Is it possible to be a fit nurse?

[Crystal112]

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.

[theksmom, ADN, BSN]

I have a question for everyone. Does anyone know of a good at home exercise program? There are days that I really don't want to drive all the way to the gym, plus I have small children and with my husband away child care is an problem, especially with no family around. I've lost a lot of weight just working but i want to tone up. Thanks

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

P90X will kick your behind - I have a friend who did that at home for six weeks and lost SEVEN INCHES from her waist in the process.

You can get it online; it can be a bit pricey but it works - BELIEVE ME it works. You might be able to find the DVDs on craigslist.

You do need a bit of room for it, though, as it has some yoga and some kickboxing.

Fortunately for me (and some days it's unfortunately) being fit is part of my job description - I'm active duty military - and even here at an Air Force hospital there's always cake and stuff in the break room. I'm going to start working on changing that - bringing in a veggie tray or something homemade that's not sweet. Sometimes the temptation is too great!

[Preemie2RN]

My hubby and I are doing P90X and yes it was tough at first, but it has definitely been worth it! I feel so much better! I work a split week M, T, Th then T, Th, F night shift so I had to do it where my "off day" was on a day that I worked for sure. My "off day" is on Tuesday! But I also work at a hospital where fitness is promoted. We have a huge fitness center on campus along with a smaller gym inside the hospital which makes it easy to do something, even if its just walking on the treadmill for a few minutes. We have lots of fitness center promotions including a 12 week bootcamp that they do twice a year. Also, we have a wellness program that is tied into our benefits and insurance. It promotes checkups (both at the doctor and biometric screenings through our fitness center) that can reduce your deductible on your insurance as well as earn gift cards by doing different activities and earning wellness points. Our cafeteria also has a "fit n friendly" menu and special of the day.

I think it is harder at some of the other hospitals in our area because of atmosphere and hospital attitude towards fitness. It is definitely doable in any setting, you just have to be motivated and make it a priority. It surprised me how much better I felt when I went back to working out. I don't ned near as much coffee to make it through the night, and I don't crave the junk food as much. I still have days that all I want is a huge 500 calorie coffee on my way out of the hospital but thats a given and you gotta have a little leeway!:)

[theksmom, ADN, BSN]

Thanks for the reply. I actually made it a priority to get started doing something yesterday and tried Zumba. It was pretty good, but I think I'll give P90X a try for the days I just don't want to leave home. My husband has it (so sad) and we have yet to use it. Thanks again and it sound like you work in an amazing hospital!

[SanDgroovy]

Yes-it's possible!! Kudos to everyone who makes the time for their health and wellbeing.

I work with several RNs who are on P90x or starting, and I see the changes in everyone!! I work out several times a week, and look better than I did in my 20's and certainly feel better than ever. It's all about time management, I schedule my workouts and weekly menu in my planner, just like I would an appointment or meeting.

It helps to plan ahead with meals. On Sundays, I cook a TON of healthy meals, I also cut lots of veggies and fruits (these can be eaten as snacks, thrown into a salad, or added to meals). I separate my healthy snacks (nuts, rice cakes, dried fruit, trail mix, etc) in snack size sandwich baggies. I always have protein bars, yogurt, oats, etc that can eaten as a snack in the middle of my crazy shift, or quick breakfast if I'm low in time. If I am feeling extra organized, I even label the days (Mon shift, Wed shift, Thurs shift)...so the days I work, I just grab and go. That way, you have no reason to go to the vending machine, planning and cooking ahead leave you with all the food you need, and you save $$!

[guest427013]

I am not a nurse yet but I would say that yes it is possible - you must make the fitness and healthful lifestyle a priority. I have worked stressful 12 hour shifts in other jobs and done 4 hour daily commutes to jobs and still found time to exercise. My DH works 10-12 hours a day, is always on his feet and has plantaf fascitis but he takes a healthy lunch most days and picks at it when he can and we eat healthy homemade meals at home - even if it's just quick sandwich and a lot of fresh vegetables and fruit. It can be done - it just has to be a priority.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

It can be done - it just has to be a priority.

