5 nurse traits that can help you lose weight

Hemera | Thinkstock


Most of the nurses I have had the pleasure of working with share a common theme in regards to weight loss. They all are very aware of their health risks, and wish they could do something about it, but they simply don’t have the time.

It’s usually the full-time job of additional (and usually needed) over-time, or the full-time job that is your family, or the full-time job of being a student. One thing is for sure, being a nurse is not the reason why nurses don’t maintain a healthier lifestyle. I for one believe in quite the contrary. I think nurses (of all people) already posses the qualities needed to improve their health and wellness.

Why?

Just by being a nurse, you already hold the key to weight loss success! Let’s review:

  • Utilization of resources

We do this better than anyone. We are the ‘wrangler’ when it comes to all the different services needed to care for our patients in the most effective manner. We are the ‘bridge’ that gets everyone traveling across those muddied waters safely.

This is also the key to losing weight and improving your wellness. Using the internet, your local gym, a friend or colleague that has experienced the success you seek. You will be amazed at what is out there for the taking. A little bit of effort and researching will go a long way!

  • Great time management skills

We all know what is needed to get the job done, even if the job can’t be done in your allotted time – we still get it done. Some how we juggle the ADL’s, med passes, emergencies, test, procedures, physician needs, family needs, ancillary task, transfers, discharges, admissions and short staffing to safely advocate and care for our patients in the most efficient, effective and compassionate way possible.

While ‘time’ is not something you have a lot of, you can utilize your time wisely to increase your activity, prepare your meals, walk instead of taking the elevator, etc. This list is endless. Who better than to create a workable plan?

  • Know the value of good foot wear

We are on our feet more than we’d like to admit. Walking, running, and standing are usually the only three positions we know during our shifts. Sitting down is a distant dream for most shifts. Our feet only survive the day because we know what NOT to put on our feet.

The number one pain and deterrent of exercise these days is foot, ankle, knee, hip and back pain shortly after beginning a new routine. Most of these aches and pains are due to improperly fitted or simply poorly chosen footwear. You’re an expert and you didn’t even know it.

  • Type A personality

Attention to detail – need I say more? Paying attention to the smallest of things during our day make the biggest impact most of the time.

The same goes for your health and wellness. Success is in the small details and the fine-tuned adjustments you make custom tailored to your body, your needs, your wants, and your lifestyle (this ties into the resources and time management skillset as well)

  • Natural problem solver

We HATE when we can’t figure out the ‘why’ with our patients. I have personally exhausted myself on many occasions because something just didn’t ‘fit’ with a patients presentation or progression. We will go to great lengths utilizing our resources to solve the mystery – all for the sake of our patients.

Guess what? Apply this very same attitude to your own health and you will be amazed at the results!

Any questions?

Scrubs Editor

The Scrubs Staff would love to hear your ideas for stories! Please submit your articles or story ideas to us here.

Recent Posts

Leadership Qualities for Students

When we discuss students, we always mention their qualities. Those qualities show what they are…

11 months ago

A Comprehensive Guide to Dual Diagnosis Treatment Options

If you or someone you know is juggling mental health issues alongside substance abuse, understanding…

12 months ago

How To Take Care Of Your Mental Health While Following The News

For the last couple of weeks, the Israel-Hamas conflict has taken over the news cycle.…

12 months ago

Eyes on the Future: Innovations in Eye Treatment Lenses

Our eyes are invaluable, serving as our windows to the world. The ability to see…

12 months ago

Vision Issues Are on The Rise Among Nurses: Why and What to Do About It

Undoubtedly, one of the most demanding and challenging professions is nursing. Nurses work long hours in…

12 months ago

Echocardiography as a Diagnostic Tool: How Cardiologists Use Echo to Assess Heart Health

Echocardiography, or echo for short, is a key diagnostic test used by cardiologists to assess…

12 months ago