With the COVID pandemic still ever present, as nurses some of us might be required to take time off to recover along with not spreading the illness to others.
However, returning to work is a different experience for each of us. For some, we can return right away without difficulties. For others, the return is more difficult.
Right now, I'm in the middle of battling COVID myself. I'm due to go back to work next Monday. Unfortunately, my body isn't cooperating with me. I am not sure I will be ready to go back to work next week. I feel as if my body has given up. It's as if it's fed up with constant stress and ready to be done. However, I'm still trying to prepare to go back to work next week and wondering what the best things to do are.
Who else has returned to work after battling COVID? What did you do that enabled you to be successful?
Today was my first day back after almost 2 weeks off from work. I have no choice but to go back to work as my bills aren’t going to pay themselves and I alone support myself financially. It sucks but unless you have an alternative way of making money then you’ll just have to suck it up.
How did it go? Were you able to work the full day or did you have reduced hours? Is there anything that made it more manageable?
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
On 6/1/2022 at 10:15 AM, SilverBells said:
I miss feeling well enough to work 18-21 hour shifts...?
This may be the solution you have been lookong for to help your stress. Ypu can go back to work on intermittent FMLA with documentationfrom your doctor that working your previous gruling schedule is unhealthy for you at this time. Then stick to it. Don't cave to the management after all the place didn't burn down while you have been sick.
One concern I do have is if I would be strong enough to perform CPR on a patient if needed.
Oh SilverBells.. What to do? … Do you perchance happen to have an empty Pepsi bottle lying around the house? I think I’ve found just the thing on the internet ? Just make sure to check with your medical provider and get the all clear before you start testing your CPR abilities.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
48 minutes ago, macawake said:
Oh SilverBells.. What to do? … Do you perchance happen to have an empty Pepsi bottle lying around the house? I think I’ve found just the thing on the internet ? Just make sure to check with your medical provider and get the all clear before you start testing your CPR abilities.
Good luck/take care!
This made me laugh as I actually made one of these on my own using a wig manakin head, Stuffed workout suit and a hose going from the mouth to a plastic bag in the chest. I wish I had a picture but that was back in 1981
On the plus side, I think I may have eliminated my Diet Pepsi habit. While off for COVID, I was concerned about dehydration, so I stopped drinking pop. It has been 15 days since I last had a pop. It's also been 15 days since my Reese's Peanut Butter cups. In the meantime, I've lost about 8 lbs, which I'm thinking is probably a healthy weight loss
I miss feeling well enough to work 18-21 hour shifts...?
That was never safe, though. For anybody, including yourself.
Please take the time you need to get better. I know you’ve been under a lot of stress the last few months and your body is probably in revolt mode.
I have no tips for how to prepare to go back. I felt mostly OK when I had to return after 10 days but most nurses now are only getting 5. I felt like doodoo after 5 days with Covid and would have called in after that. My health is worth more. I am my first priority because if I’m not, I’m modeling unhealthy boundaries and I will burn myself out in a way that directly impacts others.
No way would I ever give up Reeses! Hope you recover quickly.
I once thought so to. At this point, I don't think Reese's Peanut Butter cups are going to make me feel better and right now, I don't want anything that will make me feel worse. So no Diet Pepsi, no candy for now.
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
1 hour ago, SilverBells said:
At this point, I don't think Reese's Peanut Butter cups are going to make me feel better and right now
One time I had to go to a mandatory meeting and felt hungry, so I got a small bag of peanut M&Ms out of the machine. I figured it'd tie me over until lunch, so I ate the whole bag during the meeting.
I was known for always eating things like carrots and kale. In fact, I just had a small snack of fresh kale out of my garden.
Anyway, after I finished that bag of M&Ms, I felt like crap. A Snickers bar would have been better but was unavailable.
Eating things like kale, broccoli, and celery gives me a sort of high. Greens. I always have greens with meals. Yeah- greens are the way to go, SilverBells.
Today, I became a little frustrated with myself when I found myself exhausted after 8 hours of work. I also became sad when I realized that at this point, my brain isn't as fast as it used to be. I still can do the job, but not as quick as I once did. I then had to redirect my thoughts to thinking I actually did very good today considering I'm recovering from COVID, possible caffeine withdrawal and likely burnout from years of overwork all at the same time.
It's become apparent to me that my recovery is going to be slower than I would like. I'm trying not to be frustrated that other people, including patients 50 years older than I am, tolerated COVID better than myself. I've had to remind myself that everyone responds to the virus differently. Also, the people who responded better probably aren’t trying to recover from 2 years worth of 70 or more hour work week at the same time, years of a poor diet and uncontrolled anxiety/depression/stress. The thing is, you can only neglect/abuse your body for so long before it says it's had enough. Every day, I'm making progress, which is good. I believe I will recover; it's become apparent I'm a fighter. However, I also think getting COVID was a warning sign for me.
I've emphasized several times a fear of not being able to work 18-21 hours, but now I'm thinking that shouldn't even be a goal. I've done that for too long; I've already done enough in that regards. It's become clear that I actually enjoy my work because I missed it terribly when I was off, but it's also evident that I need to establish better boundaries. There's more to life than just working hard, after all, and I think my body is craving that.
In the meantime, I've had a lot of success in improving my diet recently. I also found that, although some of my managerial skills aren't as up to speed, I'm more considerate of patient concerns and willing to help out as best as I can in other ways besides computer tasks. Next week, I am looking at starting PT to gain strength back in my legs. I've also established a primary PCP and scheduled a routine physical exam to see if there's other changes I need to make.
I still have work to do, my recovery isn't over yet. But, I'll get there.
SilverBells, BSN
1,108 Posts
How did it go? Were you able to work the full day or did you have reduced hours? Is there anything that made it more manageable?