Going back to work after an injury.

[lightout]

I'm in an odd situation and unsure if I want to go back to my job or if it is time to move on. I have worked at my current employer for 7 yeas in there assisted living units as a CNA (I do have my Med Tech, but would rather work as a CNA).

A few weeks ago as I started my shift we had an elopement. During the elopement 1 security officer, 1 cop, and myself were hospitalized.

I was admitted into the hospital for about 65 hours for 6 broken ribs and internal bleeding. I was transferred from the hospital to the health care unit where I work for rehab. After 12 days I was transferred to assisted living to recover until I could live on my own (no family). After 17 days I was able to go home.

After I was home for a week (39 days from getting my butt whipped) my employer brought me back to work as an "office helper". I'm at about 6 weeks from my injury and the doc wants me to go back to my job as a CNA starting the beginning of the month.

My employer wants me to return to assisted living on the floor where I had stayed. When I think of working with the residents that I had lived with gives me an uneasy feeling. In the 17 days of living with them I had learned a lot about them and they have learned a lot about me. I think I will be fine with the embarrassment of my coworkers seeing / taking care of me. We did talk about me working on a different floor, but I'll be on light duty and want to put me on the floor with the least amount of assisted transfers.

I don't think a lot of people have been in a situation like this before.

I could use some advice and thoughts on this.

[duskyjewel]

I think it might be a little awkward at first, but you're all professionals. I think you and your co-workers will be fine if you just give it a little time. As to the residents, make light of it, like saying, "Hey, now that I have been on the other side I'll be even better at my job!" A couple times repeating that should be all it takes to put the episode firmly in the past. Good luck and be careful! Stay on light duty until you are sure you're ready for more. You only get one back!

[lightout]

I think your right that after a few days with the residence there should no longer be any issues. I defiantly know what it's like to be on the other side. I just need to sit down and think about the questions or comments that will come up so I have good answers for them ready to go.

Your right that I only have one back. My physical therapy has had me on the weight machines 3 days a week to slowly build up the mussel mass in my chest and back from where I could not use them.

I have talked to my DON about keeping me off the elopement response team and first aid response team (independent living) for the next few months.