Unable to do Chest Compressions

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Specializes in Oncology.

Hi everyone.  I haven't posted in YEARS, but you know, life.  I need some input and I know you all generously share.  I'm having shoulder surgery soon and my surgeon said I can go back to work as early as a week after if someone can hang my bags for me (yeah right) but a few weeks if not.  I work in a chemo infusion center.  The thing is, he said absolutely no chest compressions for three months.  When I had my other shoulder done, my employer let me go back on light duty and I worked in the clinic for two months.  I don't think the issue of compressions ever came up, so I didn't give it a thought.  Now that I know, do you think my hospital system would allow me to work in any location if they knew that I can't do CPR?  I know if your certification expires they yank you off the floor with no pay.  I really don't want to be off for three months, but I also know codes do happen here - rarely (carbo, taxol reactions, etc).  Do you think it could be a liability for my license if my hospital does let me come back and something happens and I yell for someone else and bag instead of being the one to start compressions?  We are crowded so people are always around, so I honestly think patient outcome would ultimately be unaffected.  The likelihood of that happening is so small...  I'm thinking I'll just be honest with them and see what they say, but I also worry for my license.  I hope this doesn't make me sound like a terrible person.

Any input is appreciated.  I'm glad to be back with you all!   

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I had shoulder surgery and my doctor said I could return to work on light duty after a couple of weeks.

However, my employer said there is no such thing as "light duty" in my job that I had to be able to lift 60 lbs. and do chest compressions and my doctor said no to that for 12 weeks and I had to stay home.  Unfortunately I didn't have short-term disability and used up all vacation time and it was a struggle.  Lesson learned. 

It was not a work-related injury because had it been they would have found me some office work to do.  But as far as floor nursing goes it was a no-go.

 

 

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Specializes in Oncology.
Just now, Tweety said:

I had shoulder surgery and my doctor said I could return to work on light duty after a couple of weeks.

However, my employer said there is no such thing as "light duty" in my job that I had to be able to lift 60 lbs. and do chest compressions and my doctor said no to that for 12 weeks and I had to stay home.  Unfortunately I didn't have short-term disability and used up all vacation time and it was a struggle.  Lesson learned. 

It was not a work-related injury because had it been they would have found me some office work to do.  But as far as floor nursing goes it was a no-go.

 

 

Yes, if I was a floor nurse, there would be no question that I'd need three months.  I'm sorry you had to go through that.

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

Probably a question to ask HR as this is literally a short-term disability. I would second the "no light duty" comment (not that I agree with it, just that it's probably true). Is there a way you could take more time off in case it is determined that there is no "light duty"? One of the worst scenarios I could imagine is you going back to work feeling good and then the unthinkable code happens...and you've obviously imagined this, too. Good luck!

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Specializes in Oncology.
1 hour ago, ruby_jane said:

Probably a question to ask HR as this is literally a short-term disability. I would second the "no light duty" comment (not that I agree with it, just that it's probably true). Is there a way you could take more time off in case it is determined that there is no "light duty"? One of the worst scenarios I could imagine is you going back to work feeling good and then the unthinkable code happens...and you've obviously imagined this, too. Good luck!

Thanks for the reply.  Unfortunately, Texas does not have state disability, and I somehow was an idiot when I started at my hospital five years ago and didn't elect the coverage.  I've been kicking myself ever since because if I applied now they would have to do a medical review and no way I would pass with my shoulders!  I do have vacation and sick time to use while FMLA will protect my job.  Sucks to empty the bank but I would get paid for most of it.  I have also heard that there is no light duty.  I wondered how they did it for me last time but I think my boss then really needed the help and didn't really tell anyone I was working clinic and not infusion.  Thank you again for your input!

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Specializes in NICU/Mother-Baby/Peds/Mgmt.
On 1/5/2021 at 11:36 AM, CarryThatWeight said:

Thanks for the reply.  Unfortunately, Texas does not have state disability, and I somehow was an idiot when I started at my hospital five years ago and didn't elect the coverage.  I've been kicking myself ever since because if I applied now they would have to do a medical review and no way I would pass with my shoulders!  I do have vacation and sick time to use while FMLA will protect my job.  Sucks to empty the bank but I would get paid for most of it.  I have also heard that there is no light duty.  I wondered how they did it for me last time but I think my boss then really needed the help and didn't really tell anyone I was working clinic and not infusion.  Thank you again for your input!

It doesn't hurt to ask though.  As I used to say in the military "if you don't ask you don't get".

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