Too physically weak- scared to do nursing?

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2014

Good day, Tina N.:

I'm not sure what variance there is for physical requirements; at the school I attend, we need to be able to lift 50 pounds. Since prerequisites for a nursing program can take one or more years, that is time to slowly build up to being able to lift that weight. I'm still a nursing student (I start clinicals this coming January); so I'm not sure of the 12 hour days only that when the time comes, there will be help - God is always GOOD.

Thank you.

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2014

The thing to keep in mind about the physical demands (especially if you're petite) is that you never go it alone. The act of lifting or transferring a patient alone is not only a hazard to your health, but to the patient as well. There is nothing wrong with telling the patient they will need to wait a few minutes until you can get another person to assist you in moving them. For some of the bigger folks, it can take 4-5 people to get them situated. It is imperative that you wait until you have the proper assistance in order to safely move your patient.

As far as 12-hour shifts, avoid the "nursing as a martyr" mindset. By that, I mean do not think that 1) you can go the whole shift without peeing. 2) can go the whole shift without eating. 3) can go the whole shift without hydrating. I am one of those nurses who used to do that on occasion, and I've had to learn to put down my OCD drive to do everything myself and let my coworkers relieve me so I can eat some food, take a pee break, etc. You'd be amazed how much better you fare after working a 12 when you're adequately hydrated, fed, and not toting about a nearly exploding bladder.

Remember, you're in nursing--not in prison. If you don't take care of yourself, you won't be taking care of patients for very long.

rob4546, ADN, BSN, MSN · Sep 17, 2014

For my nursing program we had to sign a paper stating that we would not lift anything heavier than 40 pound. Stamina is something that you will develop over time, and exercise does help.

There are always techniques and equipment to help you with the task of lifting. Learn to use you resources. You can do this.

duskyjewel · Sep 17, 2014

In addition to building stamina, you need to build strength. You need to be doing core and weight-bearing exercise. There are classes like BodyPump and others that focus on weights, and they're great for lessening the intimidation factor of using free weights and teaching you good form. The core includes the back, and I can't stress enough how important a strong core is to your safety.

If you don't want to do classes or free weights, there are the weight machines, and most gyms offer a free orientation on how to use them correctly. Or there are tons of home programs you can use. Just do something. Another benefit to weight bearing exercise is that it's protective against osteoporosis and helps preserve bone mass, which is something we ladies need to think about. :)

TC3200 · Sep 17, 2014

No person lift more than 35 pounds alone, was the rule at the hospital that I was at for diploma RN school. As a student, there was far more standing for long periods (on clinicals, b/c the floors don't have enough employee chairs so students must stand) and sitting forever in lectures than actual lifting and moving patients. CNAs get stuck with lots of the lifting, as do the patient transport workers. But yes, some hospitals have job applicants demonstrate ability to lift 50#.

As for 8-12 hr shifts, it's mostly walking and standing. Have you ever worked retail? It's no worse than being a cashier or salesclerk. You're on your feet a lot. Personally, I find standing is much harder than walking around. Walking a lot is great. Just find the right shoes for you and keep your weight down to a reasonable weight, and it should be no problem for most people. :-)

Summers3 · Sep 18, 2014

Pmabraham, thank you for your reply! Yes, I still have about 1.5 years left before I actually start working but I want to still be in decent shape for clinicals since that is also 12 hours.

Thank you for your advice and best of luck to you in your own clinicals! :)

RunBabyRN · Sep 18, 2014

Use good body mechanics, and use your resources. Never try to move a patient alone. If you have a lift team, utilize them. Keeping fit is definitely smart, and you can always get away from bedside nursing as you get older, or even into outpatient care, where you're not doing a lot of moving people in beds.

Summers3 · Sep 18, 2014

Dear Soldiernurse22, thank you for your advice!

Yes, I do understand that I would probably need others to help me do anything heavy. BUt I have heard of nurses/hospital staff accidently injuring themselves (ex. throwing out their backs) and it has affected their health and work greatly over the years to come just because they lifted something heavy so I just don't want to go over my limit and end up putting myself, my coworkers and especially my patients at risk at all. This is why I initially thought I might be too physically weak to handle heavy things.

I am definitely one of those nurses like you that need to eat and drink and take a break every few hours or so!!! I'm so glad i'm not alone in that aspect. I keep thinking of myself as feeble and mentally weak because like you said, I thought I needed to be a "martyr nurse" in order to keep up with everyone else.

Thank you so so much for your advice. I understand that I must take care of myself first before doing anything else. :)

Summers3 · Sep 18, 2014

thank you for your input, rob4546.

I'm glad that some nursing programs do take notice of these precautions. Thank you for your encouragement! :)

Summers3 · Sep 18, 2014

Hi, duskyjewel.

Right now I am doing the home exercises whenever I can (or go for a run) to build up endurance. What I need is as you suggested, the weight lifting exercise to get in shape to help lift things or patients.

I'll definitely keep moving. Thanks for your time, duskyjewel! :)

Summers3 · Sep 18, 2014

Thanks for your input, tc3200!

I was most worried about the lifting, walking, standing and doing that over and over each hour all in 12 hours shift! So I thought I won't be physically able to continue doing that for days at a time. But I'm glad that I'm not alone and others will be there to help lift a patient, or fill in for me while I take a breather, etc.

I have never thought of it being like retail (since I have never worked in retail) but I will keep that in mind. thank you for your thoughtful input. I appreciate you taking time to advise me, tc3200! :)