Unhealthy people working in the healthcare field
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I'm actually a Registered Dietitian, and although I am morbidly obese it doesn't stop me from doing my job well. Like many Dietitians I struggle with a food addiction/disordered eating. We all make choices, and those of use in the healthcare field understand the consequences. Many times it is more than just making a bad choices, its time contstraints, self destruction, not feeling spiritually in tuned to your body. I struggle with my weight. I'm trying to respect my body and make the right choices, but it's an on going battle. I do think that my struggle helps me have more empathy for my residents. I know what they mean when they say I just can't stop eating, and how difficult it is for them to change life long habits. Yes, I'm fat but that doesnt stop me from caring for my residents and using my best clinical judegment to ensure that they have quality life. In the end, thats why we are in healthcare to help people.
I don`t mean to sound bad, and I am sure you are super excellent at your job ;-)
And there is a but...as a dietician do you not feel that you have to present an impression to your clients?
I really am not trying to be nasty to you, I am just thinking if I were to come to you for dietary help then I would feel a bit upset if you were not `trim`
For example if I went to a personal trainer and they were overweight then I would think that thry really don`t know what they are doing?
I am not trying to single you out and am sure you are fantastic at your job...I am just asking the question0 -
Whoa whoa whoa... calm down with the "fat nurses" thing.... I've been working in the medical field for about six years now. I used to wonder the same thing... 'If they are on their feet so much, why are they so over weight?". Once I was in that situation I learned:
Nurses have hectic schedules
They are stressed almost all the time
Work late nights and early mornings
No time for lunch.... there's the vending machine.
They won't eat for hours, then go home and eat up.
The stress alone can cause you to gain weight. Not sleeping well will cause you to gain weight, not eating at all then eating on the go will definitely cause you to gain weight. Don't judge those people in the field. Yes, it can be avoided, BUT think about it.... You have a choice to exercise, eat right, sleep right, and work normal hours.... but then you are given the option to pick up shifts at the hospital, so you do it because you are thinking of that fat paycheck, you pick up more and more shifts, you stay at work later, you now have no time to think of yourself and your health. You eat on the go, you live off of the vending machines, you go to McDonald's for lunch because it is fast. You don't want it to happen but sometimes it does. I thank God that I got out of that environment because even though I didn't eat a lot, I gained weight. I had the weight of 15 patients on my shoulders every day as well as my own weight. I was at work stressing about my job, then was home stressing about what tomorrow would bring. It's Hell. And I give all the Nurses, Doctors, CNAs, Surgeons etc etc some big props.
So, all you 9-5ers out there that will easily judge someone in the medical field for being over- weight or obese, put yourself in their shoes. You know what though, you might not be able to fathom it.
I, happily, have my 8a-7p cooking job now and I couldn't be happier or healthier.... AND I"M EATING MORE THAN I WAS THEN!0 -
I'm a nurse too, but i work in mental health. seeing the destruction illicit drugs can cause, i'll never be naughty again!! seeing the problems people have with smoking, i'll never smoke again.
but i lost weight for my own reasons. obviously as a nurse i'm acutely aware of the long term damage a poor diet, smoking, and taking drugs can do. yet still i participated in all of those things for a long time (but i only did drugs when i was a teenager, as you do!). i'm still fat now though.
knowing what can happen is often not enough of a deterrant- well, not for me anyway. i had to grow up and have kids before i thought further ahead than tomorrow.0 -
well i am currently a nurse at a hospital. when i started i was skinny but 10 years later and i gained all this weight. I actually noticed all the nurses i work with have also gained a lot of weight. I was wondering why this is happening? Sometimes i have no time to sit down and eat in a 12hr shift. Well the answer i came up with is that health care is STRESSFUL you are taking care of so many people that you forget to take care of yourself. Patients family would always bring us snacks but not good snacks...chocolate cookies ext. We are all so busy all we had time to do is grab a cookie shove it in are mouths and move on. Finally i said enough is enough so i organized a nurses biggest loser 6month program thanks to my fitness pal that we all have and weekly activities every Thursday on top of exercise all my fellow co workers are finally losing weight the right way and feeling better. We are in are second month and we hope to all have a new lifestyle change. I definitely agree that health care professionals need to start caring about them selves more so that they can keep taking care of people and not end up in the hospital beds. Other floors in my hospital have heard we are doing this and are starting to join us and i think its great
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We are all human beings with a variety of problems going on, whether work-related, personal related, health-related, etc. What right do I have to pass judgement on them? Absolutely none whatsoever.
I'm not questioning their ability to do their jobs well. I work with many wonderful people. I'm just wondering why they make the choices they do in regards to their own health when they can see firsthand how those bad decisions are impacting others.
