did I make a mistake?

quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN · Jun 11, 2017

Did you fill out an incident report? That would cover you if you did.

Career Columnist / Author · Jun 11, 2017

(first a disclaimer- i know no one on an online forum can tell me definitively what an employer will think or how they will react. so really what I'm asking for is opinions based on your personal experience in nursing/healthcare.)
Did I make a mistake explaining why? My co-worker thinks I did, and that corporate is going to try to get rid of me because I inadvertently claimed in writing to have had a work-related injury. Should I not have mentioned that, and is there anything I can do to mitigate any potential negative consequences? I'm not trying to sue the company or claim workers comp or anything; I just want/need a day or two off of work to recover and rest.

So sorry about your back injury! I can tell you from my management experience that if an employee told me they had a work injury I was required to report the incident immediately and failing to do so on my part was seen as putting the organization at risk and not following protocol.

Your facility probably has a policy in place that requires you to report work related incidents as well (you did by telling your manger, but there may have been other requirements). In some places, you are more apt to be disciplined for not reporting than for having an incident. You didn't mention that your manager replied; that is interesting.

The problem with back injuries is you really don't know if it's just muscle or more serious involvement.

There are people who do not want to report a work injury because worker's comp has a reputation of not always providing the best care. Some folks believe using their own insurance is better. But in your case, the cat is out of the bag, and if you do need treatment, the provider is likely to ask "Is this the result of a work injury?"

You should think about having a talk (not text) with your manager and go from there. You would get a better idea of where they are coming from and next steps.

I really hope your back heals well and you are back to normal soon. Best wishes1

JKL33 · Jun 12, 2017

It is a mistake to not report your injury at the time it happens. This situation is interesting (in your favor) as it would be difficult to place any "blame" on you, even if that's their usual M.O. You could've been perfectly following the proper procedure for transferring someone, using good mechanics, etc., etc., and still become injured in this unexpected situation. If they truly are the type who would find a reason to fire someone because of something like this, then that is your bigger problem and you should seek employment in an environment where your health/safety is more of a consideration.

I think you need to tell your supervisor you were injured during this incident.

Hope your back feels better soon.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jun 12, 2017

You absolutely should have reported the injury at the time it happened. Back injuries are notoriously difficult to assess on one's own, and you should have been examined by an occupational health physician the same day, or the very next morning at the latest. You may indeed have to go on worker's comp until the injury heals; even if you don't, your back will be vulnerable to future injury and you must take every precaution to prevent it. You only have one back, it has to last you a lifetime.

In the meantime, go to your employer and get the process started. Worker's comp will pay for your doctor visit(s) and any other expenses (such as a back brace) incurred while injured. Admittedly, this can paint a target on your back; but if you're working for an employer that discriminates against injured staff members you don't want to be there anyway. They can't do ANYTHING to you while you are off work or on light duty, as long as you're complying with your treatment and following the rules of the facility.

Good luck, and please keep us posted. Hugs.

TriciaJ, RN · Jun 13, 2017

You absolutely should have reported the injury at the time it happened. Back injuries are notoriously difficult to assess on one's own, and you should have been examined by an occupational health physician the same day, or the very next morning at the latest. You may indeed have to go on worker's comp until the injury heals; even if you don't, your back will be vulnerable to future injury and you must take every precaution to prevent it. You only have one back, it has to last you a lifetime.
In the meantime, go to your employer and get the process started. Worker's comp will pay for your doctor visit(s) and any other expenses (such as a back brace) incurred while injured. Admittedly, this can paint a target on your back; but if you're working for an employer that discriminates against injured staff members you don't want to be there anyway. They can't do ANYTHING to you while you are off work or on light duty, as long as you're complying with your treatment and following the rules of the facility.
Good luck, and please keep us posted. Hugs.

Yes. What Viva said. Any injury at work needs to be reported IMMEDIATELY. If you don't report it, and you have ongoing problems with your back, your employer owes you nothing and will eventually fire you for excessive absenteeism.

Yes, some employers will try to retaliate but it's always worse to try to tough it out with an injury that they now have no responsibility for. I wish nursing schools taught specific classes in labour relations and how nurses can protect themselves in various situations.

Please file an incident report and see a doctor immediately. Your health and livelihood depend on you taking care of yourself first.

amzyRN · Jun 13, 2017

If it's within 24 hours, you can hopefully still report it. Do so ASAP.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jun 13, 2017

You need to file an incident report and be seen by occupational health. Period

BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Jun 18, 2017

Just a bit of my personal experience several years ago. I worked nights and walked into a dark room to check a pt who had alcoholic encephalitis. As I got in the room I noticed he was standing at the end of the bed looking confused. He was about 6'2" 230lbs to my 5'4" 150 lbs. As I got close to him I slipped in the floor. He had pulled his Foley and I had slipped in urine. He tried to grab me as I fell and we both slipped to the floor. I didn't fall that hard, and twisted and hit the bed before I hit the floor. At the time I was really more concerned about sitting in urine. We both got up, with the help of coworkers who heard the commotion. I cleaned up the floor and called the OR for some dry scrubs. There was an incident report because the pt fell too. Two days later, my back was killing me so I went to my pcp who is a DO and does adjustments. I just wanted a quick adjustment and maybe a Flexeril or two and to go on my way. Well, of course I told the doc how I hurt my back, my insurance refused to pay, I had to see the work comp doctor. It was a mess! I agree with a previous poster in that the care I received from the work comp group was sup par at best. It took months and me hiring a lawyer to get back to work!! I personally will not file work comp again unless I am really, life/career changing injured! Best of luck to you!

RainMom · Jun 19, 2017

If it's within 24 hours, you can hopefully still report it. Do so ASAP.

Policy will probably state to report within 24 hrs, BUT state law may say differently. In my state, IL, an injured worker has 45 days to report it (although it is always best to report an injury ASAP, even if you don't think it is significant; less run around in the long term).