Overweight Nursing Student

Published

After a 15 year career in technology, I decided in my early 40's to try to become a nurse. I already have age going against me but I have another, ahem, BIG issue. I'm significantly overweight. I have tried and am trying to lose the weight, I even had bariatric surgery (gastric banding) and am down 50 pounds, but am still overweight. How much will this stand in my way during nursing school and career? I don't know too many fat nurses. (Please don't tell me to just lose the weight...I'm trying! And it's WAY harder than anything else I've ever done.)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I mean.. You might want to get your conditioning up because you're going to be moving and on your feet a lot. I dont really see how weight plays a role in your ability to be a good nurse though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I work with a few overweight nurses and while they can keep up, a few do tend to tire quickly and require a few more sit-downs - this isn't true for all of them, but some do.

As to how much it will stand in your way depends upon your level of fitness - losing weight is tough, I've dropped a lot of weight myself and still in the process of getting to where I want to be (another 15~lbs to go), but you can do this if it's something that you really want!

Being overweight won't stop you from being a great nurse, but it may help you be a little lighter on your feet during those long-haul shifts :) Best of luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

1. Nursing is mental.

2. Nursing is physical.

Your BMI does not affect #1, but does affect #2. Losing 50 pounds is a fantastic start!

I work in acute care. I average about 8000 steps a shift. Every pound you lose takes 4 impact pounds off of your knees per step. Over the course of a shift at 8000 steps, losing 1 extra pound will save your knees 32,000 impact pounds. Thinking long term, you are talking about the ability to walk vs not walk when you retire in ~25 years. It's this number that keeps me continuing my path away from the 280lbs I used to be.

There's also the aforementioned conditioning aspect. You should start improving your conditioning now, so you have all of nursing school to improve that aspect of your health.

Admitting you are facing an obstacle like this and being proactive is such a huge step in the right direction, so congratulations! Now, continue this path, keep up the effort. I know you can be a completely different person by the time you become an RN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm sure you will do fine just the way you are. I've never experienced so much fat shaming as I do in nursing so take into consideration that it is part of the culture and brush it off. I'm overweight and I keep up and do fine as both a CNA and a nursing student. I put in 40 hours a week on the floors. I will say since returning to full time floor work I have lost weight because I've been more active, but I will never be thin. Investing in GOOD shoes with support can help as well as old fashioned compression stockings if your feet swell. Yes its physical, but its not a race. Jump in and do your best! Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

Walking every day is great -- having a Fitbit etc can help you be more aware of how much you are moving or NOT moving each day, and I find it to be highly motivating.

But I also *highly* recommend doing some lifting. When you have stronger muscles -- EVERYTHING in life becomes easier. Bringing in the groceries, picking up children, laundry, etc -- and of course this will apply to nursing, as well.

If you've never lifted weights before, I can assure you there are plenty of options out there for programs to get started at home. I started with ChaLEAN Extreme in my 30's, having never lifted in my life. I can honestly say it is the best thing I've ever done for my health and my self-image. I started with 3-lb weights and I quickly progressed to needing more and more and more. Start small -- it's ok! Every little bit counts. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Congrats on the weight loss! I know how you feel...I am the most overweight student in my cohort. At the hospital where I do clinicals and work at maybe about 5% are really overweight, but from what I have noticed they are the same as others as far as pt care and keeping up. Don't let that discourage you from pursuing this.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There are several overweight students in my class and they've made it to the end and have jobs lined up! If you have other physiologic symptoms, such as joint pain or severe shortness of breath while doing things like standing for prolonged periods of time, then I could see you having some difficulties with the physical aspects of your typical bedside nursing job. But I honestly can't see simply being overweight being that much of a hinderance.

By the way, congrats on your 50 lb loss! That's certainly something to celebrate!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion