Welfare meeting

[Vonnieruth]

I have welfare meeting on Tuesday at work for phased back to work Has anyone got any advise on what I should say or ask

Thank you x

[jedimasterlincoln]

From the point of view of the employer it should be a supportive process. A lot usually hinges on what is "reasonable" on their part to expect of you given long term absence and you should also demonstrate willingness to be proactive.

For example, it would be unreasonable for you to return to full duty and full hours immediately, but it would be too much for you to ask for 2 hours a day for the next 6 months... taking it to extremes.

They should be asking you what you feel able to do, and you should be outlining what you feel able to do and what you hope to accomplish. Short and long term goals should be discussed (the long term one being a return to full duty) and short term ones being the build up of hours and responsibilities.

If at any point you feel they are being too unreasonable you have to think that they are balancing your needs against the needs of the service they provide, so negotiation and understanding is key. Try to make sure that you request a review, weekly if possible, to see how you are getting on before any major increase in hours/duties.

They should be leading, it should be about how you are and what you both want to achieve,.

[Vonnieruth in reply to jedimasterlincoln]

Thanks It's just they do put on you a lot where I work In hoping to do about five hours a day at first as my shifts are twelve I have mentioned not bring counted in numbers and working on care plans at first again I also need to get to know my residents again

[jedimasterlincoln in reply to Vonnieruth]

I think it's reasonable to ask for a phased return over the course of a month. With a review at half way unless there are problems.

The first week should be no more than 25% of your hours, and preferably the first shift out of numbers at the very least. Then building up to 50% and 75% would be the sensible way to go, but obviously if you're struggling your 4th week is a back up to maybe do two weeks at 25% or two weeks at 50/75% before going back to full time.

Ultimately there is no right or wrong answer, its all about balancing how you feel with what they need. End of the day they want/need you back they have to protect you but also you have to protect yourself.

[Vonnieruth in reply to jedimasterlincoln]

That sounds good way to ease back in Thanks

[jedimasterlincoln in reply to Vonnieruth]

No problem, I've done it dozens of times after Cardioversions and ablations.... some supported properly some not. What you don't want is employee or employer taking the mick.

The way I see it is they're already covering your shifts, its in everyone's interests to continue to do this and ease you back in gently than expect you to hit the ground running.

[Vonnieruth in reply to jedimasterlincoln]

Don't think I could do full time straight away Working with dementia is mind blowing at best of times but there are loads of new residents I need to get to know

[Aprilbday]

Vonnieruth,

So very happy to see you back here. I read your work descriptions from a previous post and I am amazed that you can put in 5 hours! You are incredible. I hope everything works out.

[Vonnieruth in reply to Aprilbday]

Thanks April missed our chats I'm going with 5 hours in my head I don't work every day as my shifts are three on three off All twelve hour days normally I fear my age and condition is catching up with my normally young at heart attitude

[doodle68]

Hi Vonnie good luck with the meeting .

One thing I would do is to explain how you feel during an episode of AF and to have a plan in case you have one at work so that you are well prepared, that should help with the anxiety.

I think you may feel quite tired to begin with, try to arrange things at home so you can take things easy when you get home on work days.

Don't forget we are here to listen Vonnie , we really do understand how you feel so come and tell us how you are getting on.

[Vonnieruth in reply to doodle68]

Thanks doodle I'm going to change shifts for a few weeks so I can be supported by a deputy who's a friend She will do all meds rounds and let me sit and do paper work Cannot say I'm worried and anxiety is big but I need financially to try If I cannot do it I cannot and will finish to live on benefit as I don't have private pension

[jennydog]

I have just had a lengthy stay in hospital and was shocked to learn about the 12 hours shifts worked by the nurses and care assistants. I am sure that it's both unfair and counter productive.

Shifts are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. I imagined leaving at 8 p.m., driving home, having a meal then a shower, then bed. It would be necessary to get up at 06.30 to get back to the hospital for 07.30 for a pre-shift briefing.

All this is a recipe for fatigue!

[Vonnieruth in reply to jennydog]

My shifts are the same I never had my three days off always worked at least one extra In four weeks I did 200 Hours

[jedimasterlincoln in reply to jennydog]

When I first started we worked either 730-2:30 or 1:30 til 9... the finishing at 9 and starting again at 7:30 was torture. Plus you could also end up doing 9 and 10 days in a row just to get a weekend off.

My problem with 12 hour shifts, aside from the fact my AF really kicked on once I started them, is whilst you get continuity of care all day long and all night long, you don't actually get a fresh faced pair of eyes and renewed motivation/energy coming into the day after lunch to pick people up and catch up and re-assess things and that hour in the middle where you've got the overlap was used to training, or for mobilising patients that need equipment & 3/4 staff and for staff meetings.

It has more cons than pros.

[Hidden]

Hi

I work in HR first thing to do is check their absence policy with a fine toothcombe and make sure you take a union rep with you if possible. Also ask about triggers and whether they can be adjusted due to your condition. For example some policies have an amount of absence which triggers a review meeting ie if you have 3 periods of absence in 12 months you are called in for a review. If you have a condition covered by the equality act ( and AF if it's a problem will be covered) you can ask for the triggers to be adjusted as a reasonable adjustment so for example you could have 4 absences instead of 3 before they called you in for a formal meeting.

All the best

Andy

[Vonnieruth in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Andy We Di have a points system which is new since I went off to the old one I'm a sca in dementia so I want time to get to know new residents and how now to transferred care plans into laptop which is also new I'm going back hopefully to few hours and holiday pay to make hours up during phased rrturn.I won't do meds again at first as I guess I will need my three obs to be done again .Any other suggestions I could ask for

[Hidden in reply to Vonnieruth]

Hi yes they should confirm any discussions in writing which you should check you agree with and that it reflects the meeting. Have they sent you to their own occupational health provider for a review ?

[Vonnieruth in reply to Hidden]

Not sure we have one to be honest I just want to go back in slow with no pressure to get things done I was always in the fast lane before cannot do that now Plus twelve hour shifts are a worry now once my phased return ends

[Vonnieruth in reply to Vonnieruth]

They have said they will change my shifts for phased so I can work with my old deputy as she has changed her shifts now She had told me I can do paper work and chasing meds etc up and she will do meds admin and work floor etc I'm to request I am not counted in numbers for phased back as my shifts have been covered and can still be covered for this

[Hidden in reply to Vonnieruth]

I would wait and see how it goes happy to look at their policy for you if you can upload it employers have a minimum they have to do regarding absence and adjustments they have to make by law but some are more generous than others !

Andy

[Vonnieruth]

I know it's in file at work not sure if I can get it in internet