Workplace Injury

[Linz]

Hi 

My name is Lindsay and I am a male Reg Nurse who was working in a geriatric dementia ward at my local hospital, In 2023 I was injured while working with a patient that resulted in surgery and I will never have full use of my arm in the future. I am now going thru workers compensation claim that I find difficult and confusing. On top of this I struggle at times with the sense of loss because I have not worked for sometime. Dementia patients can be a lot of fun to look after  but they can also be very violent at times more than the public realise. I have experienced a fair bit of both. 

There is little support when you are injured and mentally and emotionally along with pain and the realization that you cannot do what you used to do. I also suffer from rheumatoid and osteo Arthritis and as I get older it gets more difficult. 

My question is are there support out thee of other nurses going thru the same sort of issues. 

all these things put strain on my family with My wife having to do things I used to do, hobbies I now find difficult to do, I am still recovering from the surgery and this will take time.

I find it very hard to find people who understand, I am 64 years old and not that good with tech stuff but willing to learn. Just reaching out to see what's out there.

Lindsay

[Sophie_M]

Hello Lindsay, 

Welcome to the forums and thank you so much for sharing your story with us. 

It truly sounds like you have worked incredibly hard throughout your life to care for others, so it really would feel strange not working right now. On top of this, it must be so painful to have experienced this many injuries, both mentally and physically. Workers compensation can also be such confusing and overwhelming terrain to navigate on your own... other than your partner, what support do you have right now? 

I can see that you are really needing a strong community around you so that you can feel supported and engaged in the world again. Recovery certainly can feel exhausting and disheartening... but you sound like someone who is very resilient and able to recalibrate with a little love and care. 

If you could change one thing about how things are going right now, what might that be? Becoming curious about one small thing you can change or action each day can really help with recreating that sense of autonomy and empower us to feel more in control of our life when so much feels our of our control. Could you start your days with this question and start to notice if it shifts how you feel? 

Whilst you are going through this process, please know you can reach out to us directly whenever you need here: Talk to a counsellor - Beyond Blue - Beyond Blue

We are sure the community (and hopefully a nurse!) will be able to provide more guidance over the coming days. We're always here if you have any further questions. 

Wishing you all the best and please remember that you aren't alone. 💙

Warm regards, 
Sophie M.