Petite Nurses

Nurses General Nursing

Published

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?

Specializes in ICU, ER.

My cure for the 100 lb problem.......Just work the night shift in any ER for about 6 months.

On a serious note, I have patients worry about me lifting them. I always reply "I may be small, but I'm mighty."

Believe in yourself, make your patient believe in you. Then DO IT!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am 5 Ft and 100 lbs. I know exactly what you mean... I hate it when people underestimate me because of my size but I dont let that bug me..

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am an petite nurse 5'0, 95lbs. I don't even try to lift patients with out assistance. I workout a few times a week. I see nurses who weigh more than me who can't lift more than me. You will do fine. Petite nurses can fit in small spaces and I don't mind them thinking I'm to young to be a nurse that's a compliment to me. BlessedRoseRN

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

Another 5'0 100lb nurse here. You'll be fine. I still can get the 300+ people in restraints with a little help! Just make sure to ask for help!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, Research, Corrections.

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

Good luck! We need you whatever your size.

My hospital is also a 50 lb weight lift to pass the physical. They are thinking of raising it to 75 pounds! I don't know if I could pass the 75 lb limit! It is more realistic though, I typically have to lift way more than 75 lbs repositioning pts that are dead weight (with help of course!)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm 5/5'5 and weight around 115-120 but I have a small body frame so it is hard for me to pick up someone heavy and like someone else stated I'm not even trying!!!!! I love nursing but my love is not strong enough to have a herniated disc,I guess what I'm trying to say is ask for help,your CNA,other nurses.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks everyone for the kind words and encourgement :) Its great to know that there are alot of other nurses out there in my shoes and that it hasnt held them back in the least bit. My boyfriends currently doing the p90x workout program and has promised to help me with my upper body strengh which seems to be the only thing I need to work on. Thanks again for all your help!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, telemetry, LTAC.

Well there are ways to help yourself in nursing, if you're little. One, make a point to know where the stepstools are. Cultivate the personality that makes people afraid to hide them from you. Carry a big stick (think long drumstick) in your pocketbook so you can turn the TV's off or reach whatever harebrained thing you have to reach. No I'm not kidding about the stick. Carry an extra plastic hooky hang thing for secondary IV sets in your pocket. If you're 5 foot or under, you will get the room that has the broken IV pole (top twirls if you try to touch it) set at the tallest setting. Don't complain about it, just conquer it without trying to climb up the pole.

Also, if you find petite pants in your size that don't require a hem, buy all of 'em on the rack. Or at least more than two. Buy a really, really good bra no matter what size you are up top. Team up with people of a variety of heights for turning, lifting, etc. as often as possible. This helps you develop strength differently. If you always team up with a six footer, go about half and half on whether the bed height is set for you or for the tall person. Expect to wind up with large triceps after about a year. Carry motrin in your purse for the tall people whose backs you might hurt. Carry an extra of those sticky heat pads just in case you have a very bad night for your back. Be patient with yourself, and this goes for nurses of all sizes. You will develop some strength but it takes time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

I'm 5'2" and have a small frame; can't help it, have been this way all my life. I don't find that most people underestimate me. Just a few patients have made comments, but I tell them I'm not catching them anyway, and I wouldn't even if I were six feet tall and 200lb. If they can't stand up, then we use a lift. Sometimes I flex my muscles and tell them that I work out. The little old men like that.

I do find my size to be advantageous when I have to perform contortions to reach plugs, thermometers, BP cuffs, and other items in patient rooms cluttered with equipment.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm not petite, and I'm a guy, but I'm also over 50, so back injury is something I'm more prone to now.

Yoga, a couple days a week, really helped me with flexibility and core strength. For me, a class at the local Y was more effective then using videos, etc at home.

The other big thing, like Dirty Harry Callahan said: A man's got to know his limitations.

There are some situations you might be better giving a pass to...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I'm 5'2" and have a small frame; can't help it, have been this way all my life. .

Wow, you've been 5'2" all your life? I bet your mom absolutely hated that. :lol2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

Very funny. :p

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment