physical capabilty test

Wondering if anyone knows the average push/pull weight for arms and legs that a female is expected to hit for the physical capability test administered as a condition of employment with the Cleveland Clinic. Have been searching everywhere for info on what are "good numbers" and have not been successful. Also is it based on height, weight and age as well? Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Sorry, but I do not know the specific numbers expected by the Cleveland Clinic.

I was expected to comfortably lift, push and pull 50 pounds when I last underwent a preemployment physical fitness examination. The examiners based the weight requirements on your expected employment tasks and duties, not on how much you weighed or how tall you happened to be.

Thanks for the response. This was not just a lifting of weight, but an isokinetic machine that basis resistance off how much force you are actually pulling/pushing with - so the harder you are able to push up, the heavier the bar seems. Tested all four extremities.

[middleagednurse]

Maybe nursing school should require a weight lifting class.

[Cheyenne RN,BSHS]

Maybe nursing school should require a weight lifting class.

ROTFLMBO. That was funny.

Maybe nursing school should require a weight lifting class.

Seriously though. It should.

[RN., MSN, RN]

Seriously though. It should.

It has a weight lifting class; all the books that one is required to carry around from class to class.

Most jobs I have been looking at are requiring anywhere from 30-200 lbs. The nurse has to be able to lift, pull, and move people and some heavy equipment. At one evaluation I had to do chin-ups, yes, there should be some sort of physical testing in nursing school because it seems we have to do it for employment, just like everything else!! I am trying to get in better shape for the next physical requirement. I have not heard of the Cleveland weight testing until your post.

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

Most jobs I have been looking at are requiring anywhere from 30-200 lbs. The nurse has to be able to lift, pull, and move people and some heavy equipment. At one evaluation I had to do chin-ups, yes, there should be some sort of physical testing in nursing school because it seems we have to do it for employment, just like everything else!! I am trying to get in better shape for the next physical requirement. I have not heard of the Cleveland weight testing until your post.

You had to do chin ups? You've got to be kidding me! I think maybe 3 of the nurses I work with could do a chin up. Requirements like this are an embarrassment to the profession.

I would expect a prestigious organization like the Cleveland Clinic to be utilizing assistive devices and a no lift policy.

[jamisaurus]

I don't know exact numbers, but I can't tell you the last time I worked out and I passed. Couldn't do a pull up, can't even do a sit up. It's not anything to worry about just when you're taking the test give it your all. Guarantee you'll be sore afterwards.

Physical requirements are the same for women and men. Whatever a man is required to lift, push, pull, stand, sit, kneel....whatever.....so is a woman. There are not two sets of requirements, and they are the same whether RN, LPN, CNA, or NP. Height and weight is also not a consideration when looking at physical requirements of the position.

[RN., MSN, RN]

Most jobs I have been looking at are requiring anywhere from 30-200 lbs. The nurse has to be able to lift, pull, and move people and some heavy equipment. At one evaluation I had to do chin-ups, yes, there should be some sort of physical testing in nursing school because it seems we have to do it for employment, just like everything else!! I am trying to get in better shape for the next physical requirement. I have not heard of the Cleveland weight testing until your post.

Chin up’s, huh? I have this mental picture of your ~~average~~ 60 year old nurse and imagining her attempting to do a chip up........

Edited Sep 15, 2014 by RN.
Edit: “Nursing school does not produce 100% Spring Chickens"

[Morainey, BSN, RN]

I'm in my late 20s, run a couple of times a week, consider myself fairly strong, but I would totally T-rex out if I had to do a chin up. NOOOOOPE.

[middleagednurse]

I couldn't do a chin up to save my life.

I couldn't do a chin up to save my life.

I always say that if I were to ever find myself hanging off a cliff, I'd be toast.

Blondy 2061h: Yes, the last hospital required squatting, bending, lifting, squats and chin ups. When I commented that I "have not done chin ups since high school" I think she took pity on me. I couldn't believe it either!!

Taking the CC physical capability test soon... Not looking forward to it!!

Chin up's, huh? I have this mental picture of your ~~average~~ 60 year old nurse and imagining her attempting to do a chip up........

My chin has a mind of its own, and it's telling me it's lying down for the rest of my life. I think it's been talking to my boobs and upper arms at night while I'm asleep-- they're all looking kinda saggy.