Nursing and Fitness - JP Fitness Forums

ktconroy · 12-19-2007, 12:17 PM

Hi there...I'm new to the site. I recently graduated an RN program. I'm going to work as a nurse in a Med-Surg capacity right now. My passion in life is def. exercise and fitness. I'm wondering if anyone knows a position that would incorporate my medical background with my fitness and exercise passion? I wouldn't mind going back to school to get certified in anything regarding nutrition or fitness. I'm aware that some HMO's such as Kaiser Permanente are finally starting to realize the importance of preventative medicine and are, thus, covering programs with "wellness coaches" (who are cert. Dieticians, trainers, nutritionists, nurses, etc.) to help people make lifestyle changes that will lead to better health. They focus on things like controlling BP, diabetes, HTN, smoking cessation, weight loss, etc. I'm interested in something like this. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience in this area at all? I would like to maintain a career in the healthcare field, but would be interested in something like this. Cardiac rehab is interesting to me, but I really want to work with people BEFORE they have serious health repercussions. I want to work with people who WANT to change. Any info/thoughts are GREATLY appreciated!

John Izzo · 12-19-2007, 01:57 PM

I know I lot of hospital are including full-fledged fitness centers in their facilities, at least here in CT (Hartford Hospital being one). You can pursue a ACSM-HFI and treat cardio-pulmonary patients or pursue a nutrition specialization and treat obese patients. Alot of hospitals are designing programs for overweight people who prefer to follow a weightloss program rather than gastric-bypass and the like. On the flip side, you can work in corporate fitness/wellness (which I have done) and design wellness programs for corporate employees and possible work for insurance companies providing workshops and health fairs. The dynamics are limitless.

ktconroy · 12-19-2007, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Izzo

I know I lot of hospital are including full-fledged fitness centers in their facilities, at least here in CT (Hartford Hospital being one). You can pursue a ACSM-HFI and treat cardio-pulmonary patients or pursue a nutrition specialization and treat obese patients. Alot of hospitals are designing programs for overweight people who prefer to follow a weightloss program rather than gastric-bypass and the like. On the flip side, you can work in corporate fitness/wellness (which I have done) and design wellness programs for corporate employees and possible work for insurance companies providing workshops and health fairs. The dynamics are limitless.

I"m familiar with ACSM, but what is the HFI part of it? How exactly does it work with the corporate fitness/wellness business? Who hires you and pays you and how did you "pitch" yourself to them? Are you employed by their insurance companies or by the corporation itself? My biggest thing is that I really want to work with people who WANT to change. It seems that with cardiac rehab patients, a lot of them are scared and want to change initially, but don't want it enough to stick with it. What is your educational background if I can ask?

ktconroy · 12-19-2007, 05:51 PM

ACSM-HFI...health fitness instructor... answered that one myself.

John Izzo · 12-19-2007, 06:06 PM

I have a BS in Public Health Promotion dealing with overall wellness, disease prevention, and community nutrition. It definitely adds an angle to the whole exercise picture when dealing with a diverse clientèle. If working with post cardiac patients is too "slow" for you, I suggest working with overweight individuals in a hospital setting. They have chosen a hospital setting to undergo their change and therefore look to professionals for help. Secondly, some insurance programs may pay for these programs so you can get booked up quick...OR..you may get a bunch of deadbeats. In either case, I think it is no different than normal personal training.

ktconroy · 12-19-2007, 09:15 PM

Thanks for your responses! The reasons that I'm not super pumped about post cardiac patients is that most of them are going through cardiac rehab out of fear and orders from their doctor. In the capacity of a nurse, you are worrying about so much more than just helping them change their lifestyle. This is important and vital to their future, but education and "coaching" are pushed to the back burned to deal with more pressing issues. Nurses are often left trying to juggle their patient loads, and you just don't have enough time to truly help these people. A lot of them lack the motivation to change, as well. My dream job is to work with people who really WANT to change their lifestyles. Here's what it boils down to for me... I went to school for nursing because I'm interested in the medical field. Nursing is a very reliable and stable source of income. We will always need nurses and you can relocate anywhere, etc etc etc. My PASSION is exercise and fitness and healthy eating. That's what consumes my free time. I would LOVE to incorporate the two of them in a fashion that leaves me with good job security, a steady income, and benefits. I've considered getting cert. for training, but I've heard from a lot of people that it's very unsteady income... so I'm just looking for ideas on how to pursue a career that I can really be passionate about.

Jean-Paul · 12-21-2007, 06:36 AM

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I've considered getting cert. for training, but I've heard from a lot of people that it's very unsteady income... so I'm just looking for ideas on how to pursue a career that I can really be passionate about.