Everyone is taking this the wrong way! Reread this ^^ post and my first post!
I am NOT saying it's impacting how they do their jobs or the quality of care. Not at all.
Personally, working around patients with chronic diseases, it makes me want to do ANYTHING I can to avoid ending up like that. I guess other people just might not feel the same way.
Third time is a charm? Lol. I guess it's akin to people watching loved ones die of smoking related cancer and continuing to smoke, or knowing people who've lost so much getting popped for DUI's (or even themselves) and continuing to take the risks. I am very close to a man diagnosed with end-stage liver disease from alcoholism and he continues to drink everyday and believes he will be saved by a liver transplant. As humans, we frequently have to choose between doing what feels good or doing the right thing. I think, for many, people, it isn't that they believe it won't happen to them, but that it won't happen to them "right this minute" and "eventually" will alter their habits. Too many times, that "eventually" never arrives because their habits DID affect them "right this minute" this time.0 -
To be honest, I wont pass judgement.
I work in healthcare... The health system I work in has well over 300+ physicians of well over 30 different areas of medicine and combined medicinal therapies.
The OBGYN that delivered my daughter 19 years ago was a hispanic older gentleman who did have some pounds on him, but I didnt take that into consideration of his ability to affectively give care. The man saved my life as I was rolled into emergency surgery to have a C-section.
My PCP is a man who has known me for 22 years and knows that prior to taking me on as his patient, he knew the abuse I put up with from other PCP's who just didnt give two craps about the mysterious problems I was going through. He didnt toss me aside. The man was my mother's favorite customer - she used to serve him and his family dinner.. and the man ate some pretty unhealthy meals from time to time... I didnt care because that was done on his personal time. He helped me avoid being quarantined when my liver was failing due to extreme high doses of insulin was flooding my body right as I was about to be hospitalized.
My Dermatologist is a loving and caring individual, shares a practice with his wife. The man is unfortunately gaunt for someone 6'5", but does his best considering he too, has problems. I honor the ground the man walks on as he helped me with my hair-loss problem and made no judgement against me. I just had my last visit with him, and I cried knowing I wasnt going to be seeing him again because he was just that damn good of a doctor, but also a friend. Out of all his patients, I willingly chose to be part of a case study for women dealing with a number of medical problems like I am. He trusted me as a fellow medical professional, a patient and friend to give him the data he needed.
We are all human beings with a variety of problems going on, whether work-related, personal related, health-related, etc. What right do I have to pass judgement on them? Absolutely none whatsoever.
This and why are you watching what other people eat? Are you the food police? Maybe their creamy dressing on their salad was reduced fat, or did you go to the trash to dig out the packet to investigate? Maybe they work out two hours a day six days a week and feel they deserve the bacon bits. Who knows?
My perinatologist who helped to save my child while I was pregnant was overweight and I didn't give a damn fat doesn't equal stupid or incompetent and for you to think such a thing reflects more on you than the very people you're talking about.0 -
As a nurse, a big part of my job is education.. I educate my patients on everything from procedures, to medications, to their diets. I feel as though I need to be a healthy role model for them. I agree that I would be less likely to take other people seriously if they were unhealthy themselves.. It's like going to a personal trainer who could be mistaken for a sumo wrestler.
I am not overweight, so I do not have input from a personal standpoint. But I'll admit that it takes some willpower to not give in to the cookies, cakes, pizza, and whatever else that patients, their families, or other staff members bring us. We have very busy schedules and sometimes it's eating in a pinch and it may not be the best food choice in the moment.. Add rotating shifts and inconsistent schedules into the mix, and it's a set up for disaster.
