Re: Would you return to work... Originally Posted by nurseinlimbo 
Thanks. My union says that I must request all proposed modified duties in writing to take to my doctor and he can decide if he oks it. He has already said no to supervising the student, say that I would end up doing more, or be in a position where the circumstances would require that I do more ie; an emergency.
This is not the first time that I have had problems here, there have been other issues.
Union rep says however, that if I refuse modified duties they can consider me AWOL and I can be disciplined.
I cannot believe that in the healthcare profession an injury as serious as this would not be considered as a legitimate reason to focus on rehabilitation and recovery as the most important thing. I also can't believe that they would cause me additional stress financially by attempting to make it impossible for me to gain benefits that I have paid for. I am in Canada, so we don't have fmla.
I am losing sleep, worry constantly about this and I'm sure that's not helping my healing.
If your doc is saying that you should not return to work, you're not refusing modified duties, the doc is doing so on your behalf. Ask your union rep what would happen if you returned to work against your doctors orders and were injured further. I'm guessing they'd hang you out to dry. As far as I know, the doc's verdict trumps the employer's.
You might want to consult an attorney who deals in this kind of situation. A labor attorney, perhaps. Also, look up whatever government authorities handle employment concerns. Your employer should not be able to withhold or delay any benefits due you. I'm pretty sure this is as illegal in Canada as it is in the States.
In addition to this, consider whether you are presenting an assertive front to your employer. It's not uncommon for managers to push to get their unit's needs met. One tactic is to put pressure on someone, looking for any sign of weakness. Don't make that easy. If your doc says you are to stay home and recover--stay home and recover. As I said earlier, if you return without his okay, you will--pardon the pun--be without a leg to stand on if you have problems because you did so.
In another thread, you mentioned that you were unclear about some of the medical matters. Be assertive with your docs, as well as with your employer. You are a responsible adult and deserve to be treated that way. Don't wait until your appointment for answers. Call the doc's office and ask to speak with him. Chances are, you'll end up speaking with someone in his office--a nurse practitioner or medical assistant. That's okay as long as you get the answers you seek.
Advocate for yourself the way you would for a patient. Don't let fear paralyze you, and don't let other people short-change you because you want to be "nice." In a calm and forthright manner, ask for the things you need, whether you're talking about time off or medical answers or basic respect.
You must respect yourself and take your own concerns seriously for anyone else to get the message that they must do so as well. You are your own best advocate. At least, you should be. Manage your situation with confidence and the expectation that you WILL get what you need, and that circumstances will work out in your favor.
None of this is meant as criticism. It's meant to get you sparked to action so that you will not be at the mercy of other people's agendas. Yes, other people matter, but so do you. You can't take care of anyone else until you have healed.
I wish you the very best.
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