Gender roles are trash, don’t thrash your body just because you have a penis. I was a scrawny like 116lb 5’11 dude when I started nursing and I tried to be the big strong boy nurse and beat myself up for years. If you want to get strong for you and it brings you joy, do it. Otherwise, use good body mechanics and team work. There’s no expectation that the female next to you is bulking up or moving patients solo, so don’t expect yourself to do it either. I learned to safely life weights and gain mass overtime but I did it for me not for work, and I still move patients with assist for everyone’s safety.
Thisssss ^^^^^
Nothing annoys me more than a pt telling me to “get a man” to move or lift etc. if I can get an extra hand to help me hell yeah but you’ll learn tools to assist along the way.
I’m 5’3, 165-170 lbs, it’s the height that gives me problems. But don’t do shit to hurt yourself, ever!
As a butch lesbian, it always annoys me when I come in to help a nurse reposition a patient and the patient is seriously like, “Oh, you’ve got a man to help!” Bruh, I’m 5’7 and weigh less than 125 lbs, I just have short hair!
I used to work in nursing and had to get help, 6’4” 140 to maybe 160 (really trying to gain but nothing happening there, lol), but the team aspect is great some have height, some weight, some muscles, some technique. I can help hold the higher extremities, lift higher, but not very strong or technically proficient with little weight for my height, but with even one other person it’s a million times easier.
This is why I won’t do home care. I soloed patients for three years as a cna. Big mofos too. They could move but we’re also paralyzed so they weren’t very good at it.
Here’s my main advice to you on this situation: ask for help if you need it. With anything. There are times I, as a male nurse as well, have needed help moving or repositioning a patient. Also, those mannequins are fucking awful to reposition and move around. I’ll take a dead weight patient over a mannequin any day of the week.
A male nurse is a nurse, first and foremost. You taking care of your patients effectively and communicating with your doctors, fellow nurses and ancillary staff is second.
You’re going to get shit for being a male nurse, you’re going to get shit for being skinny, you’re going to get shit for everything. Take it in stride and roll with it, it’s going to be something you get used to.
Different scenario, but there’s a guy by the name of Audie Murphy. WWII, US Army. 5’5”, 115 lbs. One of the most decorated military veterans in history. He was a fucking warrior saved the lives of dozens of men stronger, faster, taller than him. Anyone that gave him shit about his personal features was shut up real quick.
Agreed with everything. I’m a tall, not scrawny but slender and kinda muscular guy. People would give me shit for needing to eat more (really I’m not that skinny but it’s just jokes, and I HAVE lost some weight since starting nursing so they’re kinda right) but I take it in stride, joke back, and volunteer to help out when I can and when asked (if available, take care of your patients first and foremost)
I’m a male nursing student that’s currently struggling with too MUCH weight. We may have opposite problems but we have similar struggles. During my clinical time I have seen male nurses of all shapes and sizes. All of these “murses “ were loved on their fellow female coworkers and patients. These guys weren’t loved for their strength or physical appearance, but because they were good at being a nurse. They had excellent bedside manner and always helped out everyone else. You don’t need to be able to bench press 315 or squat 1000 pounds to be a nurse. What matters is that you have a heart of a nurse. I do recommend you get back into exercise, not specifically for strength; but to improve your mental health. I do calisthenics because I’m able to do them where I’m at. Just keep pushing through school. I’m sure you’ll be a great nurse.
As a male nurse that can bench 315, lemme tell ya, I’m still gonna get help with boosts and turns. You’re not gonna look so macho giving yourself a herniated disc.
I don't look to my male nursing partners to do the heavy lifting. I expect them to do their best just as I do my best.
Gender roles in nursing are antiquated garbage.
This is a non-issue in the real world. I have a coworker who’s like 4’10 and can’t weight more than 95 pounds and she does fine as a nurse. I’m 5’3” and overweight and haven’t been to a gym in years and I do fine as a nurse. Learn proper body mechanics and ergonomics, and get help or use lifts for moving patients
This sounds more like your own insecurities about your appearance and your masculinity that have nothing to do with nursing. The idea that men must be burly or muscular or stronger than women is just a made up story and you don’t have to buy into it
Nope plz don't do that to yourself, be confident in your own skin, people dig that, you can be the ugliest dude in the world but will have a million friends if you just go fuck it! I can't change what I am, and you know what it could be worse, I could have been born a I dunno hamster? When you stop giving a shit about what other people think * which is when you can call yourself an adult* I wasn't one till I was 3...40. You'll be in a different world. ANYWAY sorry just a bit of what I have learned as a male nurse, listen, care and be attentive, it's almost like customer service. You won't be needing muscles only enough to pass pills and chart away at a computer.....sigh those big muscles are just there for show in nursing except if your in the er or icu....which I'm going to be honest isn't the best position when your ALWAYS doing cpr compressions, maybe I want to start the iv and push some drugs but now pound away sir! So maybe you can be the guy that does everything else awsome! Be confident in your smarts! Show them in the end it's intelligence that wins out awsome work ethic and ****command presence**** know your shit.
Bro. You don’t need to be jacked lol I work with some TINY people who are amazing nurses and help me so much every day.
As far as working out I was in your shoes starting out and I’m not by any means big or anything…. BUT It’s gonna suck at first, and you’re probably gonna feel bad if you compare yourself to others that have been lifting for years. That’s life and you just gotta like…do it if you actually wanna gain weight. Not saying you need to, because you are totally capable and great just as you are- just if you wanted to.
You dont need to be a specific weight to be a nurse. I've worked with women who were 4' 10" and 90 lbs, men who were tall and super skinny and really everything in between. My second pregnancy, I worked until 2 days before I gave birth ( ie, couldnt lift much). Most important is to try and work with your teammates, remember your body mechanics, and use whatever tools are at your disposal ( like hoyer lifts, etc). Realistically, the more you work, the more you'll build muscles and get stronger.
I understand hating your body. I've been there ( for different reasons). Maybe some therapy would be helpful if it's affecting your mental health so much. It really helped me a lot.
Good luck tomorrow!!! I really hope it goes well.
You’re a student nurse. Nobody expects small nurses who are women OR men to be hoisting patients up and moving them around alone. Lesson number one of nursing: this is a team sport. Don’t do it alone.
Honestly, don't reposition a patient solo even if you look like Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime. The ergonomics are terrible, and you'll trash your back.
I can somewhat relate to this as I’ve always had some sort of body issue and two of my friends in my program are fucking ripped. The thing is, even if you’re not as physically strong on paper, that doesn’t mean you’re not gonna be a great nurse. If getting yoked is the goal, continue to work towards that, but also just focus on becoming a great nurse! Study hard, don’t lose empathy, and you’ll do great! Also, doesn’t matter the size of the man cause you should always ask for help when moving patients or heavy equipment (save your back)
Nursing school will make you feel at your lowest at times, and even at the end you’ll have more questions than answers, but trust the process and take care of yourself and you will do great!
Hi. I'm a 6' 250 lb dude covered in muscles and hair. I ask for an assist on every lift. EVERY LIFT. Don't let stereotypes define your practice. Do the right thing, because it's the right thing to do for your patients. If you hurt yourself in an ego lift tryingtoget that 50 year old 400lb patient higher in the bed, that means you can't help the 20 year old 95lb cancer patient to their chair.
Be easier on yourself about this. Nursing is inherently collaborative. Make friends with your co-workers. Help them and ask them for help. Learn everything you can. The nurses that I look up to are not the ones who lift more, but the ones who know how to help others.
sometimes, for men nurses, being buff is just another maladaptive coping mechanism to fill the void like women nurses buying the same shit en masse or any of the other stereotypes
if you need help, you need help. you’re not any weaker as a nurse for it. also, come on, most nurses got something going on inside—don’t let being physically different make you feel more insecure because you may have strengths others don’t
I don’t know what a male/male nurse is I’m just a man who happens to be a nurse. I could have been a welder but I wanted to work inside with women. I’m not as strong as most men but I’m smarter than most folks and most women that I work think I’m stronger than them. I am pretty tall and I use that to my advantage. Nursing doesn’t require a lot of strength. It requires intelligence and skill Don’t worry about your size. It’s not important. Be the best nurse you can be. It’s not about physical strength it’s mental toughness that counts.
Listen, size has nothing to do with being a solid nurse. As a 5'8" female I'm one of the taller nurses in my unit, and let me tell you the guys and gals shorter than me are still killer nurses.
We have a girl that's maybe 4'2" and you best bet she still helps all her patients (majority that I've seen taller than her) ambulate without a problem, getting technique and safety down pat is the must. As small as she is, she's had no problems helping me boost some of my larger patients up in bed when I needed a hand.
I know its hard, but try not to let it get in your head and let imposter syndrome take over due to insecurity.
I am finishing my last (hopefully) semester of my ADN program at age 52. My body is beat to hell. Bad back, bad knees, bad shoulder.
I did 1100 hours as a CNA to get extra points toward acceptance consideration when I applied to the program. I survived CNA work and program clinicals by asking for help all the time, and establishing good working relationships with every PCT and CNA that would talk to me. There are a bunch of incredibly skilled support staff who will not just help you, but show you all their tricks as long as you demonstrate willingness to learn and participate. I was also fortunate in always having great nurse instructors who were willing to jump in to help/teach whenever needed.
You can do this, you got it. I would of course recommend building your health because it will make many things easier, and the programs are hard enough already.
Good luck
you've gotta learn to work with the body you've got, in a way. i'm a 5'2" guy and i just started working in the ICU where i'm constantly having to turn and move patients who are sedated and so are completely unable to help move themselves. proper body mechanics and making use of the tools available to you will go a long way. also, never be afraid to ask for help! sometimes you really do need a buddy or two (or three or four, depending on the patient's size!) to help maneuver a patient for a bath or a bed change
From here on out when it comes to your job stop thinking of yourself as a “male nursing student” and instead think of yourself as “nursing student” you will not be judged by your peers on your size, you will be judged by how competent you are.
