333 lb. Nurse?? Help, please.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2005

My sister was 230 pounds when she started nursing school and says she had no physical problems. I suppose people observing her may have had another viewpoint on this. She is now at about 350 and having a lot of difficulty keeping up with nursing. As she's put on weight she gets short of breath a lot. She's really quite limber and I'm always amazed at what she is actually physically able to do. However, she has told me many times that she cannot get down on the floor to do CPR during the CPR certification classes and she lives in fear that she will find a patient who is on the floor coding and won't be able to do proper CPR on them. She has a lot of foot and ankle problems and this is directly due to her weight, her doctor has told her this. She won't believe it when we tell her the same thing. I think you will have problems sitting in a traditional school desk/chair. Tables and chairs which are usually in the science departments will be much easier.

My sis has lost weight over the years by doing Weight Watchers, but she mostly likes the protein diets like Cambridge and she has done Opti-Fast a couple of times. Opti-Fast is expensive and requires weekly physician check ups. You can only buy the Opti-Fast from the doctor and it is expensive. Cambridge you can buy on line and have it shipped to you. There is another type of diet that is similar, I can't think of the name of it, Nutri-Fast? She has been shopping around most recently for a surgeon to have a gastric bypass done. The holdup is her medical insurance which is not pre-approving her for the surgery. These surgeons want to know up front that they are going to get paid before they will do surgery on you.

I think you may have another problem and that will be uniforms and scrubs. It's harder to find the plus sizes. If you go online and check out the different nursing scrub companies you will find that many of them don't manufacture things above a size 2X. However, there are a couple that do.

Corvette Guy · Dec 17, 2005

So, I've finally realizing my dream. 19 years after high school, I'm going to attend college for the first time this semester. I want to become an RN someday.
My problems are as follows.
1. At 333 lbs. will I fit in a school desk?
2. Will I be able to take off enough pounds in order to pass a physical and perform the physically demanding job of nursing? I have 3 semesters of prerequisites and then four semesters of nursing school during which I SHOULD be able to lose the pounds.
I appreciate your prayers and support.
*********************************************************
OVERWEIGHT NURSES
What do you think?
Are they able to fully perform their jobs or are the putting patients at risk?
Sound off...

What is your height? How is your blood pressure? Visited your primary care physician lately? Have you thought about a Gastric Stapling, or Gastric Bypass procedure? The hospital I work at has a bariatric program with several patient success stories. Plus, last week I took care of patient that had lost 150 lbs. since her gastric bypass procedure several years ago.

BTW, nothing wrong with attending college now to start getting your nursing prereqs out of the way.

Go for it!

Fun2, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2005

Congratulations on your decision.

I would like to say, please consult a Doctor or Family Nurse Practitioner about your weight, if you haven't already.

They may be able to help you loose weight in a healthy way, and make sure every thing's ok otherwise.

As for desks, etc...there are accommodations that can be made, you'll just have to discuss it with the school and/or instructors.

Good luck to you!

athena55, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2005

HI, adding my 3 cents to the mix:

Good luck in your nursing program! But, it makes me sad to see that so many other people in life continue to judge others. I was taught (St. Clare's Hospital and Health Center, School of Nursing, NYC) to be judgmentally non-judgmental. IF you are happy with your body image, great. If you are not experiencing too many weight related health issues, power to you as well.

As many others have posted, try not to become too stressed out, attempt to rest and sleep as much as you can, keep up with your studies. Whew, not sure if I would be able to pass the Boards now (smile) without lots and lots of cramming sessions

casi, ASN, RN · Dec 17, 2005

I'm currently at 275lb and working on my nursing pre-reqs and working as a nurses aide.

For the most part, desks aren't that bad. Most classrooms have been updated to accomodate the trend in obesity. Although, one of our lecture halls hasn't been updated, and it is a hard squeeze. Your school should have an access center, try talking to them to make sure that the classroom desks will work.

