Can you work on light duty if your traveling?

[Codeman906]

Hey guys, so I have a question. I am considering scheduling an elective surgery for which I will be required to be on 3-4weeks of light duty. I know the obvious answer is to simply schedule the surgery in between contracts and take the time off, and I am considering that. However I was wondering are there any other alternatives? Can you work on light duty while on a travel assignment? Are there desk position assignments for short term? I am an ER Nurse, so the lifting can be heavy at times, but Im sure I could dodge the bullet if need be and explain to my coworkers im on light duty but im Not sure how this would be welcomed since I would be an outsider while on assignment. Anyway, figured I would just throw that out there, any advice or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks =)

[NedRN]

All you can do is ask the manager.

[BluntForceTrauma]

I highly doubt it. Your obvious answer, which you already know, is to have it in between contracts. Requesting to be on light duty for an elective surgery may even get your contract canceled.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

No contract employer is going to go for a light duty nurse, and trying to get your co-workers to 'cover' (I mean no snark, just cannot think of a better term) is putting you, them AND the institution in a bad place legally. I would not chance it.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Ha! My facility only does light duty for nurses injured on the job. Post surgery and need light duty? You can't come back yet. No way they'd give a traveler light duty.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

I am in agreement with the others. As a traveller you probably make more than the regular staff. Why would they allow you to work light duty? Our light duty only applies to those who have been injured on the job while performing job related duties. Any other issues such as injuries outside work or post op restrictions ... No light duty.