Losing job due to injury

[JB2014]

Hello everyone, I just wanted to get some advice/vent about my current situation, as I'm feeling a bit down right now. I am a new grad (graduated May 2018) and have been working in my current job for 5 months and I absolutely love it. Unfortunately, a month ago, I was hit by a van while walking my dog (don't worry, my dog is alive and well!) and fractured my talus, orbital wall, and suffered a few other injuries. After receiving a few surgeries on my ankle, the orthopedic surgeon placed me out of work for the next 6 months. It seems that I will be non weight bearing for the next 3 months and then starting PT after that (which essentially means I won't actually be walking properly for quite some time). Of course, she has told me that there is a chance that I may return earlier, but for now it seems like a long road ahead due to the severity of the talus fracture.

Earlier today, I received a call from my manager in which she told me that she could only hold my position for the next 3 months due to staffing needs, but would continue to check in on my recovery. Thus, if I am unable to return by May, I will no longer have my job. She also stated that if I cannot return in May, I could always reapply when I am ready to return and she would do her best to help me get a position, although it is not guaranteed. While I understand the reasoning behind everything, I can't help but feel stressed and extremely bummed out because this is my dream job and the thought of losing it because of a freak accident is heartbreaking. I am also part of a new graduate residency program, so that has been put on hold as well.

Anyways, thank you all for taking the time to read this. For now, I am trying to remain positive and focus on my healing -- who knows, I might make a quicker recovery than anticipated! If any of you have advice on how to cope or have been in a similar situation (losing a position due to injury, etc.), please feel free to share. I'd love to hear your experiences! Also, has anyone had to reapply for a position after an injury and got it again? Or was my manager just trying to be nice by offering to help me and I'll most likely not be returning?

[NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN]

The situation sucks but for what it’s worth I would not worry too much about things you cannot control. Chances are that your unit manager is being completely honest with you and if there’s an available position when you are ready that you could apply and your past work will speak for what kind of employee they already know you are. Also, since she was able to hold the position for three months shows that she’s not just trying to ‘get rid’ of you, since prior to 12 months an employee does not qualify for FMLA.

I would keep in touch with your manager, especially regarding updates on your recovery. Hopefully there will be a job opening when you are ready but if not she could at least be a reference for the one you do go for at that time.

I have gone through orthopedic foot surgery that had unexpected complications. My employer worked with me to allow me to work shorter shifts with some restrictions, but honestly they were desperate, I was not a new grad, and it wasn’t a hospital where shift work is the norm. Going back that early I would not recommend to someone if they can help it. The pain and swelling was much worse when I was pushing myself too soon. Best of luck with your recovery. It may feel like a long time during the process, but it does heal with time.

[buttercup9, ASN, BSN, MSN]

Do you have the option of returning to a version of "modified duty". The facility I work in allows injured people to return in some capacity. I did this after shoulder surgery (non work related) and back injury (definitely work related). Sometimes I was a sitter, which was lame, because I couldn't really lift people or do physical work, however could sit and talk to patients. I brought in coloring books etc.. Other times I did some grunt paperwork for the manager.

See if there is some admin type stuff you can do or something. It wont hurt to ask!

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

So sorry. What a mess, and none of it your fault. I can see why your employer may not be able to hold your position for that extended length of time and even if you are able to return to your position eventually it'll be like starting over after being off work for that long.

If you don't have a lawyer yet I do suggest getting one. I'm assuming the driver that hit you is insured and knowing insurance companies they aren't exactly going to bend over backwards to throw money at you. A lawyer could be a big help in ensuring the driver's insurance pays out enough not just for your medical bills but also for you to live on while you are unable to work and enough to sustain you if you are put in the position of searching for a new job when you are recovered enough to work.

I'm glad to hear you are on the road to recovery and very glad to hear your dog is OK as well.

[GTH4590]

This is so upsetting to hear. Keep your chin up and most importantly focus on your recovery. I would like to add, depending on the auto insurance policy coverage that you have purchased, you could very well be covered by YOUR insurance as both a pedestrian and a bicyclist. Reviewing your policy and making a claim with your own auto insurance, if you had the applicable coverage, could help alleviate the financial stress of no paycheck. I know auto insurance varies a lot by state too. Its worth checking out. Unfortunately, a friend of mine was struck in a parking lot and that is when I learned auto policies cover you as a pedestrian. Although, your situation should have an attorney to represent you in a claim against the van driver's insurance company, as this is too much: medical costs and loss of wages... that is more than anyone should have to endure. My heart goes out to you. Additionally, keep in touch with your coworkers (sounds like you are), in case you are required to reapply for a job, as their recommendations/references will be a huge plus for you. Best wishes on your recovery.

[BlueShoes12, BSN, RN]

Wishing you the best of luck! It sounds like you're doing everything you can. Make sure you keep in touch with your manager and pursue the insurance company - your medical bills should all be covered due to the circumstances.

I was out of work 10 weeks last fall for an orthopedic-related injury (freak accident) and used my FMLA/long-term sick leave.... Just wanted to let you know that it was possible! Reasons like this are why it's also a good idea to invest in long-term disability, especially in a career that's as physical as ours.

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

A friend was in a bad car accident, not her fault. Laid up for more than a year, lost her job. She did get another one eventually and is doing fine now.

So hang in there and do what you need to do to get better. The sun will still come up and everything will work out.

[Workitinurfava, BSN, RN]

47 minutes ago, Kooky Korky said:

A friend was in a bad car accident, not her fault. Laid up for more than a year, lost her job. She did get another one eventually and is doing fine now.

So hang in there and do what you need to do to get better. The sun will still come up and everything will work out.

Betcha bottom dollar till tomorrow there will be sun.....great advice.