Nursing school plus lifting restrictions?

chare · Oct 19, 2017

Let me make sure that I understand what you're asking.

You are one a 5 lb lifting restriction at work, and on worker's compensation. Yet, your family doctor has stated that you are physically qualified, without limitation, to perform all functions of a student nurse. And you're questions is, if you are found doing clinicals at your facility if they "could say anything?"

Yes, they could, and probably would. If they do, it is likely that they would take drastic action. What they would do, however is the question. It is likely, in my opinion, they would terminate your employment. Further, they might view this as an attempt to defraud worker's compensation and take action against you to recover whatever you've received, as well as costs for care provided.

While you are on worker's compensation, as far as your physical limitations are concerned, work and clinical are not "completely separated" as you suggest. In my opinion, it is not worth the risk. Do not start clinicals, at any facility until your work related lifting restrictions and worker's compensation case have been resolved.

allnurses Guide · Oct 19, 2017

I was going to say the exact same as above. As a student nurse you will be expected to be physically able to function exactly as a nurse would, without accommodation or restriction. It is pretty rare to have "light duty" available to floor nurses, who are subject to pretty stringent "all or nothing" mentality. If you cannot function at work then you will not be able to do clinicals as they are intended, which is to "practice" the skills you will need when you are licensed. If you go ahead with clinicals you can expect not only to lose your worker's compensation, but possibly your job and very likely any benefits paid to you back-dated to the point that your doctor cleared you for clinicals without restriction. As that is now already part of your medical chart, I would work expeditiously to resolve your worker's comp claim and get back to your job before you get accused of fraud.

Best of luck.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Oct 19, 2017

Hello everyone just wanted to get your opinions. I had gotten my flu shot on October 2,2017 and since then I have found out that when they gave me the shot they went though my biceps tendon causing extreme tendinitis. So I work at a local hospital and I'm on lifting restrictions of nothing over 5 lbs with my left arm and on workers comp. just wondering when I start the nursing program if we do clinical there can they say anything? My family doctor has cleared me for nursing school day I can do all the lifting and everyone just fine(she knows about the tendinitis). I know work and clinical are completely separate but just wondering if they could say anything

I'm reading this as the OP has not yet started the program, and the injury and restrictions are temporary. If this is the case, once the condition clears up, you're good to go.

HermioneG, BSN, RN · Oct 19, 2017

I think it depends on the program. We've had people go to clinicals in leg casts and crutches before. I would suggest talking to your school first before making any big decisions.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Oct 19, 2017

"My family doctor has cleared me for nursing school day I can do all the lifting and everyone just fine."

What is your issue?

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Oct 19, 2017

If you are cleared for all the lifting involved in clinicals why are you not cleared to return to work? Yes, I would very much expect your employer to question this as they are paying for your workman's comp.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Oct 20, 2017

Either you are physically able to perform, or you are not. If you are, you shouldn't be receiving workman's comp. If you are able AND are receiving workman's comp, that is called fraud.

If you are truly unable, than the lift restrictions would need to be in effect for clinicals too -- if the school will accommodate them. If they do, you want it in writing -- that way you can demonstrate to your employer, YES you do still need WC and you are not committing fraud.

If the tendonitis clears and you are returned to full duty before clinicals, as meanmaryjean said, that would not be an issue.