how long to take off work? RN here

[TXmomcat 1]

I am newly scheduled for my surgery (sleeve) on January 5. My question is, how long should I be off work? I am a nurse and work 12 hour shifts on a busy unit in the hospital. I am concerned about the fatigue, working those kinds of shifts. Any input is appreciated. Thank you and I'm very excited/nervous

[Ryan TN 348]

Im a firefighter, I asked that question at my pre op class, she specifically said nurses and firefighters, 6 weeks.

[Tally_RN 11]

I am an RN on an orthopedic floor. My doctor said 3 weeks. I was sleeved 2 days ago. 10/12/15. Good luck to you!

[Gaelsmom 100]

I have a desk job and took ten days. It was too soon. Exhaustion hit me hard. It also depends on how well you tolerate liquids initially. But I would push it off for at least 5-6 weeks.

[Fame 53]

I'm and RN on a busy for as well and my Doc said 3 weeks because of the weight restriction.

[lectus 3]

I have a desk job and didn't take any days off. Well, had surgery on a Wednesday and went to work on Monday and felt fine, but as you know everybody is different. Take the three recommended weeks and if you see you don't need that much time off maybe you can return to work earlier.

[TXmomcat 1]

Keep the info coming! Fame are you already back at work? If so, how did that work for you going back at 3 weeks?

[AlanaRN 419]

I'm an ER RN and I took 6 weeks off. No way I could have done it any earlier. It was hard to do the 12 hour busy shifts even after 6 weeks.

[Fame 53]

@@TXmomcat I go back on Friday. I will keep ya posted! I have to work 3 in a row... nights... It's going to be rough switching back to nights... worried about getting fluids in and stuff also as i barely was able to before surgery... but I am just going to have to learn to take time for myself because my health is just as important.

[medic1977 6]

I am a Paramedic and work 48hr shifts. I took 2 weeks off and that was perfect for me. I'm not tired and it isn't hard to lift, pull, push, or bend. Everyone is different and recovery is different. May have to just play it by ear till you feel up to it.

[longjohs 11]

I'm a Respiratory Therapist and I was sleeved on September 14th. I took two full weeks off and went back on thurs-Saturday of the 3rd week. I went back in the NICU for a couple weeks and now I'm on the general units. My only issue is getting enough time to drink...I'm dehydrated...sip sip sip as much as you can manage...

[Jessicacherry3 71]

I have a desk job and took 3 weeks off. I was sure I could go back after 2, but there was no way... I was exhausted. For your job I'd say 6 weeks for sure. Good luck!

[jennolsen 140]

I am also an RN but do not work 12 hour shifts and I work in an outpatient setting. I took 2 weeks, then returned for 1/2 days for 1 week. I would recommend 3 weeks minimum. For your work setting probably 4-6 weeks. Just because I know I have a hard time getting in fluids/food and in the setting you describe it will be more difficult.

[TXmomcat 1]

It's hard to stay hydrated on a regular day, so yeah, don't know how I would manage after this. I have plenty of PTO and sick time, have worked there for 13 years so I really shouldn't have any problem as long as the Dr. says I need 4-6 weeks.

[glitter eyes 1,398]

I am a RN and I took four weeks. I probably felt well enough to go back at week three, but I enjoyed the extra week. It gave me time to heal, learn to eat and drink again, and feel rested. But everyone is different.