Ever work with a broken finger?

[SnowboardRN]

I broke my finger yesterday. Got stitches and a splint. I work Tuesday and just wondering how this is going to go over. I want to work, but when I call them tomorrow to give them a heads up I have a feeling they are going to tell me I can't. I don't know how I would give shots, change dressings, put in IVs, wear gloves etc. It's my index finger on my dominant hand so I would require a lot of assistance from other nurses. I want to work, so I'm bummed. Anyone ever broken a finger? What happened with work?

[calivianya, BSN, RN]

Maybe if you really want your coworkers to hate you because they have to help you with everything... seriously, if it was your non-dominant hand it would be inadvisable, but with it being your dominant hand there's no way you should be there.

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

... but with it being your dominant hand there's no way you should be there.

Have no experience with this, so my comment would be strictly conjecture.

But might it depend on the particular finger. For example, would the pinkie be that debilitating?

IDK.

[llg, PhD, RN]

In my experience, if you are in a patient care role ... then you can't work. Hand hygiene would be compromised as would your ability to do many tasks.

If you really want to work, offer to help with any non-patient tasks that need done. They may be able to find you something to do (such as chart audits or other "desk-type" work) to earn some money.

Interestingly, people in non-direct care roles are often expected to work in spite of illness or injury -- even when most workers in other industries would be allowed to take off. I've been expected to work full time for all of the following injuries combined: broken dominant wrist & hand, broken ankle, and mononucleosis in the last decade. For all of those injuries/illnesses combined, I was only allowed to take a total of 1 sick day off. Each time, the belief was that since I have a "desk job," those things shouldn't matter. My goal is to find a way to use my sick time (without too much suffering) someday before I retire.

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

Yikes, Guide! Sounds like the good ol' days of the American sweat shops.

Good point on the hand hygiene issue. Thanks for sharing it.

[SouthernPoint]

As previously said. I would call your manager or director and let them know what is going on. This way if you can't work then they can find a replacement.

I had broke my middle finger once and I was able to work. I was charge nurse and I am ambidextrous so it wasn't a big deal for me.

[SnowboardRN]

Thanks everyone! Just wanted to give an update. I called Monday morning first thing (was scheduled to work Tuesday) and they said that with an open wound I couldn't work until the doctor gives the okay, which should be this Saturday when I get my stitches out.

[amoLucia]

To SnowboardRN- wise decision.

To llg - I don't understand the thinking behind that kind of sick-time decision. If the fire bells go off, ALL staff, regardless of job descriptions, are expected to respond to the fire emergency and perform tasks as nec. What good would you be with a serious injury/illness?? I just don't get it. That's why I get a return-to-work note.