out with injury and more

Nurses General Nursing

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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?

Specializes in LTC, Rehab.

I'd ALWAYS rather be off work - but not 'sitting at home'. Well, *some* of the time, sure, but not all. There are a lot of things you can do, even with crutches & then the special boot.

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Specializes in INTERNAL MEDICINE, PSYCH.

Thannks very much! This isn't workers comp related (thank the Lord as I've seen the struggles people have with that! Haha) just my own klutzy self. I am recovering well & already weaning off crutches. Thanks to everyone for the kind words and advice! I guess I need to just suck it up!

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Oncology.

I would gladly take the time off right now. For me, I'd pick up an extra class so I could graduate in the summer instead of the fall.

Some ideas of what you could do:

1. Deep clean your home/condo/apartment.

2. Renew your license and/or take CEUS.

3. Renew your BLS. Go for ACLS and/or PALS.

4. Go on a trip. Southwest is having their $59 fare sale (I mean, when are they not?) and if you're near a hub maybe you could take a cheap trip.

5. Rosetta Stone (or another program) - learn another language that might help your practice?

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I would gladly take the time off right now. For me, I'd pick up an extra class so I could graduate in the summer instead of the fall.

Some ideas of what you could do:

1. Deep clean your home/condo/apartment.

2. Renew your license and/or take CEUS.

3. Renew your BLS. Go for ACLS and/or PALS.

4. Go on a trip. Southwest is having their $59 fare sale (I mean, when are they not?) and if you're near a hub maybe you could take a cheap trip.

5. Rosetta Stone (or another program) - learn another language that might help your practice?

This would be me too. With all the things on my "to-do" list, I definitely could stay busy at home.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
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.
If the CNAs injured themselves at work, then they get the accomodation and it would not be offered to you because you didn't injure yourself at work. I don't think anyone is picking on you.
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LOL...my facility would probably put you to work. Do you still do paper charting? Can you help with Monthly change over or with medical records. I would ask, but don't get your hopes up.

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No worries. I'm the same way. I would hate to be home for 4 weeks. Pick up a new hobby like knitting or something. Enjoy your time off and relax.

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I am also on workers comp injury leave, rotator cuff injury, and will need surgery. I have been out for three weeks now and though I can't do much with this injury, has accomplished much at home. I was curious as to what other areas of nursing can I use to earn income if I am not able to return to floor duty. Was thinking that processing insurance claims may be an option but I do not have any experience in that area. Any ideas floating around that could help ease the worry that I presently feel?

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