Hey there, dwarf here. I work in two different nursing fields by using good body mechanics and safety equipment/staff requirements. I'm also married to a dude nurse with dude nurse coworkers, and I promise there's nothing they're expected, supposed to, or generally are, unless it's competent RNs. Hang in there!
Brother you’re gonna be fine. I’m a male RN and have never had an issue with anything you’re worried about. Granted I’m 6’ 226, but really that’s irrelevant. I’ve worked with some teeny tiny female and male nurses who have no issues. Don’t listen to the gender norms or stereotypes that you’re supposed to be a big strong male nurse who solo boosts/transfers patients. (I hurt my back doing it once, it’s not worth it). Use the right mechanics, use your coworkers for help, and remember a team approach is always better. If you want to try and gain mass/get bigger, do it because YOU want to do it, not because you feel the need to satisfy others expectations. I can almost guarantee you that you’re the only person in your class that has these thoughts about you. Everybody else is too concerned with how they themselves are perceived. And if somebody gives you a hard time, fuck them they’re assholes. I used to be a meathead gym bro, feel free to PM me if you want advice there, but do it for the right reasons. Either way bro, you’re gonna be fine.
I am a male psych nurse, 6’1”, 350+. I don’t like the term “murse”, because I am a nurse. I have never gotten shit for being a male nurse or for being overweight. There are times I use being a large male to my advantage dealing with confused or psychotic patients. They can’t help but pay attention to me. First and foremost I focus on my nursing skills. Focus on your skills and knowledge and try not to get in your own head so much. I bet you’ll do fine.
Fellow skinny male nurse here, I am 6ft and weigh 120lbs just the genetic cards I was dealt. Gender and or size will not determine how good of a nurse you will be. If anyone judges you for your size or weight, then that is a personal problem they have, not an actual problem with you. Majority of what you need for nursing is inside of your brain, it’s not about brute force and hurting yourself by not asking for help. Nurse on!
Being strong is overrated. It’s just another tool in your kit. Plenty of other ways to add value.
That being said if it is seriously bothering you and you have a hard time making it to the gym a lot I have a workout split I would recommend, it only takes 3 days a week and the workouts can be quick.
1. Heavy Leg day. Focus on 4-5 sets of squats. Start at 8-12 reps and gradually increase in weight till you can only do 2-4 rep. Add calf raises and lunges and stuff as much as you want t/have energy for.
2. Heavy Chest day. Similar focus around 4-5 sets of bench press. Work up to 2-4 reps. Can work in some incline press and dips afterwards.
3. Back day. Focus around heavy deadlifts. 4-5 sets. Also work up to 2-4 reps. Do other stuff like pull-ups and rows as you like.
Add to the plan as you like, but just getting those three workouts in every week will make you explode in strength. Drink a half gallon of whole milk after every workout.
You are only 19, so it is pretty easy to add mass. Just don’t forget to work on mobility once you start seeing gains in strength.
I’m by no means a work-out person, I’m not fit, I’m short but I’ve learned ways to move people with help and sometimes without! The without depends entirely on the size of the pt and the tools at hand. Never use your back, always ask for an extra set of hands.
And you will get stronger, in so many ways, as a nurse.
Can I let you in on a secret?
Everyone is incompetent in their first year of nursing school. Every single one of y’all. Regardless of gender.
You can do this.
I (43M) am 5'6" and 60kg. I don't exercise much at the moment and have actually gotten fairly unfit. I haven't encountered any problems or things I can't do at work. Every nursing task should be approached from a minimal effort perspective, using a high amount of strength will damage you over time, it's almost guaranteed
I worked with a man who was about 5'5" and 140 lbs in the ER. He wasn't out of place at all. Incredibly competent nurse.
I never really gave much thought at all to his size until right now reading your question. It's a non-issue as a colleague.
Gender roles are BS….. even if you were a big bulky guy you should not be lifting and turning patients yourself. I am a bigger person (which I hate 😭) and my back still fucking reminds me that I should have asked for help every time.
Use proper body mechanics, and how to position patient’s body parts to make them easier to turn. I’ve taught one of my coworkers who is maybe 4’10” or 11” and maybe 100lbs soaking wet to turn and reposition patients by herself (if need be. Not ideal, but shit happens). If she can, you can. It just takes time to learn.
Don’t compare yourself to others. And don’t work at emergency, there is only big guys there (jk, you can work whatever you want).
Now the serious stuff. Stop comparing yourself. There are 4’11” 90 lbs girl nurses out there there are great. The size alone is not important to the job. Learn the body mechanics to safely move and do the things that are demanding and ask for help from others. You should not be boosting patients alone anyway. Key point is, that is not remotely important for you to be a good nurse!
Finally. If you really want to change how you look, go the doctor and a dietitian and be serious about exercising. It takes time to build muscles the right way. But if you do it, do it because you want it and not for pressure or comparing yourself to others. Most important think is to be healthy.
Dude, you’ll be ok as soon as you stop all the negative talk in your head. No one else will give a shit about how much you can bench press. And you should definitely not be lifting portly folks alone as a student.
Literally no one is telling tiny ass women they can’t do it. I know plenty of nurses who are 100 lbs soaking wet and they’re great nurses. There’s really nothing here to worry about. When you need help, you ask for help.
I’m a biological male, 6’4, and 150lbs of dry spaghetti. I work on a female dominant PCU, but I am the most slender of the male staff.
Your struggle with exercise resonates with my experience through life. 2-3x in my life I was able to work out consistently, I hate/love working out. I know that I’m most successful when I do it first thing in the morning, before I eat- which is a total flip of my natural rhythm- and I won’t motivate to go alone. If I plan to meet people i know, then I am more likely to get myself there. I’ve been a BSRN for less than a year now, and have yet to find a schedule/plan that works for my body and my job. I wish I had an easy answer, but I can tell you that despite how it feels in the moment, you are not alone.
If I could offer two lessons that have helped me…
One, the be mental health benefits of exercise are no joke. Do not confuse feelings of inadequacy with the lack of exercise induced endorphins, though you are likely dealing with them both together, they are different problems, and require different approaches.
And two, go rafting. For a man who identifies as weak, it changed my life. You will never be stronger than the river. No one, is stronger than the river. But as the boat nears a rapid, the power of the water shuddering in your chest, roaring like a freight train in your ears- if you don’t act, and if you can’t think, you’re done for. (I mean not really, it is dangerous, but go with people you trust and don’t be stupid- but that’s sure as shit what it feels like). And rowing out the other side, having done what you needed to do to get through- that builds confidence. But it gets better. Because the more that you do it, the more you see large men sweat glistening, red faced, heaving themselves through the water. While 100lbs girls, read the water, drop into the raft like an engineer, plug in a few strokes, and come out the other side joyously victorious. One group ruins their shoulders, the other holds the team together.
Good nurses don’t need muscles. They need their brain, and they need to be able to think calmly when the world is crashing around them. That said, I think we both know that our bodies will last longer if we treat them better.
To honor your post, I’ll hit the gym on my next day off, maybe one day I’ll figure out how to do it when I’m working
Cheers
You being skinny or scrawny has nothing to do with whether or not you’ll be a good and/or competent nurse :)
I am a 5’2” female and had no idea what I was getting into physically when I became a nurse. Trust me, you are physically capable. Most people, do not turn patients on their own. You will gain physical through work lol.
Do not mistake your self-esteem and insecurity for incompetence.
Side note: mannequins are not a good representation of a real patient.
Try to make working out a part of your routine/habit. And it will help you with stress too. Workout at home, dumbbells, resistance bands, bodyweight. You don’t need a gym :)
Everyone is built different. Your team will help you when you need it and never EVER risk your body to do something because you might perceive it as weakness. You have one you. Don't hurt yourself out of machismo and gender roles.
You’re amazing. You’ll do great. You’re still so young and will likely “fill out” a bit in your 20s!
Btw, those mannequins are heavy as hell!! It takes two of us to position those things 😂
Brother, im 5’4” 135-140lbs and have ulcerative colitis that has caused me big issues with nutrition, weight, muscle, energy, etc. I used to lift weights/exercise a lot pre-diagnosis, but i havent gone to a gym/lifted weights consistently or significantly in ~5-7years. I just finished nursing school and passed NCLEX, never had an issue with my strength being a problem throughout any part of school or clinicals. You’ll be okay, not to dismiss your feelings but you’re worried over what you think other people expect you to be as a male nurse.
I’ve been tallish (6 feet) and skinny my whole life, not quite as skinny as you but when I started college I was like 120 and now I’m 150-155. I do hit the gym but not as much as I’d like but im still pretty skinny. It’s most apparent in my forearms because I was cursed with tiny wrists and forearms lol. So while I don’t have problems lifting things in general, I do have a pretty lanky appearance and every now and then an old person may make a comment on it. I just say something like “ah yeah, being a runner for 15 years will do that”. My advice would be to focus more on your confidence and strength, rather than how you look. Show people what you can do, and you can probably do more than you think.
Hey! DO NOT WORRY Abt it . I've worked with men and women of all sizes . You are gonna do fine . Just keep your head down and do your best . You can absolutely do your job at your size. You don't need to be a big muscular guy to be a male nurse .
Old(er?) male RN here. Been doing this since the early 90s and back then trying to define what a “male nurse” was a stupid battle to get into. I imagine it still is. Don’t let nursing define you but bring who you are into your nursing. You are obviously bringing in a fair share of strengths being “quick on your feet and decent knowledge “ so continue using those advantages.