'nuff said. :)

[bbie17]

Working atleast 12hrs a day, I think I'm more fit now than I was when I was in college. I'm constantly on my feet, walking, using my arms, bending, lifting...I think that's a lot of physical activity! One of my coworkers wears this mileage meter thing...it tracts how many miles you walk in a day and surprisingly he walks well over 5 miles in a 12hr shift. The only thing that my body takes a toll on from being a nurse is not getting the right nutrients. Some days, I find it hard to eat a healthy meal or even eat at all.

[Who?Me?]

Several things to address here:

1) You must make you a priority. That being said it is not always easy to do so. But working out and taking care of yourself not only impacts you, it impacts your family, your patients, and your coworkers. Being healthy has to be a priority. Try lots of activities till you find one you enjoy. I am loving Zumba so getting out the door to shake my bootay is not too difficult, though sometimes I am doing the salsa with my cell phone in an arm holder so I can feel it vib if I get a call from the hospital to report back for an emergency surgeries when I am on call for the OR.

2) Men in nursing -I think compassion is part of the picture of being a nurse and my male peers are just as compassionate as I am. What I do believe is that most men have the capability to not take things to heart as quickly as women do. Case in point: I have a female coworker who is the biggest witch to all of us and it is difficult to not take her attitude and comments to heart and then stew over them for hours or days. The men I work with just are not as affected by her or say something to her about her attitude or her lack of team work. The women, including me, most of the time just don't even want to confront her.

[ImThatGuy, BSN, RN]

If a truck driver can be fit a nurse can. Granted, I haven't done either, but if you sat on your butt and drove around for 16 hours eating corndogs and had the ability to stay fit then a nurse could.

[MaroonTX]

P90X is amazing and very doable even when working back to back 12 hour shifts. Yes, you have to commit to a 6x/week workout, but the majority of the workouts can be completed in an hour (some are longer/shorter). When I did the program, I actually looked forward to the workouts and on those days where I was just not feeling it, I would allow myself to take the morning off and pick up the next day. One disclaimer: I would definitely NOT recommend this program anyone who is not already in some sort of shape, because it is very intense and may be overwhelming/discouraging for someone who has not exercised for a long period of time. This is just my opinion of course, but I was already in decent shape and found the first couple of weeks very difficult.

Other workout strategies that have worked for me:

1) Something is ALWAYS better than nothing. Even if you feel completely exhausted after an especially tiring shift, just tell yourself you will do what you can for as long as you can, and not be disappointed if your workout is not up to par with your norm. I have found that by using this mentality I am often able to do much more than expected b/c as I start my workout my body wakes back up and I feel good. Focus on what you have accomplished instead of what you might have failed to do during your workout.

2) Don't over plan your workout routine. Instead of saying I HAVE to walk/run this many miles today, go out there and start running/walking, listen to your body, and set your goal as you are walking/running. This prevents me from fixating and consequently dreading having to meet some arbitrary number. I will just go out there and run and if I start to get tired I tell myself "okay 1 more lap" and if after that lap I still don't feel good, I will stop. However, if I'm start feeling better after that "one more lap", I will push myself to do just 1 more and repeat this cycle until I feel done.

3) If you are relatively new to working out try different things until you find something that works for you. If you hate your workout you will be even less motivated to do it. Also mix it up because repetition can get very boring.

I don't know how helpful this will all be, but these strategies have helped me get through many workout slumps. Good luck!

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

Of course it is. I'm in my 40s. I work out 5-6 days a week, run a few half and at least 2 full marathons a year, do a triathlon annually, play a host of sports. I am an appropriate weight, have perfect bp and a resting hr of 40. I am not depressed either, lol. What I am is motivated and consistent.