I'm planning to take only 1 week off from work. I'm an RN. Am I crazy to think that's all I'll need?

IMHO, yes, you are crazy. Especially if you have to lift and move patients after surgery. Most surgeons place lifting restrictions after surgery. Check with your surgeon about how much time he thinks you may need to take based on the kind of work you do, and if you have any restrictions.

I have a desk job, no heavy lifting, and I was out for 2 weeks. I tried to go back after only 1 week, but I did not have the energy to sustain me through even 1/2 a day.

I'm an oncology nurse and don't really lift patients. The most I think I do is pull them up in bed with the help of another. I will not be able to do that. I will probably have to extend it a few days based on what I've read and heard. Thanks for your reply.

Hi there...i'm a nurse and will be 1 week post op tomorrow. There is no way i could go back to work and be at 100% right now...i'm still very drained and weak and tire very easily. Good luck!

I am an RN also, and I took 2 weeks off. A little over 2 weeks, actually. I felt great when I did go back, but I definitely wouldn't have been able to do it at a week. I was not to do heavy lifting for 4 weeks post-op.

I too am an RN and plan on going back to work after 1 week. I work in labor and delivery so there isn't much lifting. I know it will probably be a little rough but we nurses are tough!!!! lol. I also work with a great bunch of girls and know they will help me if I need it. Good luck to you! Please let us know how you do.

I think everyone is different. Just see how you feel. I was back to work in less than a week and felt fine. But I don't have to lift or anything. I actually felt great by day 3 other than being a little sore. I think each individual person is different and you will just have to wait and see how you feel.