been out of the er for year due to injury-best way to ease back in

[beaujacques]

hello-

i got out of nursing school-(was a paramedic for 12 years before that)---worked one year as an er nurse and then will be out for a total of one year due to knee injuries-

i have been taking classes to keep up and try not to lose much knowlege or skills-but i'm still worried about getting back on the horse-so to speak-

any suggestions-just go right on back-maybe have a preceptor for bit etc,--

thanks---

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

hello-

i got out of nursing school-(was a paramedic for 12 years before that)---worked one year as an er nurse and then will be out for a total of one year due to knee injuries-

i have been taking classes to keep up and try not to lose much knowlege or skills-but i'm still worried about getting back on the horse-so to speak-

any suggestions-just go right on back-maybe have a preceptor for bit etc,--

thanks---

i had a back injury, not a knee injury and i was only away from my sicu job for six months. they just threw me back in without a preceptor. but i went back to 3 8-hour shifts a week rather than 3 12s. the first month, it was all i could do to get through my shifts, go to pt and then go home and collapse. as i got stronger, they increased my working hours. i've been back 2 1/2 years now --hard to believe it!

good luck!

[PAERRN20]

Does you ER have a non acute/minor care area that you could ease into?

[emmalou*]

If you are going back to your old job, you should really speak to your Human Resources Dept. or Occupational Health and Safety officer, in conjunction with your treating doctor, physio and manager so you can move back into work with suitable duties.

If you are planning on a new job/role, then I would still speak with your treating doctor and physiotherapist with regard to what you are able to do, and any initial restrictions you might have. I'm saying this though, without knowing how your injury is going, and whether you are able to perform full duties.

With regard to upskilling, moving back into critical care after significant time off is a concern if they don't offer you a preceptor! Sounds like Australia though, they tend to throw you in the deep end but I would request this for your own sake.