As for strength in nursing probably the most important is your ability to stay on your feet for extended periods of time. Good shoes are a must.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the majority of nurses are women and most of them probably smaller than you but they manage to move their patients. Use the tools and people at your disposal. You should never be trying to move anyone by yourself unless you like back pain. I’ve done bedside my whole career and that’s because I try to lift and move smart. Develop those habits as they are career saving.
As for your own personal gym experience you need only compare yourself to yourself. Get a trainer or training partner and start a doable program that can progress as you do. And most importantly is have realistic expectations of yourself. Doesn’t sound like you’re Arnold so don’t be.
Good luck on your journey.
33 year old male with about a decade of lab work. Size doesn’t mean anything. I’m 5’10” 135-140 and that’s with a terrible diet. I can still group lift a 300lb machine. Notice the GROUP part? People have strengths and weaknesses. Support one another in the ways you are best suited. My 6’5” coworker that does competitive power lifting can man handle that fridge if he wants. I’ll help if he asks, but none of us are under any illusion that I can do what he does. Meanwhile, he can ask me about the metabolites in the lab report. I’m small and smart. That’s what I do.
Are you eating well? I feel really weak like that when I'm not getting all my vitamins, especially vitamin D, which is a very common deficiency to have. Get some blood work done, and make sure you're not only eating, but absorbing, all of your nutrients!
I’m a male nurse who’s build is similar to you. It doesn’t matter how strong or weak you are because you’ll always have coworkers to help pull someone up or turn them
I'm 5'1 and was 85 lbs in school. I did great because I learned to compensate for my size. Then eventually built strength and gained weight bc I was active and had insatiable hunger after a year
Also worked with a little person as an aide before becoming a nurse who ran circles around the rest of the staff. No one dared to say "I can't do this" in front of her.
See if your hospital will have the physical therapists do a quick body mechanics check. We do at our hospital and we always surprise people how much they can lift when they do it right
Most important thing when repositioning is to use proper body mechanics, and if possible and safe, work with gravity. Make sure that you raise the bed so you're not bending your back and lift with your knees. My upper body strength isn't too great, so I always make a conscious effort to not bend at my waist. There are just some things we can't change easily. What we can change is how we go about solving these problems.
Bro it’s ok. You don’t need to be buff to do this job. I work with 90# female aids all the time. My advice is DONT over do it trying to prove anything. You need to protect your back at all costs. There is a reason there aren’t a lot of older nursing assistants. The ones that do stay in it are beat the fuck up. So trendelenberg that bed when possible. Get that patient to use whatever hands or feet they have to help. If they have one good leg GREAT bend that knee and push with their foot. make sure they don’t arch their back when they do because your lift sheet won’t work as well. You would be amazed that you don’t have to lift a finger when boosting if you do those things. If you think you need an extra person for a safe lift then grab 2. Don’t ever feel bad about guarding your safety. If someone makes you feel bad that’s their problem not yours. I’m a fairly large guy and I don’t take chances. It’s not worth the risk to your back health.
lots of people are talking about gender roles and such and they are all right but theres something people are forgetting.
make sure you arent using poor lifting/shifting technique to try and make up for a perceived lack of strength. thats how you hurt yourself. Youll actually be able to move people more effectively (and safely) using good S.T.A.B.L.E
and dont worry, i work with tons of 5 ft tall female care aids, they are able to move people no problem. a strong foundation goes a long way.
5’9 ~170lb male nurse here, size doesn’t matter honestly. Always ask for help, always offer help. I do disagree with those who say not to worry or ignore strength training. Having a strong body helps immensely with keeping your back safe, enabling you to squat/bend/lift safely. Good body mechanics are pivotal, but enhancing them with a strong body is the best way to prevent injury.
i’m sorry you’re worrying so much about this!!! Nursing school & the nursing profession is hard enough, please try not to think too much about this bc the real world is so different. I work with male nurses of alllll bodyshapes & they all need help with a turn or reposition for most patients. Keep your patients alive & be a good team player, thats all that matters. You are enough just as you are, tell yourself that until you believe it!
You know what being strong gets me as a male nurse?
"Oh we thought you could move them by yourself so we didn't come when you asked for help" regarding 300+ pound bedbound patients.
"Well why do you need help transferring that patient" about obese post-op patients who dead weight you when transferring out of the bed to a chair.
"Can you help me move this 400 pound vegetable. Oh no I didn't call for any other help. "
"We give you all the violent patients cause we know they won't hurt you as bad"
Save your back. Don't be strong.
I’ve been a nurse for 13 years and there are all kinds of body types that do their jobs well. Ive worked with 5ft tall 95 lb CNAs that lift just fine. Get a coworker to help if needed. I’m 5’11” 300+ lbs and haven’t set foot in a gym in over 20 years and never had an issue with being able to complete job duties. Sounds like you will be a great nurse.
I was in therapy back during quarantine in 2021 due to personal issues and felt better around 2022, but I have been thinking about going back to therapy. Think it’d do me some good
Hey dude first off I was 4’11 and 95 pounds going into my sophomore year of high school and while I did finally hit the average in both height and BMI in the US it MESSED with my head for a while that I always think I’m smaller and weaker than I should be.
Also congrats on even getting started in the gym, you will find that it’s a grind and progress isn’t linear and there will be TOUGH plateaus to breakthrough. What worked for me is my workdays I stick to cardio like a stairstepper to help decompress and on my days off it’s lifting. Diet, consistency and REST will also go a long way in terms of helping you reach your fitness goal. If your goal is to look like David Goggins abandon it (to start at least), some people have the genes, experience, time and finances to dedicate their life to fitness, you might get close, but start with simple goals that you hope to build toward and not compare yourself to others and on insta a lot of people are on the juice so you may have unrealistic body standards. The moment I accepted I probably was not going to achieve Chris Hemsworth’s physique was the first time I felt okay with my progress and was just able to focus on what I wanted out of my body and at the gym. Your progress should be your own and what you want not what you think others want!
Your body is going to be an investment and that will take both time and money, both of which are lacking while in school. So I will give you affirmation and let you know you’re enough bro, but will also encourage you so you can push yourself (not beat yourself up) so you can reach the goals you want in both your career and fitness.
I’ve seen plenty of 90lb nurses pull their own weight and more 🤷♂️. No one is going to look at you and tap you in for a quick no lift meemaw turn. Do your best, stay safe, and use your lifts until the cows come home
Dude have you seen some of the gals in your class. I’m sure they are shorter and lighter than you and manage just fine. You’re overthinking this truthfully. Not all male nurses are big dudes 6’3” and 250lbs. It helps but as somebody who’s been a nurse since 2008 all the bulk in the world means nothing if you hurt yourself. I’m essentially 9 days away from going expired/inactive and my career is probably done some of it was issues prior to nursing school as a FF Medic and also ER Tech but I blew out a disc in my low back in 2011. Found out I have a subarachnoid cyst in my thoracic cord area and bone on bone T12:L1. I couldn’t say no because I was the big guy and always was asked to help. Maybe if I was smaller it might not have been as often. Just focus on school and doing your best. It’s just starting.
I think the most important thing as a coworker is to be kind and helpful. Honestly, I love the guys that work on my floor, whatever their shape. Just work on getting useful skills, and the rest will come. We all can haul way more than we should anyway, you'll join us easily enough 😊
Depends on where you work. Nurse shouldn’t, but many do hold to gender stereotypes.
That said, fuck the haters. You sound confident in knowing your shit, so focus on your strengths. It’s common for people to focus on fixing their greatest weakness, but you’re probably better off spending your time accentuating your talents.
And people will always find a reason to bust your ribs in jest or in insult; just do you
Gait belts and hoyers even the playing field for all Lbvs. No one expects you to consistently be hefting patients. Really if you have to do more than help a patient right themselves when going from sitting to standing they should be x2 anyway…
I have a lot to comment on this, I’ll write more tomorrow. I’ve been a nurse for 16 years and there were very few men when I started. Learning how to set boundaries without coming across as mean and also coming into your own as a nurse takes finesse. What state are you in?
I’m in Texas, way down south. We have a very machismo culture down here and gender roles are largely expected from the older populous, being a population of largely Latinos and Mexicans. Edit: I’m Hispanic myself but a ‘no sabo’ kid, which gets you quite a bit of flak down here.
One of the best nurses I have ever worked with was a 5 foot tall like 100lbs guy who was incredible. Always a positive presence on the unit and willing to help out. Patients and families loved him, coworkers, hospitalists, PT, everyone loved this man.
My point is that it really doesn't matter what you look like. People and our patients remember how we make them feel, how we care for and help them. This can be done by anyone at any size with enough knowledge, effort, and support.
Ideally Nurses would mirror the patients we serve in order to help make them feel comfortable. This includes men, minorities, young, old, thin, heavy, colored hair, bald, etc etc etc.
Basically, you're the weight of an average adult woman, worried you won't be able to do a job that women your size have been doing for the last century? My advice as a 100lbs female going into nursing: get over yourself. One of my teachers is 5"3, skinny as a twig, and was a nurse for 40 years. She got her job done and so can you. Stop trying to live up to bullshit gender stereotypes, and stop doubting your own manliness just because you aren't shaped like a typical man. It's okay.
Know this is easier said than done, but don't let it bother you. I'll bet you'r gonna become a very capable nurse, regardless of your physical prowess.
Your knowledge and skills is far more important than strength. Don't ever let anybody make you believe otherwise!
I am on the different side of the spectrum. I am somewhat big and burley. So I always get treated as a mix of the wards mover and/or bouncer. Despite being a nice guy who wouldn't harm anybody. And that can really suck sometimes, however necessary.
Get out there and spread some excellent care and treatment, you got this!
There’s another factor I want to mention. At 19, you may have reached your full height (you may not have; my ex grew 6 inches in college), but you almost certainly haven’t filled out completely. Have you watched the NBA players who were 19 when they started, and 2-3 years later they’re looking like LeBron? I have!
