back to work after 4 weeks off

[MassED, BSN, RN]

Well back to the grind next week after 4 weeks off after a hysterectomy. I have had perfect attendance for 5 years, so having 4 weeks off I feel a little guilty. I hear the winter flu has been awful at work, as well as just plain high acuity and high volume. My poor coworkers. I'm feeling a bit of stress going back to work because I will have to ask for help until I hit that 6 week post op mark for any heavy lifting/pushing. I know some will moan, but I know I have always been there for my coworkers when they needed a little break for a bit.

The break has given me a perspective that was needed. Being a patient, you sometimes forget how your nurse is your lifeline. That was a lesson for me. I appreciated being informed, not feeling like I was annoying them when I used the call light, and just treated nicely. That is something working the ER that I think we all lose sight of, that rushed nurse who runs from room to room getting their stuff done. Take a few moments to put your patient at ease, give them updates, let them know what the doctor has ordered, and check in with them. It works wonders for their overall patient experience.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

((HUGS)) I am glad you are feeling better. TAKE IT EASY!!!!

Being a patient really places it all in perspective.

[MassED, BSN, RN]

It sure does, Esme. I think it was nice and helpful to have that little life lesson. Being a patient, you're so vulnerable, which is difficult when as a nurse we're used to being in charge. It is easy to forget that there are nice people in this world, sometimes.

[nuangel1, BSN, RN]

I recently had a MVA .I have been out 4 weeks as well .back to my ED in a week.I hear from my boss that the place has been crazy with the flu and high acuity and shortage of floor beds .lots of admissions.but I needed this time to heal .I totaled my SUV in a recent snowstorm.being in the northeast we have now had over 54 in of snow .So I have been inside my home alot .I too hope my fellow staff members are ok with me needing help with the heavy lifting and pushing .I have chest wall shoulder and rib contusions with ?occult rib fx so I am still healing.but I want to get back to work.

[JBudd, MSN]

I sympathize totally. I'd been out 7 months, surgery and chemo, and even though I'm back I'm on light duty, sitting the night triage desk. Hopefully your coworkers will be as helpful as mine have been, everyone so far has said how pleased they are I'm back and cautioning me not to overdo.

My nurses were great while I was on the floor.

[missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN]

Please take it easy and follow the restrictions the doctor has given you. I had a total hysterectomy 8 weeks ago and around week 5 I was feeling much better, a patient needed help, so I lifted more than I should've. This caused some bleeding, and my restrictions were extended for another 3 weeks. Follow the restrictions!

Hope you heal up well and take it easy. Every week is better than the one before.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

It sure does, Esme. I think it was nice and helpful to have that little life lesson. Being a patient, you're so vulnerable, which is difficult when as a nurse we're used to being in charge. It is easy to forget that there are nice people in this world, sometimes.

How's it going?

[MassED, BSN, RN]

all is going great! Exercising, working overtime. Back to the usual!

[Altra, BSN, RN]

Great to hear that you've had a smooth recovery!

[Emergent, RN]

I'm on FMLA currently, it's a scary and exhausting full time job being a patient and rehabilitating an injury. I'll be off at least another month.

[MassED, BSN, RN]

good luck to you, Emergent. Take it easy, since all that work is there when you return!!!