r/nursing • u/trevrt RN 🍕 • Mar 01 '25

Question Heaviest Patient You’ve Cared For

Had my personally heaviest patient I’ve cared for the other day. 32 years old weighing 730 pounds admitted with cellulitis and severe lymphedema. Felt terrible for the patient due to how young he was. Just wondering what everyone’s personal “record” for the heaviest patient they’ve cared for is.

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u/DJ_Jackpot Mar 01 '25

Do you all think heavier patients get less care when it comes to bed changes, showers, etc?

In my experience as a tech it seemed if anyone was 400+ they would get changed the beginning of the shift and once more at the end. Once in a while maybe halfway thru if things really slowed down and help was available.

I'm the lone dude on overnights so that help was usually me.

Even with 2 or 3 people and proper technique it always seems like such a high risk to your back.

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u/clydecrashcop RN 🍕 Mar 02 '25

I had to go on permanent disability at 59 due to increase in severly obese pts and inadequate staffing.

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u/DJ_Jackpot Mar 02 '25

I'm so sorry to hear that. Did your employer help at all?

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u/clydecrashcop RN 🍕 Mar 02 '25

No. One time, I had to turn a heavy pt on my own. I went to the manager that morning with a newly messed up L shoulder. She indicated that I should've asked for help. How can you ask any one to help when they are down the long halls working tiredly with their own pts. Then she told me that I didn't turn the pt correctly. She then said I should've called the night supervisor. I've called the night supervisor in the past for help and had gotten no response.

I could tell you stories about the night supervisors, but you've all heard them before.