Returning to work.

[tmbrea 0]

For all the floor nurse out there, how long before you could return to work on the floor?

[Macy6 356]

http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/47105-super-nurses-with-sleeves-support-group/page__st__360#entry952058

Been here yet? Nursing forum, you can find different nurses from all walks of life. It definitely varies in time returned to work though.

[tmbrea 0]

Thanks, very different answers there. Just trying to get a realistic time frame so I can plan. I have the PTO and extended sick time to cover 6-8 woks, but still means loss of OT and shift diff. And that doesn't even go into my second job, there will be no income from that front while off.

[nursehr80 18]

I was out 7 weeks, but had some mild complications - dehydration and my sleeve was too tight and I couldn't advance my diet. I had 3 egd's with stretching/ dilation. I went back ft and feel like my normal self now. I may have been able to return at week 5 if I didn't struggle getting enough in. Maybe consider going back half shifts for the first week back. The pain is nothing - it is the exhaustion, nausea, and staying nourished that is most hard. You have to make time to eat and drink all shift long. My exhaustion and weakness was the worst though.

[tmbrea 0]

That's just it, where I work they will tell you there is no such thing as light duty. And half shifts are not an option. Will be all back or nothing. But since I'm on night it's easier to eat and drink durning the shift.

[nursehr80 18]

I did everything through HR and under short term disability. This way I was protected for 12 weeks and my manager couldn't go against anything HR said. My suggestion is to ask for more time, and then if you are feeling better, go back early. Even though the decreased income was hard, I was so thankful for the time off that I had.