Nursing + Size/Strength

lrobinson5 · Jul 17, 2011

In a profession that is predominantly women I doubt you won't get hired due to your size. I'm not saying it is a bad idea to work out, this might help you avoid injury.

Guest03/15/15, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2011

Its not WHAT you have ...its HOW you use it.

Just use good body mechanics and it might surprise you how much you can lift. :)

Flo., BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2011

My job required me to take a pre employment physical in which I had to lift 50#. So if you are working out just try to get to that number and you should be good.

DemonWings · Jul 17, 2011

Oh dang, I never really thought about size being an issue! Im 5'0, 105lbs:/ so I definitely lack in size and strength, However, while in clinic I never had an issue moving patients, I guess im surprisingly tough for a pip sqeak:) I think you will do just fine

SNIXRN · Jul 17, 2011

You don't have to be "large" to know how to safely move/lift patients. I work on an ortho floor so I often have to help patients out of bed, if you don't feel safe helping the patient move, all you do is ask for another set of hands. :) However, it doesn't hurt to start strength training. It will definitely save your back from straining, etc.

breezy7, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2011

This is really awesome to hear! I've just been hearing a lot from folks who are a great deal larger than me (even where I work now as a server)... everyone always wants to hold trays for me, etc... and I really want to be able to handle everything myself. I've already started lifting weights and definitely feel like I'm heading in the right direction, but this feedback is super helpful! Where I live, most people tend to be a lot bigger than me, so it's good to know that I still stand a chance.

Pneumothorax, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2011

I have read some posts recently that have hinted that nurses need to be/generally are larger in order to lift patients... I am starting to get slightly worried and wanted to post asking here. I am 5'4" and around 130 pounds. I know this isn't necessarily that small at all, but I still feel like I am lacking in the strength department. While I have been strength training recently, particularly in my arms, I am starting to worry that my size and lack of muscles in my arms may prevent me from obtaining a job. Has anyone else faced this based on size? Should I focus more on exercising certain parts of my body in order to be a better candidate?

Dear, im 5'0 /125lbs and im a firefighter.-- While i can lift, i always ask for help when needed. I cant risk an injury you know. & in the hospital on the unit there are ALWAYS people around that can help you, techs, cna's, other nurses maybe even housekeeping ! At our hospital here, we have a lift team that can be called to help lift some of the larger patients (400#+)

but what i do to help me lift is push ups, weights and i do sit ups, a strong back/core will hlep you tremendously :)

Biffbradford · Jul 17, 2011

So, who did everybody ask to put the mop head on the handle at 3AM in the ICU when they spilled their CVVH effluent all over the floor? Me: male, 6'5" 200+ lbs. Putting those two college degrees to good use again.

butterfly134 · Jul 17, 2011

Don't be afraid to ask for help you don't want to injure yourself if you feel as if you can't manage. However it is definately about the technique you use which we were taught in school. There is also equipment in hospitals that help to move patients, I saw the nurses using them while on clinicals.

gonzo1, ASN, RN · Jul 17, 2011

I have worked with many nurses over the years that are 5 feet nothing and barely reach 100 lbs, it has never been a problem for any of them.

vwbeetle · Jul 17, 2011

I don't think your shape and size matters so much.

However, I hear a lot about back injuries after long years in nursing.

I think it's more important in making sure we use a proper positioning when working; like bending your knees rather than bending your back.

Of course, a regular workout would help a lot.

When I had to see a physiotherapist, she emphasized a lot on never bending my back to lift sth.

There was an article about an owner of a moving company who was interviewed. He mentioned that he has a young woman who's about 5 feet and average. She uses a proper positioning when lifting boxes. She's been there several years without any back injuries.

Of course, patients probably weigh more than most moving boxes, however, I thought it's important that we all use the same strategy and use the correct body posture when lifting patients and beds.

My 2cents.