As a nursing assistant, I do dencently, for my weight, I am oddly enough in good shape. I don't get winded on stairs and can sprint if needed. I don't like working with the extra weight though, your always bumpping into things, and it can get hard when your with someone in a small bathroom and have to find a way to safely squeeze into the small space to transfer someone to the toilet or a shower chair. I've also noticed that I get hot very easily.

I would suggest finding a way to lose the weight. Talk to your health care provider and see what suggestions they have. I've been looking at weight loss as well. My current plan includes parking a treadmill in front of the TV. Making my inactive time, active time. I've considered surgical methods of weight loss as well, but the idea of surgery really scares me.

missninaRN · Dec 17, 2005

My current plan includes parking a treadmill in front of the TV. Making my inactive time, active time.

That is an excellent strategy, Casi.

For the OP, I agree with the advice to see a medical professional if you choose to lose some weight. Do it safely, because you are worth taking care of. Be extra good to yourself, okay?

As far as the desk situation, your school is required to accommodate your needs. Even in the class I took this semester that had those stupid wooden chair/desk combos that were made for junior high sized kids, there was always a table with a couple of chairs as well. You have the right to insist that they provide you with a comfortable seating arrangement.

Best of luck to you.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Dec 17, 2005

I'm currently at 275lb and working on my nursing pre-reqs and working as a nurses aide.
For the most part, desks aren't that bad. Most classrooms have been updated to accomodate the trend in obesity. Although, one of our lecture halls hasn't been updated, and it is a hard squeeze. Your school should have an access center, try talking to them to make sure that the classroom desks will work.
As a nursing assistant, I do dencently, for my weight, I am oddly enough in good shape. I don't get winded on stairs and can sprint if needed. I don't like working with the extra weight though, your always bumpping into things, and it can get hard when your with someone in a small bathroom and have to find a way to safely squeeze into the small space to transfer someone to the toilet or a shower chair. I've also noticed that I get hot very easily.
I would suggest finding a way to lose the weight. Talk to your health care provider and see what suggestions they have. I've been looking at weight loss as well. My current plan includes parking a treadmill in front of the TV. Making my inactive time, active time. I've considered surgical methods of weight loss as well, but the idea of surgery really scares me.

I agree with this advise. Like many of the members in this site may already know, I used to be overweight myself. (almost 300 lbs.)

If you want or feel like losing some weight then take baby steps and start with an appt with a healthcare professional, and take it from there.

Best wishes to you, and don't let your weight discourage you from anything in life! :)

MMARN, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2005

Have you seen The Biggest Loser? There was a doctor there this season (Dr. Jeff) and he wanted to lose the weight for his patients' sakes as well as his own. I am heavy myself, but I have joined SHAPES and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I committed myself to become healthier and to be able to have more stamina. Like many posters have said, don't let ANYTHING stop you from your dream. You have lots to offer; no matter that you're heavy. Make a decision to make YOURSELF healthy and you won't feel insecure. You, as well as anybody, can become a nurse. It's going to be difficult, but you know what? NOT IMPOSSIBLE!!! God bless you, keep your head high, and keep pursuing your dream. :)

Corvette Guy · Dec 17, 2005

HI, adding my 3 cents to the mix:
Good luck in your nursing program! But, it makes me sad to see that so many other people in life continue to judge others. I was taught (St. Clare's Hospital and Health Center, School of Nursing, NYC) to be judgmentally non-judgmental. IF you are happy with your body image, great. If you are not experiencing too many weight related health issues, power to you as well.
As many others have posted, try not to become too stressed out, attempt to rest and sleep as much as you can, keep up with your studies. Whew, not sure if I would be able to pass the Boards now (smile) without lots and lots of cramming sessions

I don't think anyone on this Thread has been judgmental, do you? I do agree with what your nursing school taught you. We are nurses, not judge & jury. Once I became a health care professional, over 10 yrs ago, my eyes were opened to the world around me. I came to appreciate, or accept people for who they are... human beings, and not judge by outward appearance. I've always be a fan of the underdog, especially for those that wish to better themselves. It is my understanding the OP wants to lose weight for health reasons & to be physically fit to care for patients.

