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Discussion

Do I have to go back to work after FML?

I recently took FML to try to figure out what has been wrong with me for the past three years...I had flutters, pvc's, pac's, and SOB with severe exercise intolerance. I was very in shape and actually riding my bike when I realized something was wrong 3 years ago. I continued through nursing school, (anxiety and depression were given as a dx), I got a job as floor nurse on the GI/Endo floor (hardest work of my life), I then moved to the cardiac ICU where things came to a head. I almost passed out due to a "flutter" that wouldn't stop, SOB, and pressure went up to 168/90 with vision changes. Let me add that I have seen every doctor under the sun including acupuncture, and holistic medicine with NO RESOLVE! Anxiety and depression still given as my dx. I finally got in with an electrophysiologist because While working I went into and empty room and hooked myself up and my heart rate was in the 150's after squatting from the floor to standing. I sounded off the alarms forgetting that just because the room is empty doesn't mean the alarms wont sound off. My nursing gals come in to rescue "someone" and Were confused to see me. Anyway....they were like, "that is totally not normal and you should see our electro doc. So I did. My dx is a de-conditioned heart with exercise induced asthma. I don't know how I got this heart problem as I was an avid exerciser before. I would love a second opinion my from the UVA or Cleveland clinic but I am not sure how much longer my insurance will hold out. I feel AWFUL!! Doc prescribes anaerobic exercise 7 days a week, propranolol, and inhalers and says I can return. I almost passed out at work! What if I was walking a patient? I do not feel ready to go...Does anyone know the rules of fml, can I look for a less stressful/sitting job while out on fml?

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    • Featured Replies

    I would look up the policy at your job. I don't think you are supposed to job hunt while on FMLA.

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    My suggestion is to contact your HR department about rules, etc. My experience is that the employer has no obligation to hold your job if you are able to work, even part time, but I am not an expert.

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    I understand OP's frustration. I was dx with reactive airway disease in my 30's... triggered by numerous things. It effectively put a real crimp in my clinical practice -- unable to tolerate wearing a mask, deal with glove 'powder', etc. Best advice I received? Consult a pulmonologist with specialty expertise in my sitch. It took a while, but we got it under control with the right maintenance regimen but I was unable to return to any type of bedside practice setting on a full time basis.

    Agree with advice for you to talk to HR about the limitations & restrictions involved in FMLA. If you are on unpaid FMLA, I urge you to look into moving along to Short Term Disability until you get your health under control. With most plans, you can move into this after 8 weeks of sick time. Longer-term, you may need to consider other practice areas that would be more suitable for your limitations.

    Wishing you the best

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    • Experts

    AFAIK, your physician would have to certify that you have a valid reason (personal health or caring for a family member) that qualifies you for FMLA, and you just said your physician says you can work. And you do understand that FMLA time is unpaid, right? As HouTX notes, short-term disability might be a better option if you have the coverage, after using up your sick leave. What you do with your free time while on FMLA time is your own business. Also, be aware that, on FMLA, your employer is required to provide you with a comparable job when you return, but not necessarily the same job you left.

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    Short Term Disability won't be an option for OP without paperwork from the MD stating she is unable to work. Sounds like the doctor has given clearance to go back.

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    Definitely talk with your HR. Ask what happens if you don't come back. Each facility may have their own rules. Where I worked, if I didn't return to work full time likw I was before FMLA leave, they could recover full costs of health insurance payments they made for me as an employee. I would be respomsible for those three months of payments. But, my HR told me, I just had to say I was coming back full time and as long as I came back on a FT schedule I could put in my notice then. So talk with your HR. I was on pregnancy leave and decided I wanted to stay home.

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