Getting injured at work affects far more than the body. For many people, it also changes how they see themselves, support their families, and move through daily life.

Anne Hardy, DNP, FNP, sees that reality every day.

As a Nurse Practitioner at Washington Workers Clinic, Anne works closely with injured workers across Washington State. Over the years, she has learned that recovery is rarely just about treating pain or healing an injury. Many patients also struggle with fear, uncertainty, and the loss of identity that can happen when someone can no longer do the job that once defined their life.

During a recent conversation on Work Injury WA, Anne shared her perspective on caring for injured workers, coordinating complex claims, and helping patients move through recovery with confidence and support. She also discussed why interdisciplinary care for injured workers can improve communication, reduce delays, and help patients feel less alone during the process.

Anne Hardy Approaches Injured Worker Care Through a Nursing Lens

Anne believes nursing shapes the way she cares for injured workers. Even as a Nurse Practitioner, she still sees herself first as a nurse.

“I think as nurses, you're always a nurse,” she explained during the interview. “A nurse cares about people, and they bring this holistic care.”

That philosophy affects every part of her treatment approach.

When Anne first meets a patient, she begins by listening to their story. Instead of focusing only on paperwork or diagnoses, she wants to understand where the patient has been, what barriers they are facing, and what support they may still need.

Many injured workers enter the workers’ compensation system feeling overwhelmed. Some worry about losing their job. Others fear they may never return to normal life again. Anne explained that many patients do not fully understand the process or the resources available to help them.

Because of that, she focuses heavily on education, emotional support, and realistic guidance early in care.

That patient-centered approach has become a core part of how she supports injured worker recovery.

Recovery Often Involves More Than Physical Healing

Anne believes one of the most overlooked parts of a work injury is the emotional disruption that follows.

According to her, many patients experience a deep sense of loss after an injury. Work is often tied closely to identity, routine, independence, and purpose. When someone suddenly cannot perform their job, they may begin to feel disconnected from the life they built before the injury.

“I identify myself probably first as a nurse practitioner or a nurse,” Anne said. “If somebody took that away from me, I would feel very lost.”

That insight shapes the way she cares for patients.

Anne explained that she talks openly about fear, pain, and emotional adjustment early in the recovery process. She also screens patients for depression and anxiety throughout care because mental health needs do not always appear during the first appointment.

In her experience, most injured workers genuinely want to recover and return to work. They are not trying to avoid responsibility. They simply need guidance, treatment, and support while navigating a major life disruption.

That perspective continues to shape how she approaches workers' compensation treatment every day.

Why Coordinated Care Matters to Anne Hardy

Anne has seen firsthand how communication between providers can change the recovery experience for injured workers.

Over time, she found that many patients improved when providers communicated more directly and coordinated care more closely. That includes collaboration between nurse practitioners, therapists, psychologists, vocational counselors, and rehabilitation teams.

For Anne, interdisciplinary care for injured workers is not simply about convenience. It is about helping patients avoid delays, confusion, and unnecessary setbacks.

She described how easier communication between providers can speed up referrals, adjust treatment plans faster, and help patients receive the right care at the right time.

Anne also emphasized that delays in care can create long-term consequences. The longer a claim remains unresolved, the more stress patients often experience emotionally and physically.

That is why she strongly values coordinated care for injured workers and return to work rehabilitation programs that communicate effectively across disciplines.

Resources like Washington State Labor & Industries (L&I) can also help injured workers better understand available treatment options, behavioral health support, and rehabilitation services throughout recovery.

Conclusion

Anne Hardy’s perspective highlights an important reality about injured worker recovery - healing is rarely only physical.

Many injured workers also need emotional support, honest communication, and providers who understand how deeply a work injury can affect daily life, confidence, and identity.

Through her nursing background and patient-centered philosophy, Anne continues to advocate for care that treats injured workers as people first. Her approach combines compassion, realistic guidance, and coordinated treatment planning to help patients move forward with greater confidence.

As more providers embrace interdisciplinary care for injured workers, patients may experience fewer delays, stronger support systems, and better long-term outcomes throughout recovery.

You can also explore additional recovery resources and educational articles through the Convivio Health Blog.

About the Guest

Anne Hardy, DNP, FNP, is a Nurse Practitioner at Washington Workers Clinic. She has extensive experience helping injured workers navigate workers’ compensation claims, coordinated care planning, and return to work rehabilitation. Her approach focuses on holistic, patient-centered care that supports both physical and emotional recovery.