of being a nurse is worth it... or the toll it takes on the body is worth going into nursing...even with decent pay to help keep physical fitness (example: being able to afford swimming lessons).

It's definitely not a career for people who are in it for the money...burnout will most likely happen.

What strikes me as odd is that this profession is female dominated, why is it? I've also heard that females were more likely to suffer from depression than men. So, would that mean if nursing was a male dominated profession it is easier for them to handle the emotional toll?

I don't know...in some respects, I feel like nursing might be better male dominated? In the context of the gender-depression fact. Just like I think businesses should be more female dominated... because I've always thought that men were less compassionate in the business world..etc...Just a personal opinion.

Personally, I don't think compassion is need anywhere more than it is in nursing. If women are truly more compassionate, then we are definitely needed more in nursing.

As for depression being more prevalent in females... well, let's just say that, while I'm sure we have nurses on my floor that are depressed, the only one I know to have been affected severely -- to the point of suicide -- was a male nurse, not a female one. So I think that it has more to do with individual persons, rather than their genders.

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Specializes in MED/SURG.

It is all about your attitude and outlook on life.I have only been a nurse for one year however, I am 40 yrs old.Stress yes its there. Has the thought crossed my mind that it may take a toll on me or add a few pounds or grey hairs?YES it certainly has. The thought was a fleeting one because I realize I have a choice in the matter. I can focus on how hard it is to be a nurse and wallow in icecream and pizza or I can focus on why I wanted to be a nurse in the first place.I make a point to show up everyday with a smile and the intent that I'm going to do my best to help my patients. It sounds corny but I feel the only way to help others is to help yourself first.So for me keeping physically fit is HIGH on the priority list.I am 118lbs and 5ft 4 inches.I feel working out at list 4 x/week gives me the stamina to run around at work and acts as a stress relief.Other essential elements that contribute to my health are family, friends,mountains,music,and a good pet.I also see my naturopathic Dr. once a year, have labs drawn, and do a full check up.As far as grey hair goes that's nothing a great stylist can't remedy:> Now my weakness comes when I can't seem to say no to the cookies and chocolate hanging around the unit.If I didn't work out these things would definately be hanging out on my hips:>

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Specializes in Med Surg, Parish Nurse, Hospice.

Just recently realized how important it is to put myself first- took along time to realize this. have lost 31 lbs since Jan 10 with weight watchers. Bp was 150/100 in Jan. Have decreased my work schedule and try to hit the Y at least 3-4 times per week. Have just stated bike riding again after 15 yrs. Take all my food to work and grab a quick snack- healthy during the day- no more candy bars or stuffing cookies in my mouth. Knock on wood- my back pain is alot better and I feel better. Hope to loose 30 more lbs or so. took me years to see the light.

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Specializes in MED/SURG.
Just recently realized how important it is to put myself first- took along time to realize this. have lost 31 lbs since Jan 10 with weight watchers. Bp was 150/100 in Jan. Have decreased my work schedule and try to hit the Y at least 3-4 times per week. Have just stated bike riding again after 15 yrs. Take all my food to work and grab a quick snack- healthy during the day- no more candy bars or stuffing cookies in my mouth. Knock on wood- my back pain is alot better and I feel better. Hope to loose 30 more lbs or so. took me years to see the light.

That's awesome keep going.I am so happy for you!!!!!!

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