There are all sorts of reasons why millions of people go into nursing. Helping improve other people's health and lives, being in a role that makes a difference, working in a variety of environments, and having a flexible work schedule are just some of the benefits that you can receive from a healthcare role.
Regardless of the nursing specialty you pick, you may not realize that your height can make your job easier. If height is on your side, there are numerous advantages that you can gain when compared to those who are smaller than you. To find out more, here are 7 reasons why tall nurses have an advantage.
Reach Equipment Easier
Whether you're a neonatal nurse, nurse practitioner, or work in intensive care, in order to perform your job correctly, it's vital that you can reach equipment with ease to ensure the patient is receiving the best level of care. If a patient needs to have an IV drip inserted, the taller you are, the easier it will be to complete the process. Smaller nurses may have more difficulty attaching the IV bag, which is where your height will come in handy.
A taller nurse will also be able to monitor the IV bag throughout and be able to identify whether it needs to be changed, as it would be directly in your line of vision. Patients need to feel relaxed and comfortable in your presence, so being able to handle and operate equipment with ease can help them feel more relaxed and settled. If you have difficulty reaching equipment, this can make a patient feel anxious.
Given More Respect
If you're passionate about healthcare and want to go into a career in nursing, you may not realize how your height can benefit you in terms of commanding authority and respect. Unfortunately, there are some individuals who will judge a person on height, especially if they are smaller than average. If you're a tall nurse, you may find that healthcare professionals give you more respect and take you more seriously.
When addressing your thoughts, opinions, and concerns, it's vital that your colleagues listen to what you have to say, so being a tall nurse may help you in these instances. Earning respect from both those who you work with and managers in your field can open more doors and build trust. If you would like to work with babies and obtain a midwifery degree, parents may trust your judgment more, purely down to your height.
Less Likely to Be Attacked
There are many benefits that you can receive from a career in nursing, but as you will be treating patients from all walks of life and backgrounds, there is an element of risk attached. Emotions can spiral out of control in tense situations, and as you will be dealing with individuals of all different heights and weight, there is the possibility that they could lash out in anger. If you're treating a patient with dementia for example, they may not realize that you're trying to help them, which can result in a physical assault.
If you're a tall nurse, you will have more chance of being able to defend yourself and restrain the patient. There are some patients who may see smaller nurses as weaker, making them more likely to lash out in frustration.
Enhanced Productivity
Research carried out by the National Bureau of Economic Research concluded that taller people tend to be more productive in their professions. The seven-year study was based on the hourly earnings of each of those researched throughout the course of the report. As a nurse, it's crucial that you're alert and in control when treating patients, so having higher productivity levels can help you deliver better care.
Those who are more productive are said to feel more satisfied and confident in their role, which can be beneficial should you wish to climb the career ladder and want to enter senior positions in the nursing field like management.
More Stamina
Throughout your nursing career, 12-hour shifts and being on your feet throughout come part and parcel with the job. To perform your role effectively, it's important that you have the energy and stamina to get through. Taller people will have longer legs, which can help you get from A to B quicker and reduce the risk of you feeling rundown and fatigued throughout your shift.
Regular exercise is a key component to becoming a successful nurse, so to boost your energy and keep you on track, taking 30 minutes out of your day to dedicate towards physical activity can be a big help.
You May Be Happier
Here is another advantage to smile about. Tall nurses are reported to exude more positive emotions than those who are smaller than them. Nurses that have a greater stature may be less likely to experience feelings of sadness, anger, and frustration. When treating patients and communicating with other healthcare professionals, it's vital that you stay upbeat and positive, even in tough situations. So, feeling happier and more confident in your abilities will rub off to others in your field and can help build strong relationships with patients.
Better Observation
Whether you work in a hospital environment, doctors' clinic, or visit people in their homes, tall nurses have the advantage of being able to observe their surroundings better. Small nurses may not be able to assess the situation in the same manner, which can have a major impact on the care the patient receives.
There are lots of benefits that you can receive from being observant as a tall nurse, such as being able to identify any changes in a patient's health or patterns of behavior, as well as providing tailored care for older adults' needs.
If you are interested in a career in nursing, or you have already begun your training and learning, being taller than your counterparts may provide you with more advantages than you thought were possible. Your height can play a big part in how well you perform in a nursing role, so no matter what specialty of nursing catches your eye, there are many reasons why tall nurses have an advantage.