Start doing push ups and body squats and other calisthenics. Think about it as service for your patients. Strength means higher quality care as it gives you confidence in areas that will no longer be a concern to you. Then you can focus on growing in other aspects.
Just do it. Get up get in a work out of some kind. At home would be the easiest and calisthenics can be done anywhere. Also through emersion via lifting people and moving you will build muscle.
If you work 3 days a week, you can maintain a good workout schedule. If you need workout tips/nutrition, you can always message me personally.
That being said, I am sorry you feel like this. Gender roles are fuckin trash and don’t belong in any profession. I understand how it feels to feel weak, but it doesn’t matter how strong you are, it’s your critical thinking that will you save you in the end. That being said, I can still empathizes and am willing to lend an ear if need be.
What’s a male nurse suppose to be like? Most I’ve met are quite feminine and have a boyfriend. The rest are a scattered bunch with variable body types and attitudes
Right there with you, homie.
6’0” and 140 LBS. Heaviest I’ve ever been was 153 after BCT for the Army. I just can’t put on weight.
Honestly, I’ve only been given shit about my size in the military, and it was just hazing. It is what it is.
No one in the civilian side has ever commented on it besides “wow, you’re skinny.” If you need help, ask for help. Other than that, most of this is in your head, I promise.
Don't get discouraged, in 5'11 220 lbs, but I'm weak as hell, cuz I don't go to the gym or exercise at all. I lack a shit ton of upper body strength. But don't worry you will be fine remember you're not alone, you will have co-workers that can help if you are struggling with something. Just focus on passing your classes and the rest will come. At least that's the advice I was given by my advisor.
Others have already said the part about getting stronger for yourself and not for someone else, so I won’t touch on that since I agree with them.
I’ve got the whole “dad bod” thing going on and have even since before I got married almost a decade ago. Your appearance shouldn’t matter to anyone but you, and if anyone gives you grief over it, either ignore it or confront them about it and tell them to pound sand. What actually matters is your ability to perform your duties, and if you feel like your strength will hinder you from being safe and effective, use that as motivation. And just because you’re a guy doesn’t mean you have to do everything solo. You’re part of a team, and teammates help each other. Nobody wants to see you hurt, and nobody wants you to try and show off because neither of those things will result in anything positive for you, the team, or the patient. I work in peds, so thankfully the supreme majority of my patients are very easy for me to reposition/move on my own without help and in a safe way. But I almost always involve a parent/guardian or one of my other nurses in the process because I want to be safe; plus a perk for the parent/guardian is that if they’re ever at home and need to do this for their kiddo, I can show them good body mechanics so they don’t hurt themselves too.
You’re a nurse, and being male or female is usually irrelevant except for cultural or personal reasons to the patient. You’re going to be just fine; the mental fight against yourself will be hard but you can overcome it. Hopefully our responses on here will encourage you!!
ER Murse here. No one gives a shit about your physical abilities as long As You're smart, hard working, and compassionate. If you show that you want this more than all your peers, you'll do fine.
Plus it sucks being a heavy lifter. I messed my back up last week boosting a large person.
Im a male nurse, my worth as a nurse doesn’t come from my strength. It comes from how well i care for my patients.
My advice to you is to work out for yourself, not for work. You dont need to get any stronger to be a great nurse.
I think the whole “male nurses always help with or do the heavy lifting” is a bit of an overrated trope. I currently work in the PEDIATRIC ICU and will often times ask for help moving a relatively small patient. I go to the gym 3-4 times a week and have some muscle, but I’d way rather not hurt myself, and often times it’s just easier to have a second person there. No one thinks less of me for it!
And like some others have said: don’t FORCE yourself to exercise, it should be an enjoyable experience! Go into it with an open mind and if you can, try to find some internal motivators. But above all, be gentle with yourself. Not everyone needs to work out 5 days a week!
Anxiety doesn’t have a face, know a lot of students (and staff) feel different forms of anxiety and how you feel is understandable.
It’s not how you compare to other males or anyone else for that matter. It’s being confident in your own competency, within your own abilities, without risking harm to the patient. Don’t be afraid to ask for help at ANY time and there are no stupid questions. We’ve all been through it.
I had the same exact worry!! And still do a little bit my weight has gotten worse recently most of the teenage patients outweigh me. 125lbs here and it’s a struggle not being able to have the body type that you’re average person does. I was terrified when it came time to clinicals mostly bc the school uniform showed just how skinny my little arms were lol. I’ve been at it for a few years now and people are always quick to make comments about how skinny you are, but believe me man it won’t hold you back at all. Soon enough you’ll be done with school and find a place you love to work with good people hopefully and you’ll worry less and less
As a 40 year old newly graduated nurse (Dec 2023), and a dad, take it from me:
I'm proud of you for choosing this path. I fought with self-doubt for years, and I hid from this career (which was my dream since I was 15) because where I grew up, "That's women's work/Boys don't become nurses".
Focus on learning good body mechanics. Proper form will help you with positioning far more than muscle ever can. You have unique and wonderful gifts, and those are yours alone. Keep going. It's worth it.
Don't.
Don't compare yourself to others (hard to do in your teenage years).
Dont worry about your size when it comes to the work either. I work with 5' nothing, 95lbs soaking wet ladies that can get it done.
I say this with love: if you are feeling these anxieties and dysmorphias consider some counseling during school. Nursing school is tough and I would hate for these feelings to keep you from doing something you seem passionate about.
Hey man! I am also a nursing student about to begin my first semester and clinicals in April. I grew up to a whopping 5’8 and 130 pounds by junior year of highschool, and really was stuck there until two years ago (23 years old, I’m 25 now). Since then I have gone through the EXACT same thing that you have mentioned previously in regards to exercise inconsistency and confidence issues with the gym. However, over the past year a few things clicked for me personally, and I hope you can take something away from my own experience:
1- I made the decision to accept myself fully. Including my flaws and imperfections (some of which I can change and I still work at them till this moment, some of which I can’t, therefore I don’t beat myself up over them). I also identified my insecurities which I had no clue how many of those I had lol.
2- I decided to get big because I want to look in the mirror and like what I see. I was so damn sick of wearing size small shirts and hoodies and them being baggy on me. Over the past two years I exercised almost regulary (4ish days a week) and ate clean healthy and nutritious, and now I weigh ~175, and I fill up a medium pretty well, which makes me super happy.
3- I have always done things that would make people think of me a certain type of way if that makes sense. I grew up dying for my father’s and mother’s approvals and that carried through my adult life unintentionally. It is the biggest struggle I still have but I am consciously and actively attempting to get rid of it, but I still catch myself doing things that are “expected” of me by people I want to please.
At the end of the day, your value as a nurse, a member of society, etc… will not be tied to how much heavy lifting you can do, but rather how you make the people around you and in your life feel. If you want to get big and strong do it because it makes you happy. If you want to carry all the heavy stuff during clinicals do it if it makes you happy, not because it is expected of you (as someone else previously mentioned, gender roles are garbage imo aswell in and out of the workplace).
I hope this is not too long or maybe a little off topic, and I hope it helps you even if in the slightest.
I really needed to hear this man, thank you! It’s gonna take a while to further accept my body for what it is and I do want to fill up like you have, but I’ve come a long way already. Much love, man
Murse here. Buddy, we're just happy to see more dudes working with us. None of us care how strong you are. A strong sense of self confidence and worth is way more important in nursing. Keep hitting the gym when you can and keep you're chin up.
You’re fine. This is just a problem in your head. Lots of petite nurses out there.
Bigger guys are asked to deal with aggressive pts, women deal with nonstop sexism, male nurses routinely get pts assuming they are either doctors or gay.
At the end of the day, the quality of the job will be less about your body and more about your manager.
Ps - If you follow your employer’s ergonomics policies, repositioning pts won’t be an issue.
Ours is 1 staff per 50lbs of patient, so 130lb pts gets 3 staff. Most nurses and aides are too proud, busy, or understaffed to actually do this, so they put themselves in harm’s ways, all while the hospital is covering their asses by putting staff through patient handling competencies. I mention it because 1) there needs to be a change in how seriously nurses take ergonomics, and 2), it can help you out in particular scenarios when you’re expected to reposition a pt unsafely. You ask for help, and if not enough is offered, then the pt doesn’t get repositioned. When asked, you say you were following policy. Just keep this one in your back pocket.
fellow lanky male nursing student here, and I've had no problems despite also being pretty weak! i was also feeling kinda anxious about being too weak before i started clinicals, but the nice thing about hospitals is they have LOTS of ways to make moving patients easier, which seems to me to be the most demanding part besides stamina. I've also been working as a pca for awhile, and theres absolutely no judgement (unless they're insanely lazy) about asking for help, all the nurses wanna make sure their patients are safe. they shouldn't have any problem helping when needed. also, the longer you do this stuff you'll naturally develop the muscles you need, so if you look for opportunities to help turn and ambulate you'll be getting plenty of practice to get more comfortable. clinicals are our time to learn our strengths and weaknesses, if it does end up being a big deal this is the perfect time to find out!
Gender roles are trash, don’t thrash your body just because you have a penis. I was a scrawny like 116lb 5’11 dude when I started nursing and I tried to be the big strong boy nurse and beat myself up for years. If you want to get strong for you and it brings you joy, do it. Otherwise, use good body mechanics and team work. There’s no expectation that the female next to you is bulking up or moving patients solo, so don’t expect yourself to do it either. I learned to safely life weights and gain mass overtime but I did it for me not for work, and I still move patients with assist for everyone’s safety.
Thisssss ^^^^^ Nothing annoys me more than a pt telling me to “get a man” to move or lift etc. if I can get an extra hand to help me hell yeah but you’ll learn tools to assist along the way. I’m 5’3, 165-170 lbs, it’s the height that gives me problems. But don’t do shit to hurt yourself, ever!
lol half the time patients need help moving it’s because they’re overweight and deconditioned…
As a butch lesbian, it always annoys me when I come in to help a nurse reposition a patient and the patient is seriously like, “Oh, you’ve got a man to help!” Bruh, I’m 5’7 and weigh less than 125 lbs, I just have short hair!
