Return to work and the person with heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is an economic and social problem for millions of Americans. Medical bills and living costs can be an overwhelming stress on the person diagnosed with this life-threatening disorder. Once the acute condition has been stabilized, nurses are often called on to provide counseling and to act as an advocate for the person with HF who is attempting to return to work. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on return to work and to offer suggestions for the nurse who is treating persons with HF. It is recommended that nurses be prepared to assess patients with HF, to provide resources, and to act as an advocate as needed. Further research is needed on the safe and effective transition of persons with HF into the workforce.