Will I lose weight being a nurse??

[Misslady113]

I will be a CNA soon. I hear that nurses run around all day non-stop and sometimes dont even get a break to eat or use the bathroom. So if I work under these conditions, should I expect to lose a few pounds ( I really want to ) ? Why arent all nurses thin if they are always moving on their feet, missing meals, and stressed out? I know this question sounds silly, but Im just wondering.:)

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

When I first went back to the floor after years of working desk jobs, I lost 11 lbs. in a matter of a few weeks---without even trying---due to the increased activity. But it doesn't take very long for even an old body like mine to get used to it, so I find myself once again having to fight hard for every single ounce of weight loss.

It helps that I've learned to stay away from the mounds of donuts, candy, and other goodies well-meaning patients and families bring for the nurses, but if I were to rely on the amount of exercise I get at work to lose weight, I wouldn't get anywhere. It's a shame---I bust my fifty-year-old buns out there every night!---but even though SOME activity is better than none, the sad reality is, floor nursing just doesn't count toward one's exercise requirements. Sorry.

[justiceforjoy]

I'd say we're at an increased risk of packing on the weight since our bodies freak out! Barely any calories to maintain our activity level makes our body want to latch onto any calories it takes in (like, say, on the days off when we gorge!)

If you're looking to lose weight, eat healthy, not less... Well, unless you're taking in way too many calories and suffering from portion distortion :)

[eriksoln, BSN, RN]

I'd say we're at an increased risk of packing on the weight since our bodies freak out! Barely any calories to maintain our activity level makes our body want to latch onto any calories it takes in (like, say, on the days off when we gorge!)

If you're looking to lose weight, eat healthy, not less... Well, unless you're taking in way too many calories and suffering from portion distortion :)

LMAO. That is new to my dictionary, but I should have known it years ago.

I get portion distortion with pizza and wings, and steak...........and ice cream.............and hamburgers..............and, pffft, nevermind, I didnt think the list would be so long when I started it. I think I was in denial.

[Dalzac, LPN, LVN, RN]

I worked nights at one place where the cafeteria was closed at nights. So I ate out of the vending machines and gained weight. I also worked at a place that had an open grill at night. But all you could get was burgers or hot dogs or maybe a sandwich. Again I gained weight. Then I retired and started eating right like lowfat and lots of veggies and fruit instead of crap and lost 85 pounds. So no I didn't lose any weight as a nurse

[RNperdiem, RN]

If a nurse has learned good eating habits, is genetically fortunate, brings in healthy food from home, limits grazing on goodies in the break room and is active outside of work, then nursing will probably not cause weight gain.

It helps to have someone at home who will have cooked real food for you when you get home from work.

[emnicams]

I have gained weight since I started nursing over a year ago. While I do run around like crazy at work, my eating habits suck because what I do have time to grab isn't very healthy. Then on my days off, I am too exhausted to go to the gym (my hospital has one for employees to use for free and I am too tired to ever use it). Naturally, no exercise + poor diet = weight gain.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I gained 20 pounds since I became a nurse. I know for a fact that it is the eating habits and not being as active. I work in a clinic, so, while it is intensely busy, it is not the same as floor nursing, and due to being emotionally drained and physically tired, it was easier to order out rather than to cook a meal. Now, I have a goal to bring in lunch, at least heat up some food at home rather than call the nearest chinese food restaurant for delivery and am taking vitamins.

I strongly believe it is the eating habits that make people gain, because the activity alone should compensate for increased metabolism.

[LaneyB]

I always had to struggle with the feeling that because I was on my feet all day I somehow deserved some kind of treat at lunch, or for snacks. I have been lucky because it is not that difficult for me to maintain a healthy weight, but nursing definitely has not helped. Trying to bring my own food to work really helps, but takes planning and time the night before. Like many people said, you still need to exercise outside of work, which can be difficult if you are tired. Avoid the cafeteria if possible. I always planned to get something healthy, then once I got there ended up getting junk instead.

[lizzieborden, BSN, RN]

I have lost about 15 pounds since I have started working, mainly from missing meals. I work 12 hours shifts and on the days I work I usually eat only 2 meals and sometimes only 1 (breakfast at home)! I work in the ER and we don't always get a break.

[roadrunner-in-icu]

It depends... I lost weight when I was in the Med/Surgical Unit. And I gained back the weight after working in the Med/Surgical ICU. I found out I have more time to eat and sit down in the ICU. Well, most of my patients don't talk so I don't have to run around like I used to be when I was in Med/Surg Unit.

[diane227, LPN, RN]

When you are working those floors trust me you will loose weight.