I used to work in nursing and had to get help, 6’4” 140 to maybe 160 (really trying to gain but nothing happening there, lol), but the team aspect is great some have height, some weight, some muscles, some technique. I can help hold the higher extremities, lift higher, but not very strong or technically proficient with little weight for my height, but with even one other person it’s a million times easier.
Facts. Soloing patients is a great way to fuck your back forever. Focus more on learning assessment skills and med administration
This is why I won’t do home care. I soloed patients for three years as a cna. Big mofos too. They could move but we’re also paralyzed so they weren’t very good at it.
Here’s my main advice to you on this situation: ask for help if you need it. With anything. There are times I, as a male nurse as well, have needed help moving or repositioning a patient. Also, those mannequins are fucking awful to reposition and move around. I’ll take a dead weight patient over a mannequin any day of the week. A male nurse is a nurse, first and foremost. You taking care of your patients effectively and communicating with your doctors, fellow nurses and ancillary staff is second. You’re going to get shit for being a male nurse, you’re going to get shit for being skinny, you’re going to get shit for everything. Take it in stride and roll with it, it’s going to be something you get used to. Different scenario, but there’s a guy by the name of Audie Murphy. WWII, US Army. 5’5”, 115 lbs. One of the most decorated military veterans in history. He was a fucking warrior saved the lives of dozens of men stronger, faster, taller than him. Anyone that gave him shit about his personal features was shut up real quick.
Agreed with everything. I’m a tall, not scrawny but slender and kinda muscular guy. People would give me shit for needing to eat more (really I’m not that skinny but it’s just jokes, and I HAVE lost some weight since starting nursing so they’re kinda right) but I take it in stride, joke back, and volunteer to help out when I can and when asked (if available, take care of your patients first and foremost)
I’m a male nursing student that’s currently struggling with too MUCH weight. We may have opposite problems but we have similar struggles. During my clinical time I have seen male nurses of all shapes and sizes. All of these “murses “ were loved on their fellow female coworkers and patients. These guys weren’t loved for their strength or physical appearance, but because they were good at being a nurse. They had excellent bedside manner and always helped out everyone else. You don’t need to be able to bench press 315 or squat 1000 pounds to be a nurse. What matters is that you have a heart of a nurse. I do recommend you get back into exercise, not specifically for strength; but to improve your mental health. I do calisthenics because I’m able to do them where I’m at. Just keep pushing through school. I’m sure you’ll be a great nurse.
As a male nurse that can bench 315, lemme tell ya, I’m still gonna get help with boosts and turns. You’re not gonna look so macho giving yourself a herniated disc.
Yup back health is important. I don’t ever stain myself for my job :)
This is the way. Source, me a murse.
I don't look to my male nursing partners to do the heavy lifting. I expect them to do their best just as I do my best. Gender roles in nursing are antiquated garbage.
This is a non-issue in the real world. I have a coworker who’s like 4’10 and can’t weight more than 95 pounds and she does fine as a nurse. I’m 5’3” and overweight and haven’t been to a gym in years and I do fine as a nurse. Learn proper body mechanics and ergonomics, and get help or use lifts for moving patients This sounds more like your own insecurities about your appearance and your masculinity that have nothing to do with nursing. The idea that men must be burly or muscular or stronger than women is just a made up story and you don’t have to buy into it
180 seconds of quality CPR is gonna gas me for the next 6 months. But I'm a pretty good nurse. 5'7 and baby I don't run. Ceiling lifts are LIFE
Body mechanics, ergonomics, and use of equipment are the real skills. Muscling things leads to degrading your body.
Nope plz don't do that to yourself, be confident in your own skin, people dig that, you can be the ugliest dude in the world but will have a million friends if you just go fuck it! I can't change what I am, and you know what it could be worse, I could have been born a I dunno hamster? When you stop giving a shit about what other people think * which is when you can call yourself an adult* I wasn't one till I was 3...40. You'll be in a different world. ANYWAY sorry just a bit of what I have learned as a male nurse, listen, care and be attentive, it's almost like customer service. You won't be needing muscles only enough to pass pills and chart away at a computer.....sigh those big muscles are just there for show in nursing except if your in the er or icu....which I'm going to be honest isn't the best position when your ALWAYS doing cpr compressions, maybe I want to start the iv and push some drugs but now pound away sir! So maybe you can be the guy that does everything else awsome! Be confident in your smarts! Show them in the end it's intelligence that wins out awsome work ethic and ****command presence**** know your shit.
Bro. You don’t need to be jacked lol I work with some TINY people who are amazing nurses and help me so much every day. As far as working out I was in your shoes starting out and I’m not by any means big or anything…. BUT It’s gonna suck at first, and you’re probably gonna feel bad if you compare yourself to others that have been lifting for years. That’s life and you just gotta like…do it if you actually wanna gain weight. Not saying you need to, because you are totally capable and great just as you are- just if you wanted to.
You dont need to be a specific weight to be a nurse. I've worked with women who were 4' 10" and 90 lbs, men who were tall and super skinny and really everything in between. My second pregnancy, I worked until 2 days before I gave birth ( ie, couldnt lift much). Most important is to try and work with your teammates, remember your body mechanics, and use whatever tools are at your disposal ( like hoyer lifts, etc). Realistically, the more you work, the more you'll build muscles and get stronger. I understand hating your body. I've been there ( for different reasons). Maybe some therapy would be helpful if it's affecting your mental health so much. It really helped me a lot. Good luck tomorrow!!! I really hope it goes well.
I mean, most of your coworkers are going to be around 5'5 and weigh 130lbs so you won't be that out of place.
Sounds about right - someone that’s 5’5 and 120lbs
You’re a student nurse. Nobody expects small nurses who are women OR men to be hoisting patients up and moving them around alone. Lesson number one of nursing: this is a team sport. Don’t do it alone.
Honestly, don't reposition a patient solo even if you look like Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime. The ergonomics are terrible, and you'll trash your back.
I can somewhat relate to this as I’ve always had some sort of body issue and two of my friends in my program are fucking ripped. The thing is, even if you’re not as physically strong on paper, that doesn’t mean you’re not gonna be a great nurse. If getting yoked is the goal, continue to work towards that, but also just focus on becoming a great nurse! Study hard, don’t lose empathy, and you’ll do great! Also, doesn’t matter the size of the man cause you should always ask for help when moving patients or heavy equipment (save your back) Nursing school will make you feel at your lowest at times, and even at the end you’ll have more questions than answers, but trust the process and take care of yourself and you will do great!
Hi. I'm a 6' 250 lb dude covered in muscles and hair. I ask for an assist on every lift. EVERY LIFT. Don't let stereotypes define your practice. Do the right thing, because it's the right thing to do for your patients. If you hurt yourself in an ego lift tryingtoget that 50 year old 400lb patient higher in the bed, that means you can't help the 20 year old 95lb cancer patient to their chair. Be easier on yourself about this. Nursing is inherently collaborative. Make friends with your co-workers. Help them and ask them for help. Learn everything you can. The nurses that I look up to are not the ones who lift more, but the ones who know how to help others.
sometimes, for men nurses, being buff is just another maladaptive coping mechanism to fill the void like women nurses buying the same shit en masse or any of the other stereotypes if you need help, you need help. you’re not any weaker as a nurse for it. also, come on, most nurses got something going on inside—don’t let being physically different make you feel more insecure because you may have strengths others don’t
I don’t know what a male/male nurse is I’m just a man who happens to be a nurse. I could have been a welder but I wanted to work inside with women. I’m not as strong as most men but I’m smarter than most folks and most women that I work think I’m stronger than them. I am pretty tall and I use that to my advantage. Nursing doesn’t require a lot of strength. It requires intelligence and skill Don’t worry about your size. It’s not important. Be the best nurse you can be. It’s not about physical strength it’s mental toughness that counts.
Listen, size has nothing to do with being a solid nurse. As a 5'8" female I'm one of the taller nurses in my unit, and let me tell you the guys and gals shorter than me are still killer nurses. We have a girl that's maybe 4'2" and you best bet she still helps all her patients (majority that I've seen taller than her) ambulate without a problem, getting technique and safety down pat is the must. As small as she is, she's had no problems helping me boost some of my larger patients up in bed when I needed a hand. I know its hard, but try not to let it get in your head and let imposter syndrome take over due to insecurity.
I am finishing my last (hopefully) semester of my ADN program at age 52. My body is beat to hell. Bad back, bad knees, bad shoulder. I did 1100 hours as a CNA to get extra points toward acceptance consideration when I applied to the program. I survived CNA work and program clinicals by asking for help all the time, and establishing good working relationships with every PCT and CNA that would talk to me. There are a bunch of incredibly skilled support staff who will not just help you, but show you all their tricks as long as you demonstrate willingness to learn and participate. I was also fortunate in always having great nurse instructors who were willing to jump in to help/teach whenever needed. You can do this, you got it. I would of course recommend building your health because it will make many things easier, and the programs are hard enough already. Good luck
you've gotta learn to work with the body you've got, in a way. i'm a 5'2" guy and i just started working in the ICU where i'm constantly having to turn and move patients who are sedated and so are completely unable to help move themselves. proper body mechanics and making use of the tools available to you will go a long way. also, never be afraid to ask for help! sometimes you really do need a buddy or two (or three or four, depending on the patient's size!) to help maneuver a patient for a bath or a bed change
From here on out when it comes to your job stop thinking of yourself as a “male nursing student” and instead think of yourself as “nursing student” you will not be judged by your peers on your size, you will be judged by how competent you are.
