I am looking at having both knee and back surgery soon, both which would require several weeks before I could do any heavy lifting or transfers, etc. I have been told I won't be able to return to work until I am completely cleared to do lifting and transfers. The rationale given to their not allowing light duty (which would let me return to work sooner) is that if a patient fell to the floor, I could possibly injure myself in assisting the patient. I was wondering if this is typical of other hospitals. The nursing home I worked in allowed their direct care staff to work in light-duty capacities. I'm a RN on a med/surg floor. Thanks.