Pierre*, a 57-year-old injured employee, was diagnosed with a left shoulder rotator cuff tear in August 2022. After two months of conservative treatment failed, he underwent surgical repair and transitioned to the care of Amber*, a surgery nurse case manager, for ongoing case management.
Continuation of care
Amber provided comprehensive pre- and post-operative education and instruction to minimize surgical complications and better guide him through the recovery process. Additionally, she arranged his transportation to and from medical appointments, worked toward facilitating an early return to work, and ensured that Pierre’s physical therapy adhered to Official Disability Guidelines (ODG) in relation to cost containment.
By January 2023, Pierre had achieved a stable medical condition. After doing all she could, Amber officially closed his file the same month and transitioned Pierre into the care of a return to work specialist. Although a modified duty return to work release had been obtained, Pierre’s employer was unable to accommodate the necessary restrictions.
The result
Through successful negotiation, the return to work specialist secured temporary light-duty work for Pierre and a return to modified duty in February. By March, he had returned to regular duty. The collaboration between Amber and the return to work specialist expedited Pierre’s surgical recovery and facilitated a full duty return to work within four months of his surgery. Because of the invaluable role surgery nurses like Amber play in the process, injured employees like Pierre are prepared both physically and mentally, are better equipped to face surgery, and can confidently move toward a safe and quick recovery.
*Names changed for privacy purposes