In deciding when you can return to work, you and your doctor will consider:
- How stable your condition is
- How safe you are to do your job
- What the licensing requirements are (e.g., for truck drivers or pilots)
- What the demands of your job are-both physically and mentally
What your doctor needs to know about your job:
- The physical work that you do, including lifting or carrying
- Whether you use heavy tools, like jackhammers
- The conditions that you work under; for example, for some people these might be extreme temperatures, poor ventilation, or late hours
- The amount of job stress you have
If you have it available, take a copy of your job description to your doctor.
Papers You Need When Returning to Work
You require a letter from your doctor or a medical certificate or form stating:
- When you can return to work
- What you can or cannot do
If your doctor writes "light duty," this needs to be explained: what duties you can perform, what hours you can work, and how long light duty is to continue.
Where to Get Help with Your Questions About Work
- A vocational counsellor who specializes in work-related issues will be available through your Cardiac Rehabilitation program.
- There may be help at your workplace, such as through a human resources staff member, an occupational health nurse, or a company doctor.
- Your family physician may be able to help.