Out of shape, how can I prep for clinicals??

anneuhbanana · Dec 28, 2010

I have only been through one round of clinicals so far...but there is farrrrrr more feet time than chair time. At the nurses station it was madness with doctors and nurses all fighting for chairs...I barely even had a chance to look at my patients charts. It is physically demanding, but I'm sure your body will adjust. Other than getting up and walking I'm not sure what else you could do. Get some GOOD shoes!

ILstudentnurse · Dec 28, 2010

Sorry to hear that. Maybe you should try doing "nurse" activities around your house to build your endurance. Make an occupied bed, rearrange your study area, clean your refrigerator out while standing, buy groceries and carry them into your house, paint your entire house.....etc.

ErinRN2B · Dec 28, 2010

Invest in a pair of well-made, comfortable shoes designed for nurses. They will save your feet.

I'm not terribly out of shape physically, but I do have occasional back pain that's exacerbated by spending a lot of time on my feet. I take ibuprofen before my back starts hurting in the morning when I get to clinical, and usually that takes care of any pain.

I'd LOVE to join a gym or something to get more in shape - I'm not overweight, but I'd love to be more toned and physically fit. But of course with nursing school, who has the time. :rolleyes:

theantichick · Dec 28, 2010

paint your entire house.....etc.

Heh. I've rearranged most of my house, having gotten divorced in the last month. And painted one of the rooms. I'm the only one bringing in groceries and cleaning out my fridge now. Maybe I'm not as bad off as I think.

Missy77 · Dec 28, 2010

Getting in shape is my New Year's resolution. But for now I'm enjoy every bite of this cheeseburger. :) But seriously invest in a good pair of nursing shoes. Makes all the difference in the world.

JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2010

Start walking, and go fast enough that you are sweating and getting that heart rate up. Start with a half-mile and build up from there. Don't let crummy weather prevent you from doing something. Jumping jacks or stair stepping for 10 minutes to start with would be fine if you are stuck inside. Shoes will absolutely make the difference between a good day and a lousy one. Good luck.

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Dec 28, 2010

I have bad knees. My mom has bad knees. So it runs in the family. Get some good shoes. Get some good inserts for the shoes.

When exercising, try to stick away from high impact things like running. Go swimming and do it often. Bike. I LOVE biking. I am a bike nut and would pedal to work if i could. Just start now and keep it rolling.

caliotter3 · Dec 28, 2010

Get up early in the morning and go walking. Walk, walk, walk. Every day. Try to increase your distance a little at intervals. You will be surprised how much better you will start to feel after some time spent doing this. I know, because walking worked for me one time. And even go walking on your clinical days. Every day. Good luck.

Lennonninja, MSN, APRN, NP · Dec 28, 2010

The endurance will come with time. I was worried about this too when I first started school. I was thinking about so many other things during clinical that I often didn't even notice my feet/legs being tired until I got home and sat down! I used to have some Cherokee nursing shoes and they just did.not.work for me. I got some New Balance walking shoes and man, I can tell a major difference!

pinkfluffybunny · Dec 28, 2010

I am going to suggest joining a gym or finding a way to get some strength training in. I have found that alot of the patients I have in clinicals are very overweight. The added strength will go a long way in helping in regular clinical activities, as well as the long term wear and tear that happens when you are a nurse.

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2010

Ok, I'm WAAAAYYY out of shape, starting RN school in January, and am worried about my physical condition. I have been working a desk job for 15+ years now, and have a hard time standing in long lines because my knees hurt, my back hurts, etc. Xmas shopping made me think that I'm not really up for 12 hour clinicals...
What can I expect as far as time on feet vs. time doing charting or other desk work? What's the best way to prep for this physically besides the obvious of getting up and walking more?

P90X I'm doing it for the second time, and I LOVE it.

When those knees and back hurt it means you're working. lol I'm kidding.

Anything is good though. Walking is supposed to be uber good for you. I'm a three mile runner even on P90X days. I won't go over that because I feel like I won't have knees, hips, or ankles later in life, lol. I used to lift weights a lot, and now I never have time to go - not because of school but because of work. I start early, go to class, go back to work, and end it late. Actually I work out more than I study, lol, but that's fine. I was blessed with a good memory so I've never been a studier even back with my first degree or in H.S.

Anyway, start small and work up to big. Changes won't happen over night. It'll take you about six weeks to develop any noticeable muscle mass if you elect to pursue that route. If you want to lose weight do it slow, and that requires expending more calories than you consume (duh). I wouldn't recommend swimming because it's not going to build weight bearing stamina in your legs and back. You should really start out with brisk walking, then increase your distance some, and then perhaps add some handweights. Once you can move around without huffing and puffing and support your weight for a good while then you might want to try some actual strength training. Go to your doctor and see what might be recommended for your joint issues.