Welcome to the club! It is one of the fastest growing industries in the nation right now, but no one wants to suffer through the initial stages that are necessary to make a decent living in this industry. As quick as they're joining this industry they are quitting in frustration.

So my question is, are you entrepreneurial or are you just looking for a place to work? You've got a great foundation degree. I don't know about MN, but in Arkansas nurses are in high demand. There aren't enough to fill all the jobs available, and they pay nurses VERY well. Here at least, you would make a pretty good living while building your training base.

On the other hand, everyone and their dog is certified in this city. Not one of them is good enough to train their way out of a wet paper bag, but they show up at my gym weekly, looking for work with all the aimless hope and ambition, not having a clue about what level of sacrifice you have to be willing to make to become a respected professional.

If you have passion backed by education and the right willingness to continue learning, you are waaaay ahead of the pack.

ktconroy · 12-21-2007, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jean-Paul

So my question is, are you entrepreneurial or are you just looking for a place to work?
I would consider myself to be entrepreneurial; however, I don't have any experience in the fitness/training area except that I've been a total gym rat/amateur boxer, etc. for about 6 years. I feel like I need more education in this area and more experience. I know a ton about the medical side of things-the health benefits, etc.

You've got a great foundation degree. I don't know about MN, but in Arkansas nurses are in high demand. There aren't enough to fill all the jobs available, and they pay nurses VERY well. Here at least, you would make a pretty good living while building your training base.
Yes, this is the case most places. Nursing is a great career that gives you a wealth of opportunity. It's just that being a floor nurse wouldn't be enough to make me happy with my job. I want to work in an area that I'm truly passionate about.

If you have passion backed by education and the right willingness to continue learning, you are waaaay ahead of the pack.
Well I'm certainly willing to learn, actually I look forward to it. I'm the big dork that LOVES reading evidence based studies on just about anything. I spend the majority of my free time doing something active or reading about it. What direction would you suggest that I head as far as education is concerned? I want to go back to school for my BSN for sure. I was thinking of a minor in a sports or fitness related field...any suggestions? Also, what cert. do you think is best to have. I wouldn't mind doing some class instruction also. I have the boxing background to do that type of training. (like the cardio boxing classes)

Thanks BTW!

kuri · 12-21-2007, 07:31 PM

I may be a bit biased but the NSCA's CSCS cert is considered the gold standard.

The NSCA CPT & NASM's CPT are also well respected, and a bit different in focus. You can check into any of those and see what fits best with your experience and outlook.

btw where in MN are you?
Another forum member Danny King is in the MPLS area and has worked/managed a number of gyms there & may be able to help you out.

DKing · 12-22-2007, 07:24 AM

I am the Danny that Kuri is talking about. KT - what part of MN are you in?

I am not entirely sure what road you can go down in terms of combining the two into a good career, but like Kuri said I have an assload of experience with most of the gyms in the area and can offer some help on where to go, differences etc...

Danny

ktconroy · 12-22-2007, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKing

I am the Danny that Kuri is talking about. KT - what part of MN are you in?

I am not entirely sure what road you can go down in terms of combining the two into a good career, but like Kuri said I have an assload of experience with most of the gyms in the area and can offer some help on where to go, differences etc...

Danny

I'm in Inver Grove Heights now. Used to box at Brunette's gym on St. Paul's East side, then got into lifting at Elite Fitness in Oakdale. Went to Halsa in Woodbury for a while. Now I go to Lifetime and Snap. Loved Elite, but the owner closed the gym : ( Where do you work out @?

DKing · 12-22-2007, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ktconroy

I'm in Inver Grove Heights now. Used to box at Brunette's gym on St. Paul's East side, then got into lifting at Elite Fitness in Oakdale. Went to Halsa in Woodbury for a while. Now I go to Lifetime and Snap. Loved Elite, but the owner closed the gym : ( Where do you work out @?

I work for the Hudson WI YMCA but live in St. Paul. I usually workout at one of the St. Paul Y's or the one in Eagan. I worked for Lifetime Fitness for about 1.5 years though, do you go to the Woodbury club?

Danny

ktconroy · 12-23-2007, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKing

I work for the Hudson WI YMCA but live in St. Paul. I usually workout at one of the St. Paul Y's or the one in Eagan. I worked for Lifetime Fitness for about 1.5 years though, do you go to the Woodbury club?

Danny

Sometimes. I go in spurts to lifetime. I get sick of it easily. There are a lot of people there who don't know what the F they're doing...and it's more of a meatmarket. I like to throw on my ipod and show up in my sweats and not talk to anyone. If I do go to LT it's usually real late...like 1AM. I like the classes once in a while, just to switch it up a bit. Been hitting the Arena club bc they have punching bags and a speed bag there.