-- NOT making excuses for those people, though. With proper planning, bringing lunches, willpower, and the desire to be a role model, that's more than enough to remain a healthy weight.0 -
well i am currently a nurse at a hospital. when i started i was skinny but 10 years later and i gained all this weight. I actually noticed all the nurses i work with have also gained a lot of weight. I was wondering why this is happening? Sometimes i have no time to sit down and eat in a 12hr shift. Well the answer i came up with is that health care is STRESSFUL you are taking care of so many people that you forget to take care of yourself. Patients family would always bring us snacks but not good snacks...chocolate cookies ext. We are all so busy all we had time to do is grab a cookie shove it in are mouths and move on. Finally i said enough is enough so i organized a nurses biggest loser 6month program thanks to my fitness pal that we all have and weekly activities every Thursday on top of exercise all my fellow co workers are finally losing weight the right way and feeling better. We are in are second month and we hope to all have a new lifestyle change. I definitely agree that health care professionals need to start caring about them selves more so that they can keep taking care of people and not end up in the hospital beds. Other floors in my hospital have heard we are doing this and are starting to join us and i think its great
See, that's all I was looking for is some sort of explanation as to why I might be observing this so often. That makes a lot of sense to me. I'm glad you guys are making some changes and taking the time to look out for your own health! 0 -
Finally i said enough is enough so i organized a nurses biggest loser 6month program thanks to my fitness pal that we all have and weekly activities every Thursday on top of exercise all my fellow co workers are finally losing weight the right way and feeling better. We are in are second month and we hope to all have a new lifestyle change. I definitely agree that health care professionals need to start caring about them selves more so that they can keep taking care of people and not end up in the hospital beds. Other floors in my hospital have heard we are doing this and are starting to join us and i think its great
That is so great! 0 -
This and why are you watching what other people eat? Are you the food police? Maybe their creamy dressing on their salad was reduced fat, or did you go to the trash to dig out the packet to investigate? Maybe they work out two hours a day six days a week and feel they deserve the bacon bits. Who knows?
I'm studying to be a Registered Dietitian, food is my "thing," and I often observe what others are eating. Obviously it's up to the individual to decide what they want to eat, but it's just in my nature now to look at what others are eating. I've gotten into the habit of thinking about what sort of healthy changes that person could make to their diet.0 -
Beware of any post that starts with... I don't mean to be judgmental or I don't mean to offend anyone, because that's exactly what they do.
My ex husband, who recently passed away, was in the hospital many times before he passed. I got to know a lot of the staff at the local hospital and included were 2 rather chunky nurses. They were both very smart and had a wonderful bedside manner with my terminal ex husband (who I cared for 24/7 for over 7 years, so I was always there). So, how does being fat make what they do any less effective? Some people's judgmental attitudes just burn my *kitten*.0 -
i question fat nurses all the time. I just don't trust em.
Do you question your hair stylist with that JACKED Do? What about doctors with drinking problems? What about supposedly smart people who DO or Say DUMB things? What does being fat has to do with getting me meds or giving me a shot or wiping my *kitten*??? NOW, if I saw an overweight or obese Nutritionist or Trainer I'd have a problem, but maybe I would NOT because I would NOT select them for those services. Use some common sense!
Actually, the first thing I look at with a new hairstylist is their own hair. 0 -
Beware of any post that starts with... I don't mean to be judgmental or I don't mean to offend anyone, because that's exactly what they do.
My ex husband, who recently passed away, was in the hospital many times before he passed. I got to know a lot of the staff at the local hospital and included were 2 rather chunky nurses. They were both very smart and had a wonderful bedside manner with my terminal ex husband (who I cared for 24/7 for over 7 years, so I was always there). So, how does being fat make what they do any less effective? Some people's judgmental attitudes just burn my *kitten*.
Can you quote me somewhere earlier where I said being fat makes you less effective at your job? Because I don't think I recall saying that.0 -
I am applying to nursing school and that is one of the motivations I have for getting back in shape. Many of the girls in my class are not only overweight (me included), but they are also smokers. I do not judge other overweight girls, but I know I will have a hard time discussing a patients weight if I to am overweight. Alot of nurses are overweight because of their work schedule, so I am trying to work on a healthy routine before I am in the workplace. Also I hope I can be a great motivation to my patients and coworkers when I tell them that I was also overweight at one time:happy: . I can also tell them there is a great tool with lots of support here on MFP too! :happy:0
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i question fat nurses all the time. I just don't trust em.
Do you question your hair stylist with that JACKED Do? What about doctors with drinking problems? What about supposedly smart people who DO or Say DUMB things? What does being fat has to do with getting me meds or giving me a shot or wiping my *kitten*??? NOW, if I saw an overweight or obese Nutritionist or Trainer I'd have a problem, but maybe I would NOT because I would NOT select them for those services. Use some common sense!
Actually, the first thing I look at with a new hairstylist is their own hair.
Well, duh. Maybe you should ask the hair stylist with the killer do who does their hair.0 -
I worked in the healthcare system for years and can tell you that most of the people got into that profession because they wanted to help people.
It doesn't take long to figure out that humans can only do so much and that, unfortunately, there is also a lot of bureaucracy that hinders quality care (healthcare worker to patient ratio, facility policy, government policy, etc.) It makes the job VERY stressful when you feel like you're not able to do the quality of work you envisioned due to reasons out of your control. Stress causes people to turn to stress relievers, which is partly why there are obese healthcare workers, chain smokers and even drug abusers.
