Melissa is a 24-year-old bank teller in a small suburban branch.  During a robbery, Joan, the only other teller on duty, was slow in turning over her cash. She had pressed an alarm button and was stalling in the hope that the police would arrive. She was shot by one of the robbers.  As a result of this incident, Joan will likely be permanently wheelchair-bound. Six months later she is still undergoing medical treatment for her injuries and suffering severe pain. After the shooting, the robbers left the premises quickly with only the cash that they had obtained from Melissa and they have never been caught. Melissa was not harmed physically in any way but is suffering from stress.

Melissa underwent short-term counselling through the company's EFAP program and stayed away from work for two weeks.  When she returned to work, she continued to feel extremely nervous. Although the robbers wore hoods, once or twice Melissa thought that men who were waiting in line for service had the same build and body language. Melissa has visited Joan a few times but finds it very difficult knowing that Joan faces a very different future from her own. Over time Melissa has found it difficult to sleep.  She has been irritable with her co-workers and has begun to make numerous mistakes on the job. Last week she took a stress leave and no-one is sure when she will return. Some of her co-workers are hoping she won't.

Melissa is single and rents an apartment.  Her parents live in another city.  She and her boyfriend broke up two months ago.  Although initially supportive, he became critical when Melissa continued to focus on the incident.
Some of the issues that you may want to address in your comments on the scenarios below include the following:

• What issues or factors described or alluded to in the scenario might have an impact on the return to work, and how?
• Is there any information that you don't have that you want or need and if so, how would you obtain or collect it?
• What components do you think should be included in the return to work plan?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

Potential impacts on Melissas return to work Psychological factors Posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD Melissas symptoms like nervousness intrusive thoughts sleep disturbances and irritability suggest ... View the full answer