Unhappy RN

[cocoland]

[/font][font=Times New Roman]Hello Forum;
I too am an RN. At this time unhappy and eager for someone to listen.
Almost two years ago, i was working part time in a Psy, outpatient center. Without hesitation on my part, I found myself trying to separate two female patients that were fighting. The aggressor patient's weight was about 280#, the other a very frail lady was about 90#. I was able to get the larger patient to stop but not until she had thrown me against a steel door-facing. Hitting my head, arm and back extremely hard. My arm started to swell immediately. The following day contusions were present. I was not sent to see a physician but an injury report was made at my insistance. An incident report was made but without my input. I found later the report was completed by a manager. She also stated she was the person that "stopped" the fight. I was not mentioned. I filed an addendum stating my side of the story, my injuries etc. It was a waste of my good time. WC was/is without a doubt worthless. In fact my HR failed to notify them...I had to telephone them, myself. My physician had stated I needed to have an MRI of my aarm and back(this was my reason for contacting them). Of course WC refused. Then I began having lower back pain..I called an attorney. Then began talks, physicians, talks...with me filing legal action... I had to have spinal surgery L1-L3 with fusion. The surgery was denied by WC. In spite of the surgeons documentation that surgery was imperative due to spasms, urinary incontinence, and weakest in one leg.. The case finally made it to the assigned Administrative Judge who disallowed my case .."the problems were pre-existing'. MRI completed before the surgery and paid for by my insurance co. noted the severe problems requiring surgery but also it was noted unfortunately I had "some degenerative disc disease" on the report. Keep in mind I have had a very lengthy nursing career, very active person without major complaints or problems. The entire time between the trauma, surgery was about 16 months. By the time I had the back surgery, the arm and shoulder that had been injured continued to give me constant pain. The orthopedic MD said it was frozen. Later an MRI "OK'D by wc revealed far more problems. The complete ball & socket needs to be replaced!
There you have it...almost two years have gone by since the patient incident, I'm in pain, unable to work,limited activity, unable to even drive(can't turn my head), receiving NO income and can't understand the laws that are supposed to "help" the employees in the workplace.
I still await the Judge's decision as to who pays for the surgery.. Pleae post your suggestions or ideas as to what might be the outcome? I am so discouraged!

[cfree1961]

First off WELCOME cocoland,
Sorry for all the BS you have been through but welcome to the world of workers compensation it's not fun and I understand your frustration and I hope and I know it will get better sooner or later.You are NOT alone a lot of people have hassles like you have had.You were smart to get a lawyer,that would also help alot to post what state you are in that would help a great deal for people here to post there help,there are a LOT a very knowledgeable people here that will do their best to help but again they need to know what state,also check the top of the page and find your state and you should be able to read up on info for your state and also check back here for replies,just be patient and someone should be able to give you some help at least more than I can at this point,I hope it starts looking better for you SOON and it WILL get better,come here as much as needed and vent that's what we do is help each other out! the best we can.

[nurse83]

Dear Unhappy RN:

I'm also a RN and was injured at work; although not breaking up a fight; your injury and subsequent journey through He** is heart wrenching.

I agree it's too bad the "unfortunate" notation was made re: degenerative disc disease. And I think most people who are of a certain age and certainly all of us nurses who do so much physical work without even realizing it sometimes would have this problem.

Nursing wears on the body--For more than 20 years I could do whatever was needed on the job; the last few years I've found I've had to slow myself down because of minor aches and pains but they are nothing compared to the damper my recent fall at work has caused on my work and non-work activities. And, my experience is that most nurses will work through what they need to, especially those of us who have been around awhile?! We tend to take care of ourselves LAST!

It sounds as if you definitely needed a lawyer and that there was some shady activity by your employer/supervisor regarding the reporting connected with the incident.

Have you not yet had a determination of disability and payment for same? Just curious, since you mentioned not being able to work and no income

I don't understand how the ALJ could have determined your condition was pre-existing if your medical records didn't support this; I mean, isn't if a little suspicious for degenerative disc disease to suddenly cause all these problems and oh, by the way, after the injury you suffered?!



Best wishes to you for a happy outcome

[lostinconnecticut]

the circumstances of your injury and the resulting injuries are in a large part identical to mine. Mine happened 11 years ago. I still have a frozen shoulder which was never properly treated, and I still can't turn my head or drive. I wish I knew then what I know now.
At this point, I advocate taking agressive action whenever you are wronged. The falsified report that you mentioned deserves investigation by both the higher ups in the clinic, and by the overseer's above them (state review board etc.) You are to be commended for seeking medical help without waiting for the wheels of Compensation to slowly turn, and lucky to have this avenue.
I beleive the day will come when the wronged worker's will have their say, and beleive that the more you document mistreatment, the better position you'll be in, if and when that day comes. There were so many things I would have done differently. Now they say "why didn't you complain then?"
I should have.
You will find it helpful to tell what state you are in. There are many resources, but they are state specific. Check out http//www.injuredworker.org to see what injured workers are doing in Oregon to fight back.