I admire the OP for opening up & asking for suggestions. Obesity is one of the worst diseases in America. I, as an Army Soldier & an ANC Officer [w/5501st USAH FSXTX], know the importance of being physically fit, as well as the health dangers of being obese. Some folks come in big/wide book covers [obese], some come in short book covers [me ], some come in smoky book covers [A.K.A. nurses that smoke :rolleyes: ], no matter because we all know it is...

not wise to judge a book by it's cover. :)

stpauligirl · Dec 17, 2005

I don't think anyone on this Thread has been judgmental, do you? I do agree with what your nursing school taught you. We are nurses, not judge & jury. Once I became a health care professional, over 10 yrs ago, my eyes were opened to the world around me. I came to appreciate, or accept people for who they are... human beings, and not judge by outward appearance. I've always be a fan of the underdog, especially for those that wish to better themselves. It is my understanding the OP wants to lose weight for health reasons & to be physically fit to care for patients.
I admire the OP for opening up & asking for suggestions. Obesity is one of the worst diseases in America. I, as an Army Soldier & an ANC Officer [w/5501st USAH FSXTX], know the importance of being physically fit, as well as the health dangers of being obese. Some folks come in big/wide book covers [obese], some come in short book covers [me ], some come in smoky book covers [A.K.A. nurses that smoke ], no matter because we all know it is...
not wise to judge a book by it's cover. :)

First off great to see you here on the pre-nursing student board :) and I hope that everyone is well.

Guess what, I survived A&P 1 with an insane professor at SAC and made the only A in the class of 2 students who were left after the withdraw with W date in Nov. Must admit that I didn't have the time I needed to keep up with my fitness regime and could only do the very minimum exercises...Needless to say I gained a couple of pounds. :stone It doesn't take much and everything turns right back to mush :chuckle But since I don't plan to enter a Ms Olympia contest basics just have to do. Everything in moderation is the key isn't it? I signed up for microbiology and look forward to continue...I hope that my husband doesn't get deployed after X-mas, I wished someone could tell us with a little more certainty!

Merry X-mas and a Happy New Year :Present2: :Snowman1: :icon_bigg

NeverQuit · Dec 17, 2005

So, I've finally realizing my dream. 19 years after high school, I'm going to attend college for the first time this semester. I want to become an RN someday.
My problems are as follows.
1. At 333 lbs. will I fit in a school desk?
2. Will I be able to take off enough pounds in order to pass a physical and perform the physically demanding job of nursing? I have 3 semesters of prerequisites and then four semesters of nursing school during which I SHOULD be able to lose the pounds.
I appreciate your prayers and support.
*********************************************************
OVERWEIGHT NURSES
What do you think?
Are they able to fully perform their jobs or are the putting patients at risk?
Sound off...

I know good nurses that are heavy, and they seem to do their work very well. More than anything, it is what is on the inside that counts most! I would rather have an overweight, caring nurse than a skinny grouchy one(probably from lack of chocolate). I started exercising daily though, for my health. I sleep so much better and I feel less tense during the day, plus I feel better about myself. Start slow and pace yourself, but remember to do something you like, or at least listen to good music while you do it. You don't have to spend a fortune on dieting products, just exercise and make good food choices. And don't forget- Character counts more than calories!!!!

stpauligirl · Dec 17, 2005

I know good nurses that are heavy, and they seem to do their work very well. More than anything, it is what is on the inside that counts most! I would rather have an overweight, caring nurse than a skinny grouchy one(probably from lack of chocolate). I started exercising daily though, for my health. I sleep so much better and I feel less tense during the day, plus I feel better about myself. Start slow and pace yourself, but remember to do something you like, or at least listen to good music while you do it. You don't have to spend a fortune on dieting products, just exercise and make good food choices. And don't forget- Character counts more than calories!!!!

Many people quit if they feel like exercise is a chore! For example I love walking through our neighborhood and look at all the beautiful X-mas decorations that are out. I always feel re-energized and rid of negative feelings after a good walk.