8 Return to Work Strategies for Nurse Case Managers

Case Management Focus

Return to work is a key outcome nurse case managers strive to achieve. In the article, discuss some strategies that can help injured workers return to gainful employment. 

1. Helping injured workers return to work takes thoughtful planning and a human-centered approach. Nurse case managers should begin working with the injured worker and the employer as soon as possible to explore opportunities for return to work.
2. Ongoing communication with the injured worker is essential to let them know that people are concerned about them and that they are not forgotten. Often, the injured worker feels isolated, so calls, cards, and support from coworkers can be helpful. 
3. Obtaining the injured workers’ job description and sharing it with the treating doctor and other professionals involved in the care plan is crucial so that all parties are aware of the type of work the injured worker performed and if that job may need to be adapted based on restrictions. 
4. Collaboration with medical providers and therapists to create a personalized plan that outlines modified duties based on medical restrictions, a gradual return-to-work timeline, and clear expectations and accommodations. 
5. Including the injured worker in all aspects of their care is important, as it allows them to regain some of the control they have lost as a result of their injury or illness this promotes trust and buy-in. 
6. Equip employers and managers with the tools to support injured workers on their return to work. Helping them ease back to work can be stressful, especially if they are not at 100%. 
7. Regular check-ins with injured workers on how they are doing in adapting to being back at work is important and can boost their morale. 
8. Address issues that arise with the injured worker and try to resolve them in a timely manner will help things stay on track. 

I hope these tips will help you as you work with your clients on successful return-to-work initiatives. 

If you have any other ideas, please let me know, and I can incorporate them into future posts. You can reach me at allewellyn48@gmail.com

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