Petite Nurses

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I'm sure alot of people have questions about working as a nurse and being overweight but mine is the opposite. Im currently a prenursing student at The University of Arizona and im concerned that when I am in nursing school and then when im out in the real world that my small size will hinder me. I am 5'2 and I weigh 100 pounds sopping wet, ive always been thin thanks to a high metabolism, running track, tennis and a healthy diet. Im mostly concerned about not being able to lift move and generally handle my patients as well as people who weigh more or have more muscle density to them(which i have very little, I can bearley lift 40 pounds). Should I consider working out and upping my calorie intake in preparation for what lies ahead or am I going to be okay being petite?

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Ortho/HH/Radiology-Now Retired.

I'm barely 5'-1/4" and managed a long nursing career.

Sometimes my height -or lack of it! - was a disadvantage, but it never prevented me from holding up my end of the stick in the workplace. And ... that was in the days before things such as "No lifting" policies!

I'm sure you'll be fine!

Go for it and ..... GOOD LUCK!

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Specializes in Making the Pt laugh..

I get the feeling that there are a lot of Nurses that are only 4 foot tall every time I do a spinal turn.

I have seen some very petite Nurses who can keep up with the heavy side of Nursing, usually their fitness is a huge bonus.

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I started out as a 98lb nurse, and I have never had problems.

Being petite gives me a bonus in that I never overestimate my abilities.

My back is in great shape because I know full well that I cannot move most patients unassisted.

Don't try to change your diet and healthy habits. If you have some muscle and stamina, nursing will work out fine.

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Specializes in NICU.

I once took care of a 12 pounder ..... that was pretty back-breakin' for me, whew! :D

I'm sure you'll do fine, I know many petite nurses that haven't had problems. Hope you like U of A, good luck to you!

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Specializes in Public Health, TB.

I am 5'1" and most of my co-workers around 5'3". After 25 years, I've never had a back injury. I totally recommend a regular fitness regime, not just for strength but it will help with stamina. And its a great release for tension.

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

I am also a petite nurse (5'1 95 lbs). I work with teenagers, so I am small enough that I do get many families asking me if I'm old enough to be a nurse. I typically don't have trouble with lifting and other physically exerting jobs, and if I do, I ask one of the PCT's to help me. Back in my day as a PCT, I could easily move pt's that were much heavier than me. The trick is using proper body mechanics.

Oh, BTW: I think the hardest thing about being a small nurse is finding scrubs that actually fit!!

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I'm sure alot of people have questions about working as a nurse and being overweight but mine is the opposite. Im currently a prenursing student at The University of Arizona and im concerned that when I am in nursing school and then when im out in the real world that my small size will hinder me. I am 5'2 and I weigh 100 pounds sopping wet, ive always been thin thanks to a high metabolism, running track, tennis and a healthy diet. Im mostly concerned about not being able to lift move and generally handle my patients as well as people who weigh more or have more muscle density to them(which i have very little, I can bearley lift 40 pounds). Should I consider working out and upping my calorie intake in preparation for what lies ahead or am I going to be okay being petite?

you might want to work on that a little......if memory serves, some places have a fifty pound lift requirement....

but that is certainly doable.....otherwise shouldnt be an issue....i liked the response about not overestimating your ability! lol i should have been doing that.....good luck

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

i work with alot of petite nurses and actually some of them are smaller than you and they do just fine. no matter what your size you have to practice proper body mechanics and lifting techniques to avoid injury.

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I'm 5' (actually 4'11) tall and weight 100 Ibs. I don't have any problem with lifting patient except, I'm not tall enough to reach the IV poles sometimes. So they deliberately put a stool in the room :)

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I am 6'9", 305"!bs. I think I last weighed 100lbs was when I was 8. I am in great physical shape but trying to find scrubs or any clothes is a pain in the orifice. Either way don't let size bug you. :)

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As everyone here has said. You'll do fine. I'm 5' and weigh 96 pounds. I know when to get help. I have never hurt my back. I've been a nurse for 23 years.

I do have trouble finding scrubs that fit, but a little too big is better than too tight.

You may want to try and get a little more upper body strength, mostly just proper body mechanics.

To be a nurse at my hospital you have to be able to lift 50#.

Good luck! We need you whatever your size.

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