Earlier Year, I applied for LPN School. When I submitted my Nursing Application, I also made Application for Financial Aid. I feel the Woman who assisted with the Application discriminated against me. She first asked if I had considered completing my Bachelors in Social Work, which really didn't bother me, but it was the second question she asked that "touched" a Nerve! She asked, "Do you feel that Nursing may be to strenuous?". I was assertive and stood up for myself, however, I didn't discuss with the Campus Director, Nursing Instructor or the Director of Nursing for the Campuses. The more I think about what she said, the more I'm inclined to talk with someone. I cannot grasp why People signal me out as if I'm the only Person with weight issues. I say this, as if 2-3 other Women who have weight issues were lined in a row with me, they wouldn't be subjected to what I am. It's happened waaay to many times, and I'm SICK of it!! I'm going to finish the 9 Hours am enrolled this Semester and will enroll in 6-8 Hours next Semester, yet am considering applying for LPN School for 2011-2012 School Year @ another Campus. I don't lack many Academics for RN School, but I think it is best that I be an LPN first. Advanced Standing LPN's can transition into the Sophomore Year of RN School. By the time I advance to that stage, I will only have 2 Semester's, or 1 Year RN School/Clinicals to complete.

I completely understand where you're coming from but we weren't there nor do we know her true motivations behind the questions. She could have actually been concerned for your well being. Personally I don't think she discriminated against you. If she denied you aid for being overweight or being a woman, then yes, that would be discrimination. But from what I read, that's not what happened. Most likely she just suffers from poor tact.

If it had happened to me, I would see that as more motivation to prove to them especially that nursing was the right fit for me and that I was more than healthy enough to take on the job. Also, I wouldn't even consider changing schools because of one financial aid person. I'd only change if the school's curriculum and teaching warranted it. If this is what you really want, which it sounds like it is, then do it. This event should be just that extra bit of motivation to fuel you on. You know?

I work for an association that encompasses four hospitals. Every job posting says something like "must be able to meet the physical demands ..." I'm pretty sure that's standard these days and not a reflection of you in particular.

butter butt, what she said was not appropriate. One cannot make assumptions like that and it shows her own ignorance. I doubt she would have said that to a 120 pound woman that may not be as strong as you are. Aside from that, it's none of her business. You were applying for school, NOT a job.

I don't think it's discrimination but I do think it was tacky.

For the record, I remember feeling really uncomfortable with petite women when I was hospitalized at my largest. Sometimes tiny nurses would come in to move me, etc. and I would always look at them and think to myself, "what is it they think she can do to ME?" Even right today I feel that way when I get a tiny massage therapist. I would MUCH rather have a woman with some meat on her bones--massages always feel better!

The best way to handle this? FULL STEAM AHEAD! Get out in the work place and kick some booty. LPN's and RN's are way high in demand. Congrats on joining their ranks.

Being now at the other end of the spectrum...I can understand why people might think there are limitations to being a 300 pound person, because for *me* there was. I can tell you, without a doubt, that there was no way *I* could have been an effective nurse in an emergency situation, (or just the basic physical demands that health care entail). I could barely walk to the mailbox without huffing and puffing, so I don't think I could have run across a hospital and administer CPR to save the life of patient. I also don't think a patient would have taken me seriously going over things like discharge instructions. Especially when I would have to cover things like diet and exercise...THe patient would take one look at me and think...hummm, maybe she should follow her own advice. Oh, and the 10-12 hours shifts...OMG, I would have died. Physically there is no way *I* could have been a nurse at 300+ pounds...no way.

Now that I am a normal weight I might look small to some, I might look like those "little weak" nurses that have been mentioned...but this body was used to carrying around an additional 190 pounds. I'm A LOT stronger than I look, and I would venture to say that some of the little gals are too.

I also think it would be totally appropriate for a financial aid person to ask these questions, especially if you were applying for a loan. In order for the loan to be paid back, you'll need to find a job...and if your weight/health prevents you from keeping a high demanding/physical job, you won't be able to pay back the loan. I think the financial aid officer is looking out for her financial institution.
I don't think you have a lawsuit against her if that's were you are going with this.

Going to chime in: As an RN for the last 13 years and over 300 lbs for the last 7, I think it is a completely legitimate question. It is physically demanding, long hours, on your feet and in an emergency you need to "get right in there", which is a little hard for others when my large rump is in the way. What I lack in speed and agility I make up for in intelligence and heart. Lori Bell is right, If for no other reason they need to know that you think you can do it because that money has to get paid back.
Good luck, it is a great career choice and I am sure you can do it!