did I make a mistake?

(first a disclaimer- i know no one on an online forum can tell me definitively what an employer will think or how they will react. so really what I'm asking for is opinions based on your personal experience in nursing/healthcare.)

Did I make a mistake explaining why? My co-worker thinks I did, and that corporate is going to try to get rid of me because I inadvertently claimed in writing to have had a work-related injury. Should I not have mentioned that, and is there anything I can do to mitigate any potential negative consequences? I'm not trying to sue the company or claim workers comp or anything; I just want/need a day or two off of work to recover and rest.

So sorry about your back injury! I can tell you from my management experience that if an employee told me they had a work injury I was required to report the incident immediately and failing to do so on my part was seen as putting the organization at risk and not following protocol.

Your facility probably has a policy in place that requires you to report work related incidents as well (you did by telling your manger, but there may have been other requirements). In some places, you are more apt to be disciplined for not reporting than for having an incident. You didn't mention that your manager replied; that is interesting.

The problem with back injuries is you really don't know if it's just muscle or more serious involvement.

There are people who do not want to report a work injury because worker's comp has a reputation of not always providing the best care. Some folks believe using their own insurance is better. But in your case, the cat is out of the bag, and if you do need treatment, the provider is likely to ask "Is this the result of a work injury?"

You should think about having a talk (not text) with your manager and go from there. You would get a better idea of where they are coming from and next steps.

I really hope your back heals well and you are back to normal soon. Best wishes1

You absolutely should have reported the injury at the time it happened. Back injuries are notoriously difficult to assess on one's own, and you should have been examined by an occupational health physician the same day, or the very next morning at the latest. You may indeed have to go on worker's comp until the injury heals; even if you don't, your back will be vulnerable to future injury and you must take every precaution to prevent it. You only have one back, it has to last you a lifetime.

In the meantime, go to your employer and get the process started. Worker's comp will pay for your doctor visit(s) and any other expenses (such as a back brace) incurred while injured. Admittedly, this can paint a target on your back; but if you're working for an employer that discriminates against injured staff members you don't want to be there anyway. They can't do ANYTHING to you while you are off work or on light duty, as long as you're complying with your treatment and following the rules of the facility.

Good luck, and please keep us posted. Hugs.

You absolutely should have reported the injury at the time it happened. Back injuries are notoriously difficult to assess on one's own, and you should have been examined by an occupational health physician the same day, or the very next morning at the latest. You may indeed have to go on worker's comp until the injury heals; even if you don't, your back will be vulnerable to future injury and you must take every precaution to prevent it. You only have one back, it has to last you a lifetime.

In the meantime, go to your employer and get the process started. Worker's comp will pay for your doctor visit(s) and any other expenses (such as a back brace) incurred while injured. Admittedly, this can paint a target on your back; but if you're working for an employer that discriminates against injured staff members you don't want to be there anyway. They can't do ANYTHING to you while you are off work or on light duty, as long as you're complying with your treatment and following the rules of the facility.

Good luck, and please keep us posted. Hugs.

Yes. What Viva said. Any injury at work needs to be reported IMMEDIATELY. If you don't report it, and you have ongoing problems with your back, your employer owes you nothing and will eventually fire you for excessive absenteeism.

Yes, some employers will try to retaliate but it's always worse to try to tough it out with an injury that they now have no responsibility for. I wish nursing schools taught specific classes in labour relations and how nurses can protect themselves in various situations.

Please file an incident report and see a doctor immediately. Your health and livelihood depend on you taking care of yourself first.