Runt of the Litter

[elijahvegas, ASN, RN, EMT-P]

Im a pretty small guy, about 5'6'' and 145 lbs. While this isnt even close to our primary secondary or even tertiary roles as nurses, i know that it must be in the back of everyones minds somewhere that its nice to have a male around on the floor to use as a forklift whenever Bariatric Barry comes in for a visit. i hope during an interview im not looked over because i 'look fragile' haha.

I obviously don't genuinely fear this or hold it as high in regard as say, being actually qualified for the job or nailing the interview, but it is a lurking concern that creeps up my neck time and again, whenever i see the multitudes of topics posted about how its lovely to have some muscle on the floor, especially when i look around the other guys in my class that are a bit more..mature. I among the 3 smallest males in my class, and im on the younger side of my class as well.

I dont gain weight very easily, or quickly at all. I went on 3k calorie a day diet. i kept my cardio to a minimum because i wanted to keep the gains, and did some pretty intense weight lifting. I gained only 3 lbs that month. And i felt like i was binge eating between the larger than average portioned meals and the snacks in between.

The point is, are there any other smaller framed guys out there that are a little unnerved by the idea? Or am i just crazy ?

[NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN]

My husband is almost the exact size you are and he does all the heavy lifting (especially because he's the biggest in both of our families). Physical size isn't as good as nursing knowledge and know how. Otherwise even tinier women would never get hired either.

My husband adds "if it really mattered, all you'd see is a bunch of linebackers in scrubs."

Hang in there! We all have our hang ups about how we are perceived at work. You can do this!

[elijahvegas, ASN, RN, EMT-P]

My husband is almost the exact size you are and he does all the heavy lifting (especially because he's the biggest in both of our families). Physical size isn't as good as nursing knowledge and know how. Otherwise even tinier women would never get hired either.

My husband adds "if it really mattered, all you'd see is a bunch of linebackers in scrubs."

Hang in there! We all have our hang ups about how we are perceived at work. You can do this!

Bahaha that linebackers thing really cracked me up. Thanks :) maybe in 2nd year I'll invest in a gym membership again haha

[IThinkICan100]

I am 19 and I'm 5'9-ish and weigh about 143 lbs.

Not to step on any toes... Nursing is mainly a female dominated profession. I've noticed that most female nurses that I have met tend to be smaller than me (naturally because of the way both genders are built), so I never feel small, per se.

I'm actually not a big person, but working in home health with paraplegic patients has pushed me into going to the gym. The first month on the job was very painful being that I had to move patients for 12 hours per day (huge respect for CANs). I tell you what, nursing is mainly about brains, but it does require a lot of bronze - especially with obese patients...

...But that is what teamwork is for!

[ArtClassRN, ADN, RN]

They give us machines to lift people now.

[bebbercorn]

I'm very tall for a female and yet I have little upper body strength. Even guys shorter than me at work can lift better than me. It's just how (most) guys are built, and we love you for it, no matter how tall.

[ceccia]

i think you'll be fine. if size was a problem, most girls wouldn't get hired either the important thing is to go into interviews with confidence - if you look unsure of yourself or have apologetic body language, that will keep you from getting the jobs you want.

also, come and work with me. i totally have a thing for shorter guys. #totallyunprofessional #sorry

[elijahvegas, ASN, RN, EMT-P]

i think you'll be fine. if size was a problem, most girls wouldn't get hired either the important thing is to go into interviews with confidence - if you look unsure of yourself or have apologetic body language, that will keep you from getting the jobs you want.

also, come and work with me. i totally have a thing for shorter guys. #totallyunprofessional #sorry

baha if push comes to shove i just may take you up on that

[TopsDrop, RN]

If the 5 foot 110 pound nurse can help me boost/turn/clean my patients I think you'll be fine... Hitting the gym is never a bad thing for your health though.

[Cobweb]

One thing I think you may not be aware of is the effect of your gender on your strength. You are just the same height as me. According to my book here, a man's hand which is the exact same size as mine is 55% stronger than mine due to the way testosterone makes the ligaments and tendons hook into the bones, not to mention, your hand is probably bigger than mine.

I once lifted a 500 pound man off the floor all by myself, with a slight assist from the patient. You'll be OK :)

[elijahvegas, ASN, RN, EMT-P]

One thing I think you may not be aware of is the effect of your gender on your strength. You are just the same height as me. According to my book here, a man's hand which is the exact same size as mine is 55% stronger than mine due to the way testosterone makes the ligaments and tendons hook into the bones, not to mention, your hand is probably bigger than mine.

I once lifted a 500 pound man off the floor all by myself, with a slight assist from the patient. You'll be OK :)

Well that definitely puts things in perspective. Hope my testosterone levels are up to where they should be xD

[LVN_Soon2Be]

I'm a guy and taller than you (6' 2") but only weigh about 150 lbs. I look like a long twig... But when it comes to lifting I'm a big help... it's all about body mechanics and if you can't lift it on your own, it's not a big deal... just ask for assistance and remember you only have one back.