VA physical. Morbidly Obese (BMI 43) a problem?

[CassyRN.]

Graduated in December got my license in February. I am in my 30s. I had a phone interview and have been "hired" by the VA. I say "hired" since the paper work needs to go through the HR department and from what I have been reading on allnurses I will also have a physical with them. I gained so much weight in nursing school. I am considered morbidly obese for my short stature. All those long hours sitting and snacking while studying (I know horrible, what will my pts think). I have HTN that is under control and hypothyroidism also under control. I really want this opportunity and I am working on my weight. I am really ashamed of my weight, but it never impeded in my clinicals. All my friends who are already working say I will drop weight fast just as soon as I start working. I am just afraid since they hired me through a phone interview and need to do a physical that this will in any way impede my hiring process.

I read somewhere they are looking for injuries, surgeries, drug-use etc. I am just nervous. Any advice to calm my nerves?

[Tigerlily8]

Hi CassyRN,

You are wasting precious energy worrying about something that might happen. I suggest you come up with a reasonable plan to improve your health. Just get on the right track by making small, sustainable changes. Just keep doing the right thing (most of the time) and eventually you will find a job. Good luck to you.

[CassyRN.]

I just spoke to HR and she reassured me my weight was not an issue. She made a joke saying "If that were the case half the VA staff would be fired" and she laughed, so I feel much better. Thank you for your kind words. I will definitely continue to work on my health.