how long does light duty last?

[Purple Princess]

i'm a cna assigned to light duty only,limit bending pushing and pulling and not to lift more than 12 pounds or so. seeing a PT and work comp. doctor. this place will likely never change, short staffed, nurses won't help with anything cause they don't feel they have to. yet everyone is very anxious for me to quit " milking it" and get back to full duty. i got hurt lifting friday night and will be on light duty until i am given the ok. i don't like it, i'm bored, and i don't get any breaks now. i'm told that i won't get as much pay. i'm getting the evil eye as i walk around with my list of duties i'm allowed to do. it's frustrating to not be allowed to transfer people, or even pull them up in bed. we usually have 17 or 18 to take care of and it's a skilled unit so 90% can't hardly walk. there's almost 70 residents and lately including last friday there is like 1 aide for each hall and a float so 3 aides if that until about maybe 6:30 or so. i made lists of transfers for referance but i doubt they'll get used. once i'm released to active duty it will be the same all over again.

[donmomofnine]

I hope that you are better soon!

In my state, workmen's comp has to make up for the difference between the pay you make on light duty and your regular rate of pay. Light duty will last until the doctor documents you are able to return to full duty. I know it's frustrating to not be able to help, especially when your coworkers are down, but you have to take care of yourself.

[injuredrn]

I've been reading these forums for a long time, but your post struck a nerve and I had to register so I could reply. W/C is a difficult thing to go through. Each state, insurance co, and employer have their own ways. If you haven't already found this other forum,

http://brain.hastypastry.net I suggest you take a look. There is all sorts of info to be found, along with a very active, informative forum for those on W/C. Mass. General Hospital in Boston is the host. Do not do things outside of your light duty. Do not speak to others at work about your injury other than to show them your restrictions by the doctor. If you haven't already done so, get an experienced attorney. W/C and your employer have them and are only concerned about themselves. I don't mean to scare you, but you have been hurt and you have rights that need to be protected. After being in the system for 5 years, I wish you well.

[donmomofnine]

Injured RN ~ it sounds like you have had a bad experience with WC! My experience with staff injured at my facility has been that they have gotten everything they need and are satisfied, returning to work only when absolutely recovered. We have a variety of light duty situations, like having nursing assistants assist in the activity department.

[injuredrn]

I've had many surgeries due to my injury, and each one has been a struggle. Not the recovery, but dealing with w/c. It's the old "he said, he said" crap. My doc (highly respected specialist) puts in for surgery, therapy, durable equipment, and their doc says "not needed". After much time, paperwork, and calls the treatment is approved. Then there is always the hassle of getting meds. Don't forget the IME. That is a sham of an exam. Doc is paid by wc insurer, provided with whatever records insurer wants him to see, spends appox. 5 minutes doing an exam, then sends report to insurer. I had one 80 year old doc examine me......that was the most fraudulent report I have ever read. Listed results for tests he never performed. Guess he forgot I was an RN and would know what he did or didn't do. Wc agreed to my being permanently disabled without any fight, but getting the adjuster to pay for it is another story. I agree that many cases go easily, with employers that do care. BUT, the injured worker needs to be educated to their rights, their state's laws, and the system. If your facility is as you say, you are lucky. May you never learn about wc from the other side.