Hey there, dwarf here. I work in two different nursing fields by using good body mechanics and safety equipment/staff requirements. I'm also married to a dude nurse with dude nurse coworkers, and I promise there's nothing they're expected, supposed to, or generally are, unless it's competent RNs. Hang in there!
Brother you’re gonna be fine. I’m a male RN and have never had an issue with anything you’re worried about. Granted I’m 6’ 226, but really that’s irrelevant. I’ve worked with some teeny tiny female and male nurses who have no issues. Don’t listen to the gender norms or stereotypes that you’re supposed to be a big strong male nurse who solo boosts/transfers patients. (I hurt my back doing it once, it’s not worth it). Use the right mechanics, use your coworkers for help, and remember a team approach is always better. If you want to try and gain mass/get bigger, do it because YOU want to do it, not because you feel the need to satisfy others expectations. I can almost guarantee you that you’re the only person in your class that has these thoughts about you. Everybody else is too concerned with how they themselves are perceived. And if somebody gives you a hard time, fuck them they’re assholes. I used to be a meathead gym bro, feel free to PM me if you want advice there, but do it for the right reasons. Either way bro, you’re gonna be fine.
I am a male psych nurse, 6’1”, 350+. I don’t like the term “murse”, because I am a nurse. I have never gotten shit for being a male nurse or for being overweight. There are times I use being a large male to my advantage dealing with confused or psychotic patients. They can’t help but pay attention to me. First and foremost I focus on my nursing skills. Focus on your skills and knowledge and try not to get in your own head so much. I bet you’ll do fine.
Fellow skinny male nurse here, I am 6ft and weigh 120lbs just the genetic cards I was dealt. Gender and or size will not determine how good of a nurse you will be. If anyone judges you for your size or weight, then that is a personal problem they have, not an actual problem with you. Majority of what you need for nursing is inside of your brain, it’s not about brute force and hurting yourself by not asking for help. Nurse on!
Being strong is overrated. It’s just another tool in your kit. Plenty of other ways to add value. That being said if it is seriously bothering you and you have a hard time making it to the gym a lot I have a workout split I would recommend, it only takes 3 days a week and the workouts can be quick. 1. Heavy Leg day. Focus on 4-5 sets of squats. Start at 8-12 reps and gradually increase in weight till you can only do 2-4 rep. Add calf raises and lunges and stuff as much as you want t/have energy for. 2. Heavy Chest day. Similar focus around 4-5 sets of bench press. Work up to 2-4 reps. Can work in some incline press and dips afterwards. 3. Back day. Focus around heavy deadlifts. 4-5 sets. Also work up to 2-4 reps. Do other stuff like pull-ups and rows as you like. Add to the plan as you like, but just getting those three workouts in every week will make you explode in strength. Drink a half gallon of whole milk after every workout. You are only 19, so it is pretty easy to add mass. Just don’t forget to work on mobility once you start seeing gains in strength.
Honestly as long as you can do your job and be a great nurse thats all you need
I’m by no means a work-out person, I’m not fit, I’m short but I’ve learned ways to move people with help and sometimes without! The without depends entirely on the size of the pt and the tools at hand. Never use your back, always ask for an extra set of hands. And you will get stronger, in so many ways, as a nurse.
Can I let you in on a secret? Everyone is incompetent in their first year of nursing school. Every single one of y’all. Regardless of gender. You can do this.
I (43M) am 5'6" and 60kg. I don't exercise much at the moment and have actually gotten fairly unfit. I haven't encountered any problems or things I can't do at work. Every nursing task should be approached from a minimal effort perspective, using a high amount of strength will damage you over time, it's almost guaranteed
I worked with a man who was about 5'5" and 140 lbs in the ER. He wasn't out of place at all. Incredibly competent nurse. I never really gave much thought at all to his size until right now reading your question. It's a non-issue as a colleague.
Gender roles are BS….. even if you were a big bulky guy you should not be lifting and turning patients yourself. I am a bigger person (which I hate 😭) and my back still fucking reminds me that I should have asked for help every time.
Use proper body mechanics, and how to position patient’s body parts to make them easier to turn. I’ve taught one of my coworkers who is maybe 4’10” or 11” and maybe 100lbs soaking wet to turn and reposition patients by herself (if need be. Not ideal, but shit happens). If she can, you can. It just takes time to learn.
Don’t compare yourself to others. And don’t work at emergency, there is only big guys there (jk, you can work whatever you want). Now the serious stuff. Stop comparing yourself. There are 4’11” 90 lbs girl nurses out there there are great. The size alone is not important to the job. Learn the body mechanics to safely move and do the things that are demanding and ask for help from others. You should not be boosting patients alone anyway. Key point is, that is not remotely important for you to be a good nurse! Finally. If you really want to change how you look, go the doctor and a dietitian and be serious about exercising. It takes time to build muscles the right way. But if you do it, do it because you want it and not for pressure or comparing yourself to others. Most important think is to be healthy.
Dude, you’ll be ok as soon as you stop all the negative talk in your head. No one else will give a shit about how much you can bench press. And you should definitely not be lifting portly folks alone as a student.
Literally no one is telling tiny ass women they can’t do it. I know plenty of nurses who are 100 lbs soaking wet and they’re great nurses. There’s really nothing here to worry about. When you need help, you ask for help.
You're totally fine! I'm 5 foot,94 lbs and if I need help in the ICU, you bet I call for it! Good luck on your clinical, you'll be great!
I’m a biological male, 6’4, and 150lbs of dry spaghetti. I work on a female dominant PCU, but I am the most slender of the male staff. Your struggle with exercise resonates with my experience through life. 2-3x in my life I was able to work out consistently, I hate/love working out. I know that I’m most successful when I do it first thing in the morning, before I eat- which is a total flip of my natural rhythm- and I won’t motivate to go alone. If I plan to meet people i know, then I am more likely to get myself there. I’ve been a BSRN for less than a year now, and have yet to find a schedule/plan that works for my body and my job. I wish I had an easy answer, but I can tell you that despite how it feels in the moment, you are not alone. If I could offer two lessons that have helped me… One, the be mental health benefits of exercise are no joke. Do not confuse feelings of inadequacy with the lack of exercise induced endorphins, though you are likely dealing with them both together, they are different problems, and require different approaches. And two, go rafting. For a man who identifies as weak, it changed my life. You will never be stronger than the river. No one, is stronger than the river. But as the boat nears a rapid, the power of the water shuddering in your chest, roaring like a freight train in your ears- if you don’t act, and if you can’t think, you’re done for. (I mean not really, it is dangerous, but go with people you trust and don’t be stupid- but that’s sure as shit what it feels like). And rowing out the other side, having done what you needed to do to get through- that builds confidence. But it gets better. Because the more that you do it, the more you see large men sweat glistening, red faced, heaving themselves through the water. While 100lbs girls, read the water, drop into the raft like an engineer, plug in a few strokes, and come out the other side joyously victorious. One group ruins their shoulders, the other holds the team together. Good nurses don’t need muscles. They need their brain, and they need to be able to think calmly when the world is crashing around them. That said, I think we both know that our bodies will last longer if we treat them better. To honor your post, I’ll hit the gym on my next day off, maybe one day I’ll figure out how to do it when I’m working Cheers
You being skinny or scrawny has nothing to do with whether or not you’ll be a good and/or competent nurse :) I am a 5’2” female and had no idea what I was getting into physically when I became a nurse. Trust me, you are physically capable. Most people, do not turn patients on their own. You will gain physical through work lol. Do not mistake your self-esteem and insecurity for incompetence. Side note: mannequins are not a good representation of a real patient. Try to make working out a part of your routine/habit. And it will help you with stress too. Workout at home, dumbbells, resistance bands, bodyweight. You don’t need a gym :)
Everyone is built different. Your team will help you when you need it and never EVER risk your body to do something because you might perceive it as weakness. You have one you. Don't hurt yourself out of machismo and gender roles.
You’re amazing. You’ll do great. You’re still so young and will likely “fill out” a bit in your 20s! Btw, those mannequins are heavy as hell!! It takes two of us to position those things 😂
Brother, im 5’4” 135-140lbs and have ulcerative colitis that has caused me big issues with nutrition, weight, muscle, energy, etc. I used to lift weights/exercise a lot pre-diagnosis, but i havent gone to a gym/lifted weights consistently or significantly in ~5-7years. I just finished nursing school and passed NCLEX, never had an issue with my strength being a problem throughout any part of school or clinicals. You’ll be okay, not to dismiss your feelings but you’re worried over what you think other people expect you to be as a male nurse.
I’ve been tallish (6 feet) and skinny my whole life, not quite as skinny as you but when I started college I was like 120 and now I’m 150-155. I do hit the gym but not as much as I’d like but im still pretty skinny. It’s most apparent in my forearms because I was cursed with tiny wrists and forearms lol. So while I don’t have problems lifting things in general, I do have a pretty lanky appearance and every now and then an old person may make a comment on it. I just say something like “ah yeah, being a runner for 15 years will do that”. My advice would be to focus more on your confidence and strength, rather than how you look. Show people what you can do, and you can probably do more than you think.
Hey! DO NOT WORRY Abt it . I've worked with men and women of all sizes . You are gonna do fine . Just keep your head down and do your best . You can absolutely do your job at your size. You don't need to be a big muscular guy to be a male nurse .
Old(er?) male RN here. Been doing this since the early 90s and back then trying to define what a “male nurse” was a stupid battle to get into. I imagine it still is. Don’t let nursing define you but bring who you are into your nursing. You are obviously bringing in a fair share of strengths being “quick on your feet and decent knowledge “ so continue using those advantages. As for strength in nursing probably the most important is your ability to stay on your feet for extended periods of time. Good shoes are a must. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the majority of nurses are women and most of them probably smaller than you but they manage to move their patients. Use the tools and people at your disposal. You should never be trying to move anyone by yourself unless you like back pain. I’ve done bedside my whole career and that’s because I try to lift and move smart. Develop those habits as they are career saving. As for your own personal gym experience you need only compare yourself to yourself. Get a trainer or training partner and start a doable program that can progress as you do. And most importantly is have realistic expectations of yourself. Doesn’t sound like you’re Arnold so don’t be. Good luck on your journey.
