Question for CNA's/RN's

AppleBottom · May 23, 2008

Hello!

I'm a new CNA on a super busy oncology/overflow med-surg floor. Considering the physical requirements of my job, I'm wondering if I might need to take 2 weeks off instead of 1 after being banded.

How long did you take off of work before you felt fit to transfer/reposition/boost patients?

Thanks in advance for any feedback, bandsters! :blushing: :thumbup:

Sarah8714 · May 23, 2008

I was banded on 5/15 and went back to work on 5/20 with 15lb lift restriction. I work in a very busy dept (ER) and wish I had time to take off 2 weeks. I am wiped out after a 12 hour shift, also it is hard to ALWAYS ask someone for assistance on the simplest of things like reposition a pt in bed. If you have the time take 2 weeks!!!

coltorismom · May 23, 2008

I can tell you the first week (for me) was the most challenging. You need to get up & move around, but WITH THE OPTION of being able to sit down & rest (or take a nap) if you please. With the type of profession you are in, that wouldn't be possible I am sure.

I am a substitute teacher for the school district & I took ALMOST 2 weeks off. Of course, my job doesn't require lifting/bending like yours. However, I have two autistic children & my daughter (who's 7) is the STRONGEST & hard to manage. Thankfully my husband was home with me the first week & my mom the second week.

Hope all goes well for you!!!

iggy · May 23, 2008

Hi, I am an RN on an OB/GYN floor. I was banded on 5/15 and I am supposed to go back to work tomorrow but It hurts too much to turn and bend so I am about to call and let them know I need more time. Maybe two more days. Go for 2 weeks if you can. Good luck. :blushing:

Edited May 23, 2008 by iggy
typo

AppleBottom · May 23, 2008

Thank you so much for the advice, Ladies! I really do appreciate it!

YoungNy · May 23, 2008

I was a CNA, pre-preschool teacher ,pre-security officer and I really think you should take the two weeks. I'm on my feet and lift heavy bags (40-50+ lbs) all day. I'm taking 2 weeks and was told I may even need to take more. I'm also going back to work with restrictions. As a CNA I don't think it would be safe for you to lift patients only a week after surgery. I'd be too afaird to rip the stiches. Take the 2 weeks if you can.

U_go_gurl68 · May 24, 2008

Hi There,

I Am A Registered Nurse On A Pediatric Unit (12 Hr Nightshifts, 3x's A Week)and Will Have My Band Placed On The 30th, Which Is A Friday. I Will Go Back To Work The Following Tuesday, But Have Plenty Of Sick Time, If Need Be. We Have Pts Ranging Between 0-17 Yrs Of Age And For The Most Part The Parents Attend To Their Children's Immediate Needs, So I Really Won't Have To Do Much Lifting At All. Maybe To Weigh An Infant Or Assist In Repositioning A Post Op Pt At Most. But For Those Working On Adult Units, Especially The Cna's, I Would Take More Time Off.

I Worked In Several Nursing Homes Before Coming To The Hospital And My Cnas Worked Their Tailends Off Lifting And Repositioning And Such. I Wouldn't Recommend Going Back To Work Right Away.

Good Luck To Everyone.

Stephanie--waco, Tx