out with injury and more

A few days ago I broke a bone in my foot (outside work) and I require crutches for a couple weeks, NWB til off crutches and then a special shoe for 2-4 weeks after that. I'm a charge nurse in LTC on a floor. My DON won't allow me to work the floor with my special shoe because it's a "liability" which I get....but I'm at a loss what to do with myself while out of work. No kids, used to working 40+ hours a week, having a week off is no biggie but 4+ I might go nuts. Debating asking my DON if I can come do some desk work but she's not a very kind person. Thoughts?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Enjoy the time off while you have a legitimate excuse to be out.

When you are laying on the death bed many years from now, I assure you will not be saying, "Damn! I wish I would have worked more shifts when I was younger. I am begging to work one more shift!"

[nursesaysay, LPN]

I agree and should have mentioned I have to use short term disability which is only 60% of my base pay OR use my own sick/vacation time which I had other plans for. I am just so sad over this. I sound like a baby I know....and crazy....but I'd rather be at work making money than sitting home.

Edited Apr 8, 2017 by nursesaysay
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[amoLucia]

Just collect the short term disability or FMLA!!!

You would be a liability if you showed up. You wouldn't mean to cause a problem, but if you were to slip & fall (or if someone in front of you zigged and you had to zag), there could be injury. And the facility's insurance carrier would most likely balk and they'd be left open to litigation.

Your DON is being the wise one here. SORRY!

Plant a vegetable garden, visit your old at-home aunts, whatever. But you should NOT be in a work environment.

[Cat365]

Continuing education? Take the vacation now? Looks like you don't have a choice about going to work so find something else you want to do.

[Ruas61, BSN, RN]

Be thankful you have the options and take the time, you may not get that again.

[SmilingBluEyes]

Well you are a liability. They can't have you there. You have no choice. It sucks this happened to you but you need to make the most of it and accept it.

Hope you heal well and completely.

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

I think walking with a limp is a weak excuse to call her a liability. If that's all she's got (and there might be more I don't know about) then we've got a lot of potential lawsuits walking around at my workplace.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

Of course I can't speak to the policies where you work, but in my work place light duty of any kind is only an option for a work related [workman's comp claim] injury. If the injury happened out of work you are most likely out of luck on being able to do any sort of desk job. Be thankful you have the short term disability to tap into. I understand it's only 60% of your wages, but that's still better than 0%. Hopefully you also have some sick time or PTO to use to supplement that.

If you can afford a vacation on the lessened income I say go for it! If not, start a project you've been meaning to get around to. You might as well try to enjoy the unexpected time off.

[nursesaysay, LPN]

A little limp (bearing weight on heel vs toes) and a speciality shoe is all ive got. My job also accomodates injured cnas with desk work, but the same accommodations were not offered to me.

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

I think walking with a limp is a weak excuse to call her a liability. If that's all she's got (and there might be more I don't know about) then we've got a lot of potential lawsuits walking around at my workplace.

She's on crutches and then will graduate to a special orthopedic shoe.

[crazin01]

I think the special shoe is still a risk for your position on your floor & facility won't allow you back until you're 100% & you have a 'return to full duties' documentation from physician.

Even though you aren't crazy about DON, perhaps a brief conversation or e-mail is in order. If you ask for other duties (chart audits, phone calls to pre & post minor surgery patients, etc) even assisting a different unit would demonstrate your work ethic & character to DON. I don't think it would hurt to ask; The worst they can say is "no."

I've seen workers comp employees assist in dietary and occupational heath departments (annual PPD's, flu shots (when it's flu season, obviously) to remain compliant with any restrictions. And of course the workers comp injured employees would be first on the list, regarding modified duty position/assignments.

Couldn't agree more with others, to enjoy your time away from the floor while you can!! Hope you're recovering well and the time will just fly by. Commuter (as is usual) put it well: When you are laying on the death bed many years from now, I assure you will not be saying, "Damn! I wish I would have worked more shifts when I was younger. I am begging to work one more shift!"

Hope you are back to 100% soon.