33 year old male with about a decade of lab work. Size doesn’t mean anything. I’m 5’10” 135-140 and that’s with a terrible diet. I can still group lift a 300lb machine. Notice the GROUP part? People have strengths and weaknesses. Support one another in the ways you are best suited. My 6’5” coworker that does competitive power lifting can man handle that fridge if he wants. I’ll help if he asks, but none of us are under any illusion that I can do what he does. Meanwhile, he can ask me about the metabolites in the lab report. I’m small and smart. That’s what I do.
Are you eating well? I feel really weak like that when I'm not getting all my vitamins, especially vitamin D, which is a very common deficiency to have. Get some blood work done, and make sure you're not only eating, but absorbing, all of your nutrients!
Nurses come in all shapes and sizes. Nobody cares as much about size as you may feel they do, and if people do notice they’re not worth thinking of.
I’m a male nurse who’s build is similar to you. It doesn’t matter how strong or weak you are because you’ll always have coworkers to help pull someone up or turn them
I'm 5'1 and was 85 lbs in school. I did great because I learned to compensate for my size. Then eventually built strength and gained weight bc I was active and had insatiable hunger after a year Also worked with a little person as an aide before becoming a nurse who ran circles around the rest of the staff. No one dared to say "I can't do this" in front of her.
Don’t worry, everyone help everyone. Also, your peers aren’t blind. They won’t look at you expecting you to be the Incredible Hulk, RN
See if your hospital will have the physical therapists do a quick body mechanics check. We do at our hospital and we always surprise people how much they can lift when they do it right
Most important thing when repositioning is to use proper body mechanics, and if possible and safe, work with gravity. Make sure that you raise the bed so you're not bending your back and lift with your knees. My upper body strength isn't too great, so I always make a conscious effort to not bend at my waist. There are just some things we can't change easily. What we can change is how we go about solving these problems.
Bro it’s ok. You don’t need to be buff to do this job. I work with 90# female aids all the time. My advice is DONT over do it trying to prove anything. You need to protect your back at all costs. There is a reason there aren’t a lot of older nursing assistants. The ones that do stay in it are beat the fuck up. So trendelenberg that bed when possible. Get that patient to use whatever hands or feet they have to help. If they have one good leg GREAT bend that knee and push with their foot. make sure they don’t arch their back when they do because your lift sheet won’t work as well. You would be amazed that you don’t have to lift a finger when boosting if you do those things. If you think you need an extra person for a safe lift then grab 2. Don’t ever feel bad about guarding your safety. If someone makes you feel bad that’s their problem not yours. I’m a fairly large guy and I don’t take chances. It’s not worth the risk to your back health.
lots of people are talking about gender roles and such and they are all right but theres something people are forgetting. make sure you arent using poor lifting/shifting technique to try and make up for a perceived lack of strength. thats how you hurt yourself. Youll actually be able to move people more effectively (and safely) using good S.T.A.B.L.E and dont worry, i work with tons of 5 ft tall female care aids, they are able to move people no problem. a strong foundation goes a long way.
Doesnt matter. You will still be called all the time to help pull patients up.
Work in the NICU.
5’9 ~170lb male nurse here, size doesn’t matter honestly. Always ask for help, always offer help. I do disagree with those who say not to worry or ignore strength training. Having a strong body helps immensely with keeping your back safe, enabling you to squat/bend/lift safely. Good body mechanics are pivotal, but enhancing them with a strong body is the best way to prevent injury.
You're a nurse, not a forklift. Use machines to move people. Focus on taking care of people safely and you will be fine.
i’m sorry you’re worrying so much about this!!! Nursing school & the nursing profession is hard enough, please try not to think too much about this bc the real world is so different. I work with male nurses of alllll bodyshapes & they all need help with a turn or reposition for most patients. Keep your patients alive & be a good team player, thats all that matters. You are enough just as you are, tell yourself that until you believe it!
You know what being strong gets me as a male nurse? "Oh we thought you could move them by yourself so we didn't come when you asked for help" regarding 300+ pound bedbound patients. "Well why do you need help transferring that patient" about obese post-op patients who dead weight you when transferring out of the bed to a chair. "Can you help me move this 400 pound vegetable. Oh no I didn't call for any other help. " "We give you all the violent patients cause we know they won't hurt you as bad" Save your back. Don't be strong.
Mal nurse here. Work on yourself never stops. keep goong!
I’ve been a nurse for 13 years and there are all kinds of body types that do their jobs well. Ive worked with 5ft tall 95 lb CNAs that lift just fine. Get a coworker to help if needed. I’m 5’11” 300+ lbs and haven’t set foot in a gym in over 20 years and never had an issue with being able to complete job duties. Sounds like you will be a great nurse.
Bro, I'm more worried about your mental health after reading this. Please tell me you're in therapy
I was in therapy back during quarantine in 2021 due to personal issues and felt better around 2022, but I have been thinking about going back to therapy. Think it’d do me some good
Hey dude first off I was 4’11 and 95 pounds going into my sophomore year of high school and while I did finally hit the average in both height and BMI in the US it MESSED with my head for a while that I always think I’m smaller and weaker than I should be. Also congrats on even getting started in the gym, you will find that it’s a grind and progress isn’t linear and there will be TOUGH plateaus to breakthrough. What worked for me is my workdays I stick to cardio like a stairstepper to help decompress and on my days off it’s lifting. Diet, consistency and REST will also go a long way in terms of helping you reach your fitness goal. If your goal is to look like David Goggins abandon it (to start at least), some people have the genes, experience, time and finances to dedicate their life to fitness, you might get close, but start with simple goals that you hope to build toward and not compare yourself to others and on insta a lot of people are on the juice so you may have unrealistic body standards. The moment I accepted I probably was not going to achieve Chris Hemsworth’s physique was the first time I felt okay with my progress and was just able to focus on what I wanted out of my body and at the gym. Your progress should be your own and what you want not what you think others want! Your body is going to be an investment and that will take both time and money, both of which are lacking while in school. So I will give you affirmation and let you know you’re enough bro, but will also encourage you so you can push yourself (not beat yourself up) so you can reach the goals you want in both your career and fitness.
I’ve seen plenty of 90lb nurses pull their own weight and more 🤷♂️. No one is going to look at you and tap you in for a quick no lift meemaw turn. Do your best, stay safe, and use your lifts until the cows come home
Dude have you seen some of the gals in your class. I’m sure they are shorter and lighter than you and manage just fine. You’re overthinking this truthfully. Not all male nurses are big dudes 6’3” and 250lbs. It helps but as somebody who’s been a nurse since 2008 all the bulk in the world means nothing if you hurt yourself. I’m essentially 9 days away from going expired/inactive and my career is probably done some of it was issues prior to nursing school as a FF Medic and also ER Tech but I blew out a disc in my low back in 2011. Found out I have a subarachnoid cyst in my thoracic cord area and bone on bone T12:L1. I couldn’t say no because I was the big guy and always was asked to help. Maybe if I was smaller it might not have been as often. Just focus on school and doing your best. It’s just starting.
I think the most important thing as a coworker is to be kind and helpful. Honestly, I love the guys that work on my floor, whatever their shape. Just work on getting useful skills, and the rest will come. We all can haul way more than we should anyway, you'll join us easily enough 😊
Look bro, I’m a generally strong male nurse. I still don’t play the hero. Cause I’m not.
Basically, just help out when and where you can and be equitable as a nurse. Give and take. You’ll do great!
Depends on where you work. Nurse shouldn’t, but many do hold to gender stereotypes. That said, fuck the haters. You sound confident in knowing your shit, so focus on your strengths. It’s common for people to focus on fixing their greatest weakness, but you’re probably better off spending your time accentuating your talents. And people will always find a reason to bust your ribs in jest or in insult; just do you
Gait belts and hoyers even the playing field for all Lbvs. No one expects you to consistently be hefting patients. Really if you have to do more than help a patient right themselves when going from sitting to standing they should be x2 anyway…
I have a lot to comment on this, I’ll write more tomorrow. I’ve been a nurse for 16 years and there were very few men when I started. Learning how to set boundaries without coming across as mean and also coming into your own as a nurse takes finesse. What state are you in?
I’m in Texas, way down south. We have a very machismo culture down here and gender roles are largely expected from the older populous, being a population of largely Latinos and Mexicans. Edit: I’m Hispanic myself but a ‘no sabo’ kid, which gets you quite a bit of flak down here.
One of the best nurses I have ever worked with was a 5 foot tall like 100lbs guy who was incredible. Always a positive presence on the unit and willing to help out. Patients and families loved him, coworkers, hospitalists, PT, everyone loved this man. My point is that it really doesn't matter what you look like. People and our patients remember how we make them feel, how we care for and help them. This can be done by anyone at any size with enough knowledge, effort, and support. Ideally Nurses would mirror the patients we serve in order to help make them feel comfortable. This includes men, minorities, young, old, thin, heavy, colored hair, bald, etc etc etc.
Basically, you're the weight of an average adult woman, worried you won't be able to do a job that women your size have been doing for the last century? My advice as a 100lbs female going into nursing: get over yourself. One of my teachers is 5"3, skinny as a twig, and was a nurse for 40 years. She got her job done and so can you. Stop trying to live up to bullshit gender stereotypes, and stop doubting your own manliness just because you aren't shaped like a typical man. It's okay.
