Designated "muscle" on clinicals

ArmaniX, MSN, APRN · Apr 20, 2015

Just pretend you are extremely weak.. or have a hurt back and really are limited in your ability. I suggest doing this sooner then later because you will be used up until the point you do injure yourself.

But honestly, if you have the time and you are doing team nursing (with pulling those 400lb patients up in bed) then I'd assist my team member. There are times when you'll want the help of those "little" female nurses such as inserting a foley into your delicate/modest elderly female patient. It's a trade off.

Clinicals are slightly different, at least it seemed during mine we were just glorified free CNAs for the staff. But when you are a nurse and have your own team, your patients are your priority. The only time I get asked to help with a patient is if the nurse needs to pull the patient up in bed, or get them out of bed to chair (or back) and it truly requires two sets of hands.

mrsboots87 · Apr 20, 2015

Honetly, just tell them your feelings. Let them know you will help when you can, but not to be a first resort for everything because youa re feeling used. I am a student nurse and a CNA. When I have to lift or re position a very heavy person, I will always look for the strongest person available to help me (note the word available because I wont ask a busy person). If its a man so be it. If its a woman, then great. But I wont go to a man for everything just because they are strong because its rude. Let them know you dont want EVERY heavy patient because your back matters too. Just because you happen to be stronger, doesnt mean your back deserves to take all the abuse.

SWagow1 · Apr 23, 2015

It was the same for my school. There were roughly 5 guys in my class, so a guy was in each group. Your classmates should know that with the help of your other classmates, anyone can be moved. It doesn't have to be a male helper. It's pretty amazing how much teamwork (and proper body mechanics!) can do. You might have to get used to being the go to person to help move in a female dominate profession.

barcode120x, RN, NP · Apr 25, 2015

It never really bugged me during clinicals or during work; however, I always make sure whoever I am helping is there with me to help because simply, it's her patient, not mine. We guys are there to help/assist, not do the job for them. As SWagow1 had mentioned, it's 99.9% body mechanics and it's easy. Side-note, getting a patient from the wheelchair to their car is ALWAYS awkward (positioning, not feeling) lol. Also, you are all teammates. If you are busy, just tell them. You should start to get used to it now because it'll be like that when your a murse. There's a thread in section "Men In Nursing" talking about male nurses being taking advantage of (depending on how you see it) in regards to muscle-related issues.

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Apr 25, 2015

Ok then say something or quit. What is your point? If you don't like it say you won't do it. Doesn't seem that hard to do. I am a nurse and have been for 9 years. If I am being taken advantage of it is up to me to solve the problem. Stand up for yourself big guy.

smalltownhero · Apr 27, 2015

If I made a list of complaints I had as a guy in clinical, being designated the "strong man" would most likely be dead last.

PapaBearRN, BSN · Apr 27, 2015

If you're currently busy just tell them and say you can help in 10 minutes or whenever you become available. Never hurts to rack up some good karma points.

ArrowRN, BSN, RN · May 3, 2015

As a nurse they try the same thing with you on the floor. Don't try to be that hero and end your career young...if it takes 4 female nurses to move a pt and they get you and 2 other, you make sure to find a forth person...we are not bulldozers...we can injure our back too, and I let them know that.

MaverickMac · May 3, 2015

So I noticed you've got your Paramedic? I'd say apply it the same way you did it an EMS nobody lifts, or pulls until everybody lifts and pulls. I was having this discussion with an NP at my last physical, she pointed out rather quickly that If I wasn't really careful I'd kill my back fast. I'm not a big guy, but i'm fit. So I get asked a lot for lifts and such. Just really stress the whole if you need extra help then I can if you will.

sigiris · Jul 12, 2016

It never bothered me to help a classmate/coworker that's part of being a team player. Be assertive if you are busy doing whatever(assessing, documenting...),say so, them them you need a few minutes to finish, you do need to learn about nursing and time management. If it is a problem, tell them if this is a repetitive behavior that they are not reciprocating, you will need help with patient care at some point also so don't burn bridges, that will get the attention of your instructor right quick.

Malenurse1235954 · Aug 5, 2016

You will have to find a way to overcome this because it will not end with nursing school. Once on the floor you will be very busy and frequent/unequal requests to move pts will quickly set you behind. One way to address this would be to politely point out if you were to help everyone move patients you would have very little time to learn and take care of items on your agenda. Techs are also around and everyone in nursing has a physical requirement for employment so rollong a pt is in the job description. I would also express willingness to help in extreme situations where 2 or three people are needed.