Projected back to work date?

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Specializes in Medicine, Step-Down, Cystic Fibrosis.

Hi! I'm not sure if I'm in the right forum. I was wondering if anyone other nurses have had recent lap-chole's done and when they could go back to work? I saw a thread from about 10 years ago.. So I didn't think that was as up to date. I got it almost 2 weeks ago and have been out since. My surgeon said I could go back to work this week with "no heavy lifting" but my manager said I cannot go back until they clear me with zero restrictions. My floor is a very busy general/step down internal medicine floor at a very large, level 1 trauma, magnet designated teaching hospital in an inner city. We are always at max capacity and our patients on our loads tend to be heavier than other area hospitals, so "light load" is not an option for me. Any ideas?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

It's not uncommon for an employer to not accommodate anything less than full duty for anything other than a workplace injury or illness. If you are not cleared for full duty you can't work until you are fully cleared

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Specializes in Medicine, Step-Down, Cystic Fibrosis.

definitely, I can understand why! I've never had surgery before so I didn't know if anyone's been in the same boat recently. I'm still sore but no pain!

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Specializes in ICU.

I had a gastric sleeve performed on me and took 3 weeks off. Five months later I had a hysterectomy and was able to take 6 weeks and collect short term disability. My employer does not have 'light duty' positions. I would've went back after 3 weeks or so if I didn't have some kind of $$ coming in. I guess it all depends on how desperate you are to return to work.

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Specializes in M/S, pedi.

I recently had a small surgery and went back after 3 weeks, two weeks would have had me doubting what I could physically do. Three was perfect. I work med/surg primarily.

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I was cleared after a week to go back. I did but it was too soon. After the second week, I was back to normal!

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Specializes in Medicine, Step-Down, Cystic Fibrosis.

In case anyone was wondering, I was out 5 long boring weeks! Couldn't go back until I was cleared from any restrictions.

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