You've heard the old saying "Don't judge someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes." While I think it's hard for us to do that in practice, it may help to try to empathize with them. If you could try to understand them, you might not be so quick to criticize. What they really need is a big "Thank you... you're making a difference."0 -
delilah47 - I was not the one who wrote that, if you look back to that original post.0
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I'm a nursing major right now and losing weight was influenced by that a little...I've just always been the type to get annoyed by nurses / doctors who tell me to lose weight but who are overweight themselves...I mean I don't like to judge people because I don't know their story/situation, but I'd rather be a healthy/fit nurse..
Let's see how long that lasts when you are working those odd shifts and eating what you can when you can. More power to you!0 -
Here in San Diego there used to be this huge black lady who did the health report on NBC, I forget her name but I always kinda chringed to myself when she would do story afer story on dieting and health and fitness. I wondred how she felt about it knowing she probably weighted close to 300 lbs.
This doesnt really have anything to do with the healthcare field, but it reminded me of the news lady.0 -
I am a RN in the coronary care unit, and yes, working there (and cardiac rehab) has definitely caused me to think twice about the choices I make. I stopped smoking a couple years after becoming a nurse. There are people MINE AND MY HUSBAND'S age having heart attacks and open heart surgery, mostly because of their habits. High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking...I see more people with these conditions in my unit than not. My own father--who was obese, had high blood pressure, developed diabetes at age 40--died of a heart attack at 55. Way too young. Even at 40, he was "old". In the years before he died, he was not active and he missed out on a lot in life because he did not feel well. His life was doctor visits and prescriptions. I will be 40 next year, my husband is 46. We try to eat well (most of the time!) and exercise. Neither of us are on any medications.
At the same time, knowing what I know, it's hard working 12 hour shifts, sometimes on your feet and running the whole time. Sometimes we hold our pee for hours. We juggle this work life with children, school, activities.
There have been plenty of times in my career where I have been starving and light headed and have only a minute to grab something--and oh, crap, I was so busy at home with the children that I neglected to pack myself a lunch before I left, so I'll just grab a candy bar and a bag of doritos. Or hey, some grateful patient's family brought us a box of cookies and they are sitting in the break room. Sometimes, after a physically and emotionally exhausting day, the temptation is just too great to order pizza and be done with it.
Knowing what I know, and having the desire to be healthy, and taking healthy foods with me to work most of the time, you will still see my food diary looking pathetic sometimes on the weekends when I'm at work.0 -
So I know your not trying to be judgmental about unhealthy people working in the health field, but did you even realize how that was going to come off to people who have the illnesses you listed. I have never in my life blamed IBS on my diet, because its creation is in no way related. Half the time attacks are not even related to what I am eating. Maybe, since he is a professional, he knows that and doesn't view it the way that you do.
People with IBS have a horrendous time with diets. For me personally I can only drink whole organic milk and white bread. I cant eat fish. Most fruits and vegetables make me ill. Orange juice is completely out of the question. Stress affects it. Drastic temperature changes affect it. Smells affect it. The medications make you gain weight because they assume you are losing so much being ill.
I have a heard time taking advice from people who do not understand what having this issue is like and how it affects you life.
What upsets me about your post, is that it reads like you are saying it is the fault of the patients that they are sick. I was a competitive gymnast when I was diagnosed as a child. My diet was in no way bad and I was very healthy. It is not my fault that I am sick.
I understand your frustration with people in the health industry who do not take care of themselves as they should (i.e. nurses and doctors who smoke). I just dont think you meant it as it came across. People are very touchy about their illnesses. I hope this doesnt come off like I am attacking you. I just wanted to make you aware of how it sounded and explain why it got a negative reaction from me.0 -
maybe when doctors and nurses could take regular lunch breaks they could eat a well balanced meal while on the job. I for one, work in the ER and pack my breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. I also, am lucky if I actually get to sit down and eat such said meals. They are usually spent on the run while hoofing it to pee for the first time in 10 hours. Some of my best co-workers are a little plump but damn could they save your life if ya needed it. Just sayin...0
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I don't have a problem with overweight people. I know how hard it is to lose weight. I do however have a problem with smokers. I went to the ER for a very bad migraine and the nurse smelled like cigarette smoke. It was so bad I ended up throwing up on her. If i could throw up on every smoker I would.
I also have problems with nutritionist who say to eat "whole wheat bread everyday" I have been told this by multiple nutritionists. I have celiacs for crying out loud and they are telling me to eat wheat. Even if I didn't have celiacs wheat causes inflammation and your blood sugar to soar and then crash.
