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. :(

I hope you are able to make your way through without discrimination based on your weight.... but in reality you might have to be just that much better because of it. We recently did a bunch of "weight sensitivity" training at my hospital because there is a lot of bias against both patients and nurses. Also, rooms are small. I'm about a size 12 and barely feel like I can squeeze from one place to another sometimes.

You'll do fine. Attitudes are shifting and you can be an example of why discrimination is totally BS. Fight hard and people will respect you. Remember to fight for your health too-- I don't know your situation but if you can place more priority and value on your own health, it will probably pay off.

Best of luck to you.

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I, too, am quite big. I say fluffy, but let's face it, I'm fat. Morbidly obese if you want to be technical! I am starting 3rd semester and have yet to have any real problems. The only problem I ran into last semester was I couldn't go to the OR because I didn't fit into their scrubs at the hospital. I didn't let it stop me. My teacher let me go to the ER instead and I got do participate in a Foley! I don't let anyone talk down to me because I'm fat. I'm not a second class person because I'm fat. I'm smart, I'm outgoing, I'm personable, have a good personality and am pretty funny. Everyone knows me. I don't let my weight hold me back. My weight has no bearing on my nursing abilities.

I forgot to say good luck!

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I myself am a bigger girl and I in no way felt discriminated against. I was able to do all the tasks in clinical and everything else. The only time a comment was made was by a 103 y/o... At first I was like well then.... Then realized it is what is it.. Plus she didn't say it in front of me and was always complimenting me when I took care of her.

Anyways, please do not let your size make you uncomfortable in clinical situations. Be confident, proud of yourself, and let your personality show. Patients won't care what you look like when you're giving them good care as well as maybe making there day a little more. Also, I spent most of school having moments of can I do this? I could and I did and so can you..

Good Luck on this new journey.. It's not easy nor should it be.. But that's what makes us nurses.

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Specializes in critical care, Med-Surg.

We all struggle in some way.

I have worked in hospitals all my life, with nurses who ranged from obese to scary anorexic.

And I can tell you this issue is way bigger in your own head than in anyone else's. Yes, there are some idiots out there. But they are IDIOTS. And fortunately, they are pretty rare (from what I've observed).

Have faith that your intelligence, COMPASSION, and work ethic will far outweigh any weight issues. Listen to me: your weight does not define you! Don't you let it!

Chase your dreams, girl.

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Hi! Where will you start nursing school? I think I know what you feel like but just focus on working hard at studying and also work out so that you will have energy to keep studying! I am in San Diego, CA :) Let the quality of person you are show and outshine your physical state. Let people know and remember you by the interactions you have with them rather than by your weight. Don't place your self esteem on your weight because weight changes and you self esteem should be intact like a flame inside of you unchanged by the strongest winds.

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We all have our shortcomings. I think it was Eleanor Roosevelt who said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." If you want to work on getting healthy, then go for it. Don't let that stop you from heading for your career dreams. Good luck!!! (P.S.- There are jerks everywhere in every field. Don't let them define who you are.) Have fun learning!

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Thank you - all of you. You have helped me feel a LOT better. I don't know why it hit me as an issue, I never even thought about it while I was in Medical Assisting school... and nobody cared there, either... guess I just had an intense moment of self doubt and criticism .... to tell you the truth I never thought I'd be able to conquer the TEAS when I couldn't even remember how to simplify a godforsaken fraction, so the total shock and awe I felt jolted me hardcore.

Again, thank you!!!! I really appreciate all your kind and supportive words!!!

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Specializes in Transplant.

Don't worry what other people think. I've been working in a big hospital for the past 15 years and there are all size, shape, colors of people here. We all accept each other for who we are. If you are a kind, respectful person, you will get along with your coworkers/fellow students just fine. I've been on a diet on and off for the past year and if you plan you meals out right you may be able to stick to a diet easier since you will be in class or busy in clinicals or studying. You just have to plan your meals and snacks. My easiest days to diet are the days I work since I just bring my food along with me. Good luck on your new adventure!!

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I've been skinny and fat -more than once. :lol2: No matter what I weigh, I'm my toughest critic. Nobody cares about what I look like and deep down- I know it. But, there's this little devil inside that makes me think other people do care. LISTEN UP.... Nursing school requires your utmost attention!!!!! We can't get through it worrying about what other people think. (That was a little pep-talk for you and me both)

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I have to say I have been on both ends of the weight issue. I have been 200 lbs and then I have been 125 lbs all within the last 8 years. Today I am hovering around 160 lbs.

I think there is discrimination of all sorts, everywhere. That is not a good thing but we cannot control how other people act we can only control how we react.

I say keep your chin up, study hard and be the best nurse you can be and it will all fall into place.

Good Luck!

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You will be fine! Yes you may run into a little discrimination, but for the most part people will be understanding. The teacher and other students will have the knowledge that your weight can be do to many factors and they will be supportive of you. and just as an aside, if your school has a gym, working out is a great stress reliever and a great opportunity to listen to any recorded lectures :)

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Specializes in Emergency.

As far as school and work, you will be fine. You will meet all sorts of professors and nurses who are a variety of shapes and such.

As far as your own future, I do encourage you to work with an endocrine specialist, and conquer this so that it isn't bothering you so much. You can definitely do nursing school and beyond, and I suspect you will find school easier than taking on the weight issue.

(And yes, I've been there, on the opposite end, very very thin, you wouldn't think people would care but it was a sign of something, and people did make assumptions about who I was and how I would be. I'm thankfully not very very thin anymore. (Actually need to lose 10-15 lbs) But it does affect how people see you.

Big congrats on your excellent teas test performance! and Enjoy Nursing school!

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