I injured my back a few weeks ago and was told by Occupational Health that I should not be lifting more than 10 pounds until my injury heals. As nurses, we cannot work if we cannot lift or turn a 250 pound person. So... I have had to take time off work. This has been more difficult for me since I've been working as a Hospice Nurse Case Manager. When I worked on the floors in the hospital, I could always be assured that my patients would be seen even if I was out sick, because they weren't really even "my" patients to begin with. But as a Nurse Case Manager, I do, in fact, have my own patients. Of course, there are revisit nurses who see my patients when I am unable to. So I've been listening to my voicemail, even though I'm not technically working, and leaving voicemail messages with my supervisor to request visits for people based on what I'm hearing in my messages. But it's very difficult to feel so out of touch with the patients and families on my caseload.
I spoke to the company who is managing my disability payments while I am off of work. (It is so hard to even think of myself as "disabled," when I have a temporary injury to my back, but that's what they call me.) I asked about calling my patients while I'm off work and they essentially told me that would be in violation of my disability. I *want* to call my patients and their families, but then I'd need to chart those phone calls so the nurses following my patients would know what's going on. But then, ironically, I run the risk of not getting paid. *sigh* Something is wrong with a system that penalizes you for working to whatever extent you are able.
Fortunately, I go back to Occupational Health on Friday and expect they will release me to return to work. Cross your fingers for me!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
impressed on this!!
hard to be a patient, isn't it? and the system that says that you are either 100% (and on payroll) or 0% (and on workers comp) in terms of ability to work is really dumb!
take care of yourself, that comes first.
It too bad the insurance company will not allow you to work within the limitations of your injury. Making a phone call to your patients will not do additional harm to your injury, but can bring so much value to your patients. Even though your patients are receiving good care from the revisit nurses, it isn’t the same for them who have formed a relationship with you. Take care of yourself so you can talk care of your patient.
Post a Comment