It’s the holidays! The air is cooler, the LED lights are hung, and the carols are on repeat in the lobby at your facility.
Patients are being discharged and are off to visit their families, but you are stuck there to finish off your shift and then the cycle repeats tomorrow.
Are you working over the holidays this year?
Worrying about how you are going to find time to celebrate with your family and friends? Or are you looking forward to caring for others during this time of giving?
Whatever the case may be, it is evident that those working a Christmas nurse shift are an asset to healthcare facilities and they truly embody the selflessness of the holiday season.
A Christmas nurse shift can make anyone feel like they are missing out on the ‘good times,’ however, there are a few things you can do to ensure that both you and your loved ones are prepared!
As you all know, there’s no “I” in ‘nurse team,’ just an ‘us.’
You will not be the only one who is missing out on the holidays at home. In fact, you will be surrounded by many other nurses, doctors, and other members of the healthcare team.
Healthcare doesn’t stop; but you already know this.
If you are feeling in the spirit of giving, perhaps you could bring in a holiday favorite to share with your colleagues!
Whether it’s some extra stuffing with turkey and gravy, or even Grandma’s gingerbread cookies, sharing the festive feast with your colleagues is a great way to keep spirits high during the Christmas shift.
However, there’s no shame in picking up some of your favorite take-out to share with the team, too!
It’s no surprise that food provides comfort and brings people together so, if you want to make your team feel special while they’re away from their families, the answer is simple: bring food!
A great way for one to get into the holiday spirit during a Christmas nurse shift is by adding some holiday-themed accessories to the wardrobe!
From a badge reel to a full-body scrub color change (if the facility allows it), there are so many subtle ways to celebrate the season; and we’re sure your patients will appreciate it, too!
“But it’s just changing colors… does it really matter?” Yes! Of course, scrubs can be an expensive purchase to make if you do not already own a pair but hear us out.
Psychology resource, Verywell Mind, highlights the holistic idea of color psychology and how it is commonly used in holistic therapy approaches. In sum, colors can impact how we feel as well as those around us.
Understandably so, there is obvious skepticism surrounding the idea – but it is difficult to fully deny that the red and green combination doesn’t immediately remind you of Christmas.
However, aside from changing your scrub colors, try out a festive lanyard, socks, or a Santa hat!
Whatever you choose, we are sure your patients will love it!
This by far is one of the most important aspects when working a Christmas nurse shift.
No matter how or what you’re celebrating, being with family is arguably one of the best ways to spend the holidays.
Although you may not get to spend Christmas Eve or Christmas Day with your loved ones, who says you can’t celebrate it another day?
Coordinating time to gather on an off day guarantees that you will still be able to enjoy the festivities and not sacrifice missing moments!
If you are working this holiday season, we truly appreciate the sacrifices you are making and the dedication you have to caring for others.
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