The fear just hit me - help :(

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I will begin my nursing school odyssey in two weeks time... and at first, the general "oh my god are you SURE can you REALLY do it" fear hit me, after the initial joy at acceptance. I was able to tell that little voice in my head to get lost - I am very sure and I can certainly do it.

And then I realized something.

I'm quite heavy. Quite. It doesn't impede my physical capabilities, but I will be honest. When I remembered my weight... my heart sank. I don't even THINK about it most days, because I refuse to view myself negatively lest everyone follow my own example. I have made changes over time and have been trying to drop some pounds but for me, it is very long and slow going over a lifetime of extra chub. (I will be 28 next month, and I've been overweight since I was 5 years old, and it has only grown over time, stress, four kids, and a lot of lovely endocrine problems.)

So now, suddenly, I am left staring at myself in the mirror and thinking... what if nobody wants you around? What if everyone treats you like crap because you're the fat girl? What if prospective employers never want to hire you because you're the fat nurse? What if your instructors decide you're the scapegoat because you're fat?

Someone please tell me that I am not doomed. I haven't been this worried about my weight since the very dark days of high school. :(

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AWWW! I wish I knew you in person. Me myself, I honestly don't look at people like that, and I guess I think most other people don't either. What people think about you should not even be anything you worry about. I have seen many nurses who are probably a little heavier than they should be, as well as instructors. I don't know what else to tell you. I hope I brought you a little encouragement? ;)

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Specializes in Lactation.

If your so down on yourself why dont you make some changes? its not out of your control. My mother told me I was to fat to be a nurse but it hasn't stopped me yet! I have been making changes in my life of a healthier manner and it has really improved my ability to do my job. Good Luck and if you dont like something the first step to changing it is being proactive!

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I will begin my nursing school odyssey in two weeks time... and at first, the general "oh my god are you SURE can you REALLY do it" fear hit me, after the initial joy at acceptance. I was able to tell that little voice in my head to get lost - I am very sure and I can certainly do it. And then I realized something. I'm quite heavy. Quite. It doesn't impede my physical capabilities, but I will be honest. When I remembered my weight... my heart sank. I don't even THINK about it most days, because I refuse to view myself negatively lest everyone follow my own example. I have made changes over time and have been trying to drop some pounds but for me, it is very long and slow going over a lifetime of extra chub. (I will be 28 next month, and I've been overweight since I was 5 years old, and it has only grown over time, stress, four kids, and a lot of lovely endocrine problems.) So now, suddenly, I am left staring at myself in the mirror and thinking... what if nobody wants you around? What if everyone treats you like crap because you're the fat girl? What if prospective employers never want to hire you because you're the fat nurse? What if your instructors decide you're the scapegoat because you're fat?Someone please tell me that I am not doomed. I haven't been this worried about my weight since the very dark days of high school. :(

You should try and relax, while I am not overweight myself, I have worked in healthcare for over three years and people came in all kinds of shapes and colors. I know plenty of overweight nurses, and I didn't really see their weight affect their ability to do their job. (and not to be mean but one nurse was extremely overweight, but she was one of the best) You said it's something you're working on, and that's all you can do for now. I know people can be cruel, but it's not high school, and you will be in class with older adults as well as younger people. I'm sure you will find people to hang around. I start in two weeks as well, and from what I hear the nursing community is so small, it's hard not to make friends. You're all working toward the same goal, and trying to help each other get there.

Also, don't think that opportunities won't be afforded to you because of your weight. Do your work in school and in clinical to the best of your ability. People will see your skill and determination, and that's what they look for. As long as you can do the work, you should be fine.

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It's not even that I'm particularly down on it, although yes, I have been trying to progress towards a weight loss goal. The purpose of my thread is not to cry about my weight, but to simply state hey - it's here - do I have to worry about discrimination? That's really my ultimate concern at the moment, because it's not gonna happen over night no matter how hard I work on making the pounds melt. :) I am glad you are not letting another persons negativity get in the way of your dreams.... I won't let anyone do that to me either... I guess what I want to know is should I expect some level of bias and nastiness, or does that kind of childish garbage get thrown to the wayside in such a high stakes program?

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Thank you very much; this makes me feel a bit better. Today has just been a raw pile of emotions - I just sat my TEAS this a.m. for pity's sake, LOL.... they said my scores were so impressive that "welcome to the RN program!" which made me very happy, since i worked really hard for it over a very short time and I haven't slept in.... a while. So I think I am just having my post-success panic attack. ;)

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Thank you very much; this makes me feel a bit better. Today has just been a raw pile of emotions - I just sat my TEAS this a.m. for pity's sake, LOL.... they said my scores were so impressive that "welcome to the RN program!" which made me very happy, since i worked really hard for it over a very short time and I haven't slept in.... a while. So I think I am just having my post-success panic attack. ;)
It's natural. You should be fine!
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I won't let anyone do that to me either... I guess what I want to know is should I expect some level of bias and nastiness,

Not if they act like adults. :)

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Not if they act like adults. :)

Well, here's hoping! I have bigger fish to fry than worrying about what people think about my weight anyway.. I still can't believe I made it.... I'm so scared, but I *know* I can do it, as long as I work hard for it, it's mine for the taking. And I can't imagine a better feeling than holding my license in my hand in victory, and being able to sign papers as " R.D., RN " with a flourish, knowing that I climbed the mountain and made it back down the other side.

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I know what you mean. I'm 225 lbs (was 250) and am doing my best to get to 180 before January so that I can start nursing school as "overweight" and not "obese". I was told a few months ago that I have a fatty liver (very common in obese people) and that scared me & motivated me more than having high blood pressure. Even if you feel great today the extra weight on you is damaging your health and I know it's tough to hear but yes many people DO look down on those who are obese and assume they are lazy and don't care about themselves so I do think you need to work on getting in better shape.

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Aww hun...been there felt that! I was not overweight in school but after 4 c sections in 5 years...there was a lot more of me to love! I never realized what it felt like to not be able to sit comfortably in a desk until I started college. When I got accepted in nursing school, I had the same fears. I decided that I had two years to completely change my life. I have made awesome friends even though I'm bigger. I always sweat like crazy during clinicals, embarrassing to say the least. Pt rooms are so HOT!! I'm slowly losing weight and will reach my goal at the same time I graduate! Take this as the first step to the rest of your life! Get involved and love yourself! Be open and helpful and you will be fine!! Good luck!

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I'm sure it will all come down to your abilities that you learn throughout nursing school. :) Nurses are to be caring not only to patients, but to everyone they come across, regardless of differences. It is your personality and heart that matter most in this field. :hug:

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