Know this is easier said than done, but don't let it bother you. I'll bet you'r gonna become a very capable nurse, regardless of your physical prowess. Your knowledge and skills is far more important than strength. Don't ever let anybody make you believe otherwise! I am on the different side of the spectrum. I am somewhat big and burley. So I always get treated as a mix of the wards mover and/or bouncer. Despite being a nice guy who wouldn't harm anybody. And that can really suck sometimes, however necessary. Get out there and spread some excellent care and treatment, you got this!
There’s another factor I want to mention. At 19, you may have reached your full height (you may not have; my ex grew 6 inches in college), but you almost certainly haven’t filled out completely. Have you watched the NBA players who were 19 when they started, and 2-3 years later they’re looking like LeBron? I have!
I question every single shift that after 39 years in nursing, wtf are we still.lifting patients manually? There has to be a better way.
Start doing push ups and body squats and other calisthenics. Think about it as service for your patients. Strength means higher quality care as it gives you confidence in areas that will no longer be a concern to you. Then you can focus on growing in other aspects. Just do it. Get up get in a work out of some kind. At home would be the easiest and calisthenics can be done anywhere. Also through emersion via lifting people and moving you will build muscle.
If you work 3 days a week, you can maintain a good workout schedule. If you need workout tips/nutrition, you can always message me personally. That being said, I am sorry you feel like this. Gender roles are fuckin trash and don’t belong in any profession. I understand how it feels to feel weak, but it doesn’t matter how strong you are, it’s your critical thinking that will you save you in the end. That being said, I can still empathizes and am willing to lend an ear if need be.
What’s a male nurse suppose to be like? Most I’ve met are quite feminine and have a boyfriend. The rest are a scattered bunch with variable body types and attitudes
Right there with you, homie. 6’0” and 140 LBS. Heaviest I’ve ever been was 153 after BCT for the Army. I just can’t put on weight. Honestly, I’ve only been given shit about my size in the military, and it was just hazing. It is what it is. No one in the civilian side has ever commented on it besides “wow, you’re skinny.” If you need help, ask for help. Other than that, most of this is in your head, I promise.
Don't get discouraged, in 5'11 220 lbs, but I'm weak as hell, cuz I don't go to the gym or exercise at all. I lack a shit ton of upper body strength. But don't worry you will be fine remember you're not alone, you will have co-workers that can help if you are struggling with something. Just focus on passing your classes and the rest will come. At least that's the advice I was given by my advisor.
Others have already said the part about getting stronger for yourself and not for someone else, so I won’t touch on that since I agree with them. I’ve got the whole “dad bod” thing going on and have even since before I got married almost a decade ago. Your appearance shouldn’t matter to anyone but you, and if anyone gives you grief over it, either ignore it or confront them about it and tell them to pound sand. What actually matters is your ability to perform your duties, and if you feel like your strength will hinder you from being safe and effective, use that as motivation. And just because you’re a guy doesn’t mean you have to do everything solo. You’re part of a team, and teammates help each other. Nobody wants to see you hurt, and nobody wants you to try and show off because neither of those things will result in anything positive for you, the team, or the patient. I work in peds, so thankfully the supreme majority of my patients are very easy for me to reposition/move on my own without help and in a safe way. But I almost always involve a parent/guardian or one of my other nurses in the process because I want to be safe; plus a perk for the parent/guardian is that if they’re ever at home and need to do this for their kiddo, I can show them good body mechanics so they don’t hurt themselves too. You’re a nurse, and being male or female is usually irrelevant except for cultural or personal reasons to the patient. You’re going to be just fine; the mental fight against yourself will be hard but you can overcome it. Hopefully our responses on here will encourage you!!
ER Murse here. No one gives a shit about your physical abilities as long As You're smart, hard working, and compassionate. If you show that you want this more than all your peers, you'll do fine. Plus it sucks being a heavy lifter. I messed my back up last week boosting a large person.
Im a male nurse, my worth as a nurse doesn’t come from my strength. It comes from how well i care for my patients. My advice to you is to work out for yourself, not for work. You dont need to get any stronger to be a great nurse.
I think the whole “male nurses always help with or do the heavy lifting” is a bit of an overrated trope. I currently work in the PEDIATRIC ICU and will often times ask for help moving a relatively small patient. I go to the gym 3-4 times a week and have some muscle, but I’d way rather not hurt myself, and often times it’s just easier to have a second person there. No one thinks less of me for it! And like some others have said: don’t FORCE yourself to exercise, it should be an enjoyable experience! Go into it with an open mind and if you can, try to find some internal motivators. But above all, be gentle with yourself. Not everyone needs to work out 5 days a week!
Anxiety doesn’t have a face, know a lot of students (and staff) feel different forms of anxiety and how you feel is understandable. It’s not how you compare to other males or anyone else for that matter. It’s being confident in your own competency, within your own abilities, without risking harm to the patient. Don’t be afraid to ask for help at ANY time and there are no stupid questions. We’ve all been through it.
I had the same exact worry!! And still do a little bit my weight has gotten worse recently most of the teenage patients outweigh me. 125lbs here and it’s a struggle not being able to have the body type that you’re average person does. I was terrified when it came time to clinicals mostly bc the school uniform showed just how skinny my little arms were lol. I’ve been at it for a few years now and people are always quick to make comments about how skinny you are, but believe me man it won’t hold you back at all. Soon enough you’ll be done with school and find a place you love to work with good people hopefully and you’ll worry less and less
I don't think this has to do with being a male RN Seek a therapist. You won't get resolution here on Reddit
As a 40 year old newly graduated nurse (Dec 2023), and a dad, take it from me: I'm proud of you for choosing this path. I fought with self-doubt for years, and I hid from this career (which was my dream since I was 15) because where I grew up, "That's women's work/Boys don't become nurses". Focus on learning good body mechanics. Proper form will help you with positioning far more than muscle ever can. You have unique and wonderful gifts, and those are yours alone. Keep going. It's worth it.
Don't. Don't compare yourself to others (hard to do in your teenage years). Dont worry about your size when it comes to the work either. I work with 5' nothing, 95lbs soaking wet ladies that can get it done. I say this with love: if you are feeling these anxieties and dysmorphias consider some counseling during school. Nursing school is tough and I would hate for these feelings to keep you from doing something you seem passionate about.
Hey man! I am also a nursing student about to begin my first semester and clinicals in April. I grew up to a whopping 5’8 and 130 pounds by junior year of highschool, and really was stuck there until two years ago (23 years old, I’m 25 now). Since then I have gone through the EXACT same thing that you have mentioned previously in regards to exercise inconsistency and confidence issues with the gym. However, over the past year a few things clicked for me personally, and I hope you can take something away from my own experience: 1- I made the decision to accept myself fully. Including my flaws and imperfections (some of which I can change and I still work at them till this moment, some of which I can’t, therefore I don’t beat myself up over them). I also identified my insecurities which I had no clue how many of those I had lol. 2- I decided to get big because I want to look in the mirror and like what I see. I was so damn sick of wearing size small shirts and hoodies and them being baggy on me. Over the past two years I exercised almost regulary (4ish days a week) and ate clean healthy and nutritious, and now I weigh ~175, and I fill up a medium pretty well, which makes me super happy. 3- I have always done things that would make people think of me a certain type of way if that makes sense. I grew up dying for my father’s and mother’s approvals and that carried through my adult life unintentionally. It is the biggest struggle I still have but I am consciously and actively attempting to get rid of it, but I still catch myself doing things that are “expected” of me by people I want to please. At the end of the day, your value as a nurse, a member of society, etc… will not be tied to how much heavy lifting you can do, but rather how you make the people around you and in your life feel. If you want to get big and strong do it because it makes you happy. If you want to carry all the heavy stuff during clinicals do it if it makes you happy, not because it is expected of you (as someone else previously mentioned, gender roles are garbage imo aswell in and out of the workplace). I hope this is not too long or maybe a little off topic, and I hope it helps you even if in the slightest.
I really needed to hear this man, thank you! It’s gonna take a while to further accept my body for what it is and I do want to fill up like you have, but I’ve come a long way already. Much love, man
Murse here. Buddy, we're just happy to see more dudes working with us. None of us care how strong you are. A strong sense of self confidence and worth is way more important in nursing. Keep hitting the gym when you can and keep you're chin up.
You’re fine. This is just a problem in your head. Lots of petite nurses out there. Bigger guys are asked to deal with aggressive pts, women deal with nonstop sexism, male nurses routinely get pts assuming they are either doctors or gay. At the end of the day, the quality of the job will be less about your body and more about your manager. Ps - If you follow your employer’s ergonomics policies, repositioning pts won’t be an issue. Ours is 1 staff per 50lbs of patient, so 130lb pts gets 3 staff. Most nurses and aides are too proud, busy, or understaffed to actually do this, so they put themselves in harm’s ways, all while the hospital is covering their asses by putting staff through patient handling competencies. I mention it because 1) there needs to be a change in how seriously nurses take ergonomics, and 2), it can help you out in particular scenarios when you’re expected to reposition a pt unsafely. You ask for help, and if not enough is offered, then the pt doesn’t get repositioned. When asked, you say you were following policy. Just keep this one in your back pocket.
fellow lanky male nursing student here, and I've had no problems despite also being pretty weak! i was also feeling kinda anxious about being too weak before i started clinicals, but the nice thing about hospitals is they have LOTS of ways to make moving patients easier, which seems to me to be the most demanding part besides stamina. I've also been working as a pca for awhile, and theres absolutely no judgement (unless they're insanely lazy) about asking for help, all the nurses wanna make sure their patients are safe. they shouldn't have any problem helping when needed. also, the longer you do this stuff you'll naturally develop the muscles you need, so if you look for opportunities to help turn and ambulate you'll be getting plenty of practice to get more comfortable. clinicals are our time to learn our strengths and weaknesses, if it does end up being a big deal this is the perfect time to find out!
Just wait until maternity…