I work in the ICU and I'm taking 4 weeks off. My job consists of CPR, tugging, pulling, lifting, etc. Anyone take more or less time? Trying to get a general idea. Thanks!

I am not a nurse but I use to work in brain injury rehab with similar duties minus the CPR. I am nearly 4 weeks out now and I could nto imagine doing the type of pulling, tugging, lifting people type of work that job demanded. I cannot even figure out how to lift my 20 pound dog into the bathtub and she smells awful! I will keep you posted.

Edited December 13, 201312 yr by Bronco0605

I'm an ER nurse. My doctor had me on a 20lb lifting restriction for 6 weeks so I stayed out of work that whole time. He said CPR was an absolute no also. I was glad I was off for the 6 weeks. It gave me time to work thought the food stages and come up with an eating plan for work. I don't know if I would have had the stamina to work 12 hr shifts on a liquid or soft diet. Hope this helps.

Thanks everyone. It helps a lot. I can have up to 6 weeks off but I've heard of ppl returning to work sooner. There's no such thing as light duty either. I can't imagine myself doing compressions or turning a patient with those type of incisions.

I'm a nurse in an ICU too and was sleeved October 25th. I was off for 4 weeks because of the 20 pound limitation. I made out fine going back to work. The worse thing is the TIREDNESS!! The 12 hour shifts are kicking my butt! Keeping my fingers crossed that this gets better in a few months! Good Luck!

I honestly had no incisional pain, actually didn't have pain at all. But I certainly didn't want to lift someone and do any damage inside. We don't have any form of light duty either. I would recommend staying home and learning the new you.

Morning - why are you tired? Is it bc of the diet and exercise? Are you out of your routine? I'll be going from nights to days so that should help me fight fatigue hopefully. I just spoke with fmla folks - probably will just request 6 weeks and see how I feel after 4!!!

I work L&D. My surgeon suggested 6weeks off for nurses due to lifting, strenuous 12 hr shifts and feeling better after being able to eat foods instead of liquids. My surgery is Monday and I've taken his advice. 6 weeks for this girl!

I'm a nurse and I had planned to take only 3 weeks off, but after reading y'all's posts I probably will take at least 4. My wallet will suffer (had to take two months off unplanned this year) but I'd rather be safe...