Returning to work can be a crucial milestone when recovering from an illness or injury. Health care workers play an important role in being able to help their patients in achieving this.  Research has shown that there is often anxiety for people considering when and how they will return to work following an illness or injury. As a health care professional the underpinning ethos of person-centred care would encourage discussing returning to work with every patient, so that they can experience the psychological, social and financial benefits that work can offer.

With this in mind, the RCN has launched a new learning resource for RCN members, promoting awareness about how all health care staff, regardless of their role, can support patients with a return to work. The resource, Vocational rehabilitation - the health worker's role, uses an interactive quiz and case studies to demonstrate the impact that nursing staff can have not only on the wellbeing of patients, but on their journey through recovery and back to work.  The project began as part of RCN work with the Government's Department of Work and Pensions, and throughout it gives handy advice and tips, suggestions on how to discuss returning to work with patients and how to be sure you are doing everything you can to help patients get back to work. 

Visit the Learning Zone now to find out more: www.rcn.org.uk/learningzone