Sorry that was my rant.0 -
Re: Doctors and nurses who don't take care of themselves. If a person is in the healthcare profession, especially a doctor, they have no personal time. They probably eat unhealthy because they don't have enough hours in the day. They pretty much give up their whole life to pursue their profession-- taking care of others. I don't envy them and I judge them on their effectiveness of the treatments they prescribe for me, not on their weight. Of course healthcare pros are human, just like us. They may be trying to get healthy, how would you know?0
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We are all human beings with a variety of problems going on, whether work-related, personal related, health-related, etc. What right do I have to pass judgement on them? Absolutely none whatsoever.
I'm not questioning their ability to do their jobs well. I work with many wonderful people. I'm just wondering why they make the choices they do in regards to their own health when they can see firsthand how those bad decisions are impacting others.
You still cant assume they purposely made bad decisions.... how do you know that they arent dealing with a problematic thyroid? How do you know they havent had problems with tumors affecting their pituitary gland? How do you know they werent misdiagnosed for so long, and now they are trying to deal with the problem head-on now they found someone who knew what was wrong with them?
Its just wrong to assume they did it to theirselves willingly.... that is what Im saying0 -
I loved this post. It totally made me laugh. I work in health care and a lot of people on here are absolutely right. How can I encourage my patients to be healthy when I am overweight. WIth that said - my biggest pet peeve is smokers in healthcare. When I am sick or patients are sick, they don't care if you are heavy, they care if you stink and it makes them more nauseated. This also means excessive perfume or eating certain foods during your lunch break. We do all have our own issues and that's why we are here. Take time to laugh at yourself and then get back in gear. That's what I do.0
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So I know your not trying to be judgmental about unhealthy people working in the health field, but did you even realize how that was going to come off to people who have the illnesses you listed. I have never in my life blamed IBS on my diet, because its creation is in no way related. Half the time attacks are not even related to what I am eating. Maybe, since he is a professional, he knows that and doesn't view it the way that you do.
I didn't mean it to sound like I was blaming IBS on their diet, just merely listing a diagnosis I've seen that relates to food. My apologies if you took it the wrong way and were offended.
But a number of things like high blood pressure, T2DM, and various cancers DO tie in directly with diet. I should have clarified that more in my original post.0 -
So I know your not trying to be judgmental about unhealthy people working in the health field, but did you even realize how that was going to come off to people who have the illnesses you listed. I have never in my life blamed IBS on my diet, because its creation is in no way related. Half the time attacks are not even related to what I am eating. Maybe, since he is a professional, he knows that and doesn't view it the way that you do.
People with IBS have a horrendous time with diets. For me personally I can only drink whole organic milk and white bread. I cant eat fish. Most fruits and vegetables make me ill. Orange juice is completely out of the question. Stress affects it. Drastic temperature changes affect it. Smells affect it. The medications make you gain weight because they assume you are losing so much being ill.
I have a heard time taking advice from people who do not understand what having this issue is like and how it affects you life.
What upsets me about your post, is that it reads like you are saying it is the fault of the patients that they are sick. I was a competitive gymnast when I was diagnosed as a child. My diet was in no way bad and I was very healthy. It is not my fault that I am sick.
I understand your frustration with people in the health industry who do not take care of themselves as they should (i.e. nurses and doctors who smoke). I just dont think you meant it as it came across. People are very touchy about their illnesses. I hope this doesnt come off like I am attacking you. I just wanted to make you aware of how it sounded and explain why it got a negative reaction from me.
Everyones gotta have an excuse for being fat. I have a close friend with IBS, she has been through hell with it and weights 130 lbs. She takes responsibility for her illness and her own actions.0 -
Of course healthcare pros are human, just like us. They may be trying to get healthy, how would you know?
Yes, which is why I said in my original post that they may be on a weight loss journey of their own that I am unaware of.0 -
I'm actually a Registered Dietitian, and although I am morbidly obese it doesn't stop me from doing my job well. Like many Dietitians I struggle with a food addiction/disordered eating. We all make choices, and those of use in the healthcare field understand the consequences. Many times it is more than just making a bad choices, its time contstraints, self destruction, not feeling spiritually in tuned to your body. I struggle with my weight. I'm trying to respect my body and make the right choices, but it's an on going battle. I do think that my struggle helps me have more empathy for my residents. I know what they mean when they say I just can't stop eating, and how difficult it is for them to change life long habits. Yes, I'm fat but that doesnt stop me from caring for my residents and using my best clinical judegment to ensure that they have quality life. In the end, thats why we are in healthcare to help people.
Another nice example of people not liking some part of themselves and getting into a career to fix it. Similar to someone who gets into psych just because they have "issues"
I'm going to dietary,nutrition next week for a consult NOT about weight loss but managing symptoms and I hope that person isn't fat.
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