Work letter prior to surgery

I've contacted my employers occupational health nurse and was told that I would need a letter stating that I was having surgery and how long I was expected to be off. Because I work in a healthcare setting I would need forms filled out after surgery to show that I would be able to perform my duties once back to work. I'm expecting to be off 8 weeks then hoping to use vacation time for a few weeks more. I need to be certain I can lift a large amount of wait and be really well healed.

My question is: did anybody have a hard time obtaining this letter? When I asked at my final appointment (haven't seen the surgeon yet) I was told she didn't think they gave notes like that. But I would need some proof that I'm actually going to have surgery.

Thanks for any advice,

Karen

I am just getting a letter from my family doctor for 8 weeks of leave.

And your employer will accept that even though it's not from the surgeon?

Yeah, basically it's a note from a medical professional so they can't refuse it. Are you unioninized? They can help by providing the employer the letter and negotiating any return to work accommodations.

Yes, I'm unionized. Never thought to talk to them, duh!! Will speak to someone next week.

I'm trying to set myself up so I won't need any back to work accommodations because I work straight nights and if modified I would be forced to day shift which I can't work because I have youngish children.

Thanks so much for the advice.

You're welcome, I'm sure it will all work out. The surgeons office probably does provide letters but just more straight forward with the family doctor as they are easier to access. Good luck with your surgeon visit :)

The surgeons receptionist filled mine out. It was a four page document that my employer has. They filled it out the week after surgery so the date could be adjusted if needed. I picked it up from her when I had my follow up a week or so after.

So your employer accepted your word that you were having surgery and would be off??

I work for a Government run Long Term Care facility and they are all about their paperwork!!

I work in a government(municipal) job and I did 5 yrs ago when I had my surgery. They have expensive paperwork to be filled out for any time off longer than 10 days. I don't know what changes happened government wise but labour laws are not always applicable in my position.

Well, I'll definitely need more than 10 days so. Maybe going with the family doctor is the way to go, he'll be cheaper than the surgeon and more accessible.