Workman's comp issue - please help me!

I really need some help/advice. I injured my back almost 2 weeks ago. I have seen the WC doc twice. He's placed me on light duty. Definition of light duty: no lifting, pushing, pulling >5#, mostly sit-down paperwork type of duties, no standing for more than 8 hours out of a 12 hour shift. I have been given medications to help w/ pain, spasms, and inflammation (ibuprofen - makes me sleepy, same w/ darvocet, and flexeril knocks me on my keester for a good solid 12 hours+). I can handle some pain and discomfort so I opt not to take them while at work.

Ok, here's my problem. I work the nite shift. I have kept in touch w/ my director and passed on the limitations as set by the WC doc. I feel that I am totally able to do the light duty as written by the doc. However, my work assignments are so far out of that realm it is unreal. My first nite working went well. I oriented a new grad on the nite shift. Her and I equalled one "full nurse". Had no problems. The 2nd nite that I worked, the same deal was supposed to happen. Me and one new nurse (experienced med/surg of 7 yrs) were supposed to equal one "full nurse". That nite did not go well at all. To start the shift out...I was already forced to take a pt assignment of at least two pts. I took two "walkies talkies, independent". But still was orienting the other nurse who, after 2300, had 7 pts. Now our matrix says, no more than 7-8 nurses on the 11p to 7a shift. Between the two of us, we already had 9. This was her either 2nd or 3rd nite on the nite shift and was still quite "needy" re: many of the hosp protocols. She had a lot of questions and required a lot of extra help. IMO, it was too soon to expect her to take a full pt assignment. Then, on top of that, I was required to take another admission. Very needy, fresh post-op (s/p MVA where he survived and his dad didn't). Somehow we managed to get thru the nite. I called out the next nite for fear that the same thing would happen again.

Now tonight rolls around. I saw the WC doc early Wed morning. He re-iterated restrictions. I again talked to my director. She assured me that she would be able to accomodate the restrictions (i.e. doing chart checks, acting as unit secretary, etc). She even sent out an email to concerned staff members (i.e. house supervisors) reiterating what my restrictions were. I get to work and am immediately informed by her that I would be taking 3 admissions. Do 1, finish up, take a 2nd, finish that up, and then take the 3 - each admission about an hour apart from the next. At 2300 I would be passing them off to the nite shift. [Of interest here...there were 3 other nurses on the floor and 23 pts and only one CNA. This staffing level is way short for the 7p-11p shift. None of them were in any position to be able to help me.] Anyways, I start the first admission. Even before I am half way thru the adm paperwork and getting them settled in the bed, I am being called for the next one. Just barely finishing the first and I am being called already for the 3 bed. As #2 comes up, #3 (a direct admit) hits the floor. I haven't even had a chance to really do anything w/ #2 and I have to get IV access established on a very hard stick. Took 3 separate IVs (first and second infiltrated about 30 mins apart from each other). In the meantime, #2 continuous bladder irrigation has clotted off and needs to be irrigated. I also have to make sure that these pts are medicated w/ their HS meds and pain meds. Also, #3 needs a foley placed. Not terribly easy task. Before I have a chance to do anything w/ #2 and #3, they are wanting #4 up to the floor. He comes up and I haven't even eyeballed him yet. By this time, it is 0030 or there abouts. I am in no way prepared to report off to the oncoming shift.

There was no way any of my co-workers could give me a hand cuz they were slamming busy w/ their pts from 7p - 11p..

Now........here's my issue..........the WC doc tells me to do one thing, chastising me earlier in the day because I didn't follow thru on his restrictions and am told that I must follow his orders or WC won't pay.........my director tells me that I have to take 3 admissions.........and after the director leaves, the house supervisor is telling me that I will be taking a total of 5 admissions "just get them settled in bed, do all of their paper work and then pass them off once settled". I can't say "no" to the house supervisor (although I did reinterate numerous times what my restrictions were). I left work about an hour and a half early because my back absolutely would not take anymore (I can only take so much pain and spasming).

I am afraid to go into work this weekend for fear that the same thing will happen. I am contemplating calling the WC insurance company but am afraid that it will ultimately end up costing me my job. Another issue: I am a nite person. Even on my days off, I maintain my nite shift schedule. I am terrified that if I say anything, I will be "punished" and made to work day shift.

Another point of interest here....there's another nite nurse who is also on restrictions. Very similar to my own. She has worked the floor several times and her restrictions have been accomodated in every way, shape, and form. She is there to do paperwork only! She stays busy for the whole 12 hours doing just the paper work and assisting other nurses as she is permitted by her restrictions.

I would be most greatful for any advice anyone could offer me. I apoligize for the long post here. I guess this turned out to be a vent and help me please combination post.