Return-to-Work

Medical Case Managers Provide Tips for Fast Return-to-Work

University Hospitals CompCare case managers, all of whom are registered nurses, offer the following return-to-work tips:

• Think and talk in terms of "transitional work" and "restricted duty" not "light duty."

• Demonstrate to supervisors and co-workers the value of transitional work.

• Make transitional work valuable and interesting, not useless and demeaning.

• Set criteria for who can be assigned to transitional work; do not set limits or goals for number of employees in transitional work.

• Use engineering controls, ergonomics and protective equipment to improve injury-causing jobs.

• Maintain contact with injured workers and show compassion for their families.

• Communicate with physicians and engineers about job restrictions and accommodations.