Tried to do the right thing

[MomRN0913]

I have been out for a week for my own Lap Chole. I was hoping to go back tomorrow because we are sooooo shortstaffed, even though I was written out until Monday. I work Home hospice and the educator called me today (she is helping out while me and the big boss are out) and I asked how it was going and she said my supervisor is losing it. My recovery isn't quite where I thought it would be. Still some soreness and ridculously uncomfortable abdominal bloating (I look and feel as if 6 months pregnant)

I know if I do lifting and pulling, I'm going to hurt. I lifted my 40lb daughter out of a shopping cart yesterday and it was painful.

So, feeling guilty, after my post op appt today I texted my supervisor saying I am not feeling 100%, I'm still in some pain an uncomfortable, but I don't mind coming in and seeing lighter patients (which we do have). She asks if the doctor cleared me. I said yes, depending on how I physically feel. She got a little testy and said she cant make these decisions. I told her I was just trying to help. She told me to ask HR, she doesn't want that decision on her shoulder.

She had expressed feeling like she would be responsible if I got hurt. But she's not. I'm cleared, it's a matter of what feels physically OK.

So, I was trying to help, instead I made more problems, like I was dumping resonsibility on her. My supervisor is, ummm, I don't know how to explain her. She I think is getting burnt out by her job. She;s been doing it for 20 years, in the same company. She wears her stress outside.

I feel like I messed everything up. I should have said "I'll be back Monday" and left it at that, but I just wanted to give any help I could without being in pain.

I guess its all or nothing.

Just kind of venting, talking it out, deciding which direction I am going to go in the AM. I don't even get what I am supposed to be asking HR. By the time this is decided it will be late already.

Ugghh.

[amoLucia]

It's tough when you try to be a 'nice guy' and it backfires and you wind up shooting yourelf in the foot! Just my advice ...don't jeopardize your health and safety (and your job and future career options) by being injured on the job PREMATURLY returning to work early:nono:

It HAS happened to all too many nurses and has caused devastating sequellae for them, their families and their careers. Not to mention that you could potentially injure pts and that's lawsuit material! It is super highly unlikely that your employer will support you. And you might risk your chances of unemployment and disability (really not sure, but don't risk it). You put your wellness at risk and that's not worth it! Protect yourself because if you don't, who will?

Tell (not ask) HR that you haven't yet rebounded from the surgery as well as expected to be safe for all. With your physician's backing, take the recover time you need and earned (disability, FMLA??).

As for your super, she has a problem but it's not you. Good luck and be well. :hug: