It is understood that healthcare is complex and ever-changing. An important goal as healthcare providers is to not just deliver care, but to make sure that what is being delivered is understood by the person receiving it. In the field of oncology, promising new medications and treatments are being introduced at a rapid rate. A patient or caregiver's ability to understand the plan of care that has been prescribed greatly effects their ability to overcome their illness, heal from their surgery, or be compliant with self care instructions.
For the January post please open and read the following two links: Health Literacy gives a broad view of what Health Literacy is and how as nurses we can better bridge the lack of understanding that many patients experience. Please watch the short video on Teach Back Method along with the video from the American Medical Association (AMA) from the second link, Teach Back Method. Some of you may remember this link from three years ago, the messages are still valid and can be used every day in your practice. The AMA video reminds me that a patient I may initially believe to be difficult, might be acting out on frustration over my inability to communicate to their level of understanding.
Questions
- In your own words, what is Health Literacy?
- How can you incorporate Teach Back in your practice without making a patient feel as if they are being "tested"?
Discussion Question - Reflecting on December
Anyone who decides to work in Healthcare is aware that working weekends and holidays is just part of what we agree to. I have a picture of my daughter when she was very young, sitting on my white uniformed lap opening a Christmas present at 5 a.m. This year I was on call for the Pain Service Christmas Eve and Christmas day so we celebrated on the 27th. Over the years my family has learned to adapt to my holiday schedules, and accepted that our family will celebrate just a little different than most. For this month's discussion please read the following, Christmas in the Hospital. I expressed my feelings as one of the 26 people that commented on the article back in 2013. How do you feel about working in healthcare around the holidays? What tips or advice can you offer to others about adapting to a holiday work schedule?
Please send your answers to melissa.luebbe@ctca-hope.com
Anyone who decides to work in Healthcare is aware that working weekends and holidays is just part of what we agree to. I have a picture of my daughter when she was very young, sitting on my white uniformed lap opening a Christmas present at 5 a.m. This year I was on call for the Pain Service Christmas Eve and Christmas day so we celebrated on the 27th. Over the years my family has learned to adapt to my holiday schedules, and accepted that our family will celebrate just a little different than most. For this month's discussion please read the following, Christmas in the Hospital. I expressed my feelings as one of the 26 people that commented on the article back in 2013. How do you feel about working in healthcare around the holidays? What tips or advice can you offer to others about adapting to a holiday work schedule?
Please send your answers to melissa.luebbe@ctca-hope.com
Holidays Bah humbug. Depending on your own cultural belief system working in healthcare on a Holiday varies tremendously. There is a myriad of differences on when and how people celebrate. I worked as a counselor in a residential setting for at risk youth for 12 years. I loved working the Holidays as I was estranged from my own family and loved sharing the time with my residents. We would basically play a game called let’s forget it’s a holiday and do whatever we could to not feel left out. The vast majority of staff and residents were gone celebrating and the few that remained literally had no home but that treatment center. We would do very non holiday things like spend the entire day at the arcade. We would laugh and tell stories, eat junk food and try to enjoy the day. Remembering that everyone has different belief systems is the first step in making a Holiday shift tolerable. I have grown quite a bit over the last 6 years. I understand the Holidays aren’t necessarily about my beliefs, but about sharing, caring and celebrating. Here at CTCA we practice the mother standard of care. Why not practice the everyday is a Holiday. Be that nice giving person you are during the holidays on Tuesday Aug 3rd. Part of my enjoyment of working during the Holiday is the extra love and exuberance our coworkers express. Be sensitive to your co-workers. I don’t have kids. When I was an inpatient RN I would bend over backwards to work Christmas so that I could have off the party holidays like New Year’s Eve. Treat people how you want to be treated. That Golden rule, rules all. Holidays aren’t always happy for those around you. Be sensitive to your surroundings.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding us that not everyone is filled with the holiday spirit and we need to be sensitive and aware of others feelings.
DeleteKatie and I have talked about our feelings for the Holidays. I am not crazy about it either. I enjoy giving little gifts to friends all year long. And I enjoy giving myself to my patients all year too.
DeleteIt is hard to be the one working during the holidays, especially when you know the family is getting together and you have to miss out. But thinking about it, work is like a second home and you are just sharing it with your second family. If a patient is admitted during a holiday, you know it has to be pretty bad, because no doctor is going to admit you over a holiday knowing they will be away from family and everything unless it is really necessary. When I worked the floor, I know the hospitalists would do everything they could to discharge the patients prior to the holidays. It is just part of the job, and before coming in to it we knew it and knew what we were getting into. Just remember, the people that are there really need the help and would rather be anywhere else than there too. Try to make the best of it.
ReplyDeleteTwo tricks my family uses. My mom started christmas eve eve. We have several step family members and my mom got tired of missin out. So she called the 23rd as christmas. So celebrating early can help keep family together for the Holiday. For moms or dads one thing you can do for a parent missing out on christmas morning presents.... if you work day shift have the family stay over at a relatiive for xmas morning and have santa bring a present or two with a note that the rest are at home. Plan on meeting at ome together to open the gifts. Teaches patience and empathy.
DeleteYes, Lauren, it's true. I knew that I would be working many holidays as a young nurse and after many years, it just became the routine for my family. Holidays were celebrated on the actual holiday by my family and then on my days off surrounding the holiday with who ever could. Working in ER/EMS/Critical Care on the holidays were always interesting so there was an up-side:-)
DeleteIt is enjoyable to spend the holidays with the work family in our home away from home. We always had fun and made the best of it. I have no regrets about my 30+ years working weekends and holidays. Our family now includes a new generation of nurses and firefighters, and I am very proud. I hope I had just a little to offer as a role model.
DeleteI always tell myself that it is an honor to spend the holiday with our patients. Most of the time it makes me feel better about working! Our patients are stuck in the hospital far away from family and friends with only the staff to celebrate with, so how can I complain? Plus, I get to go home to my family at the end of my shift. I find, like most things in life, that it is your attitude. Try to go into that holiday with a positive attitude and a smile. Know that the work we do is extremely important to our patients and ultimately that is what this is all about!
ReplyDeleteAttitude seems to be a reoccurring theme. I can walk around “Oh poor me. I have to work Christmas!” Or I can be thankful that I have the good health and family to celebrate the Christmas holiday with around my work schedule. I complement those who have the rare attitude that it is a “gift” to work on Christmas. They pour their heart and soul into making this a special time for patients and families. They embrace their patients with love and holiday cheer. To have such a powerful impact on the lives of others at this most important time is the message of unselfish love and sincere giving of oneself. Isn’t the true spirit of Christmas to think about others instead of ourselves? When we choose a nursing career we commit to hours and a service that is not defined by holidays and weekends. While we would all like off for Christmas maybe we need to acknowledge those who are working. One suggestion I have for staffing holidays is to split shifts. My daughter was scheduled to work Christmas Eve and Christmas Day this year. It is her first year with children. She had a coworker offer to split the shift. It was the best Christmas gift she could have gotten. Instead of all or nothing maybe we can split working the holidays? We put so much emphasis on a day on the calendar. This article and discussion allows me the opportunity to reframe my priorities. And yes, I can hope that we can keep the meaning of Christmas in our hearts and in our actions every day of the year.
DeleteI agree with you both. Attitude makes such a big difference. Patients are so thankful to have us to spend the holiday with, especially when we are awake and smiling and show them that we are happy to be with them as they are our family.
DeleteI think working around the holidays is definately a challenge for most of us in the healthcare field. Coming from a family who all worked Monday through Friday 9-5pm jobs, I find it that is sometimes difficult for my relatives to understand that I cannot be aroudn every holiday or always celebrate Christmas on Christmas. They get upset that I miss family dinners/functions; however, I feel that in raising my family, I am trying to make sure thery know I cannot be around every holiday. As a parent of a toddler, I think its important that in raising my child, I let her know that the holiday is really just a day and can be celebrated any day that we can get together. Holidays are not so much about the actual date itself, but more about setting aside time to spend together as a family.
ReplyDeleteWell said Amy! It is certainly hard for others to grasp the idea of not being present during Christmas brunch/dinner etc. You point out a very important fact-the time spent as a family! Sometimes people need to be reminded that no special day is needed to gather and spend quality time with family. Perhaps we all need to make more efforts to visit one another, whether across the street or out of state..why not??
DeleteAgreed, working the holidays are hard for many to understand, however, it is gratifying to work at a job that makes a difference in the lives of others.
DeleteAgreed, working the holidays are hard for many to understand, however, it is gratifying to work at a job that makes a difference in the lives of others.
DeleteI agree Amy. The important thing is to take the time to celebrate together even if it's not on the actual day.
DeleteWorking around the holidays is definitely a challenge. I have a big family and while my husband is very understanding, my children just don’t get it. They always say its not fair that I have to work on the holidays. I try to describe the patients and that they need someone to take care of them. I try to help them picture themselves as patients. How would they feel if no one was there to take care of them.
ReplyDeleteWe also try to schedule things around my work schedule. This year we took a trip after Christmas instead of opening presents on Christmas day when I worked. My family actually came to visit me at work which was a nice surprise.
What a neat idea, family visiting or having lunch with the person working on a holiday. The children learn that the world revolves around many people, not just them, so this is a good opportunity to instill that concept. With so many people working odd hours around Thanksgiving and Christmas, alternative celebrations are more common.
DeleteThat is awesome that your family came to see you to spend some of Christmas with you. It helps your kids see what you are doing and helps them to appreciate the care and part of your heart you are sharing with your patients.
DeleteThat is awesome that the family came for a visit. It probably helps little ones see the reason why you aren't there for the Christmas!
DeleteWhen I worked on the floor it was seriously stressful and upsetting to work on the holidays. Christmas in my family is quite literally the only day that we get together all year as we live states apart so it was very important to my family. I would do everything in my power to switch eves and days and nights with other nurses, and because the nurses on the floor were literally like my family, I was able to switch every year to be with my family. They are awesome people and truly treated me and eachother with the Mother Standard of Care. :D But, working around the Christmas Eves and the days New Years Eves and Days werent ever super important to me so I loved spending that cherished time with my patients. I kept thinking how I could possibly make it special for them knowing they have sadness and feelings about not being able to spend those important days with their families. I also think that Amy Lange made an important cmment above. Its not the "date" thats important. Its the time shared.
ReplyDeleteNurses enter the profession expecting to work the holidays. Unfortunately, we sacrifice time with our family to care for others. While it's never easy to give up Christmas eve, I do understand we must be fair and allow our colleagues the opportunity to also spend time with their loved ones. A rotation seems fair! A lot us have to reach multiple families and/or locations during the holidays so celebrating or gathering another day is always an option! Celebrating with the work family and patients involves everyone and can certainly brighten the day!
ReplyDeleteI agree! I think you make the best of it, with everyone else working that day. It just comes with choosing this career. I paid my dues for many years, and I am thankful that I have 9-5 hours now especially for my children.
DeleteWe really do a lot of sacrifice for others. I used to listen to my daughter complain that i'm always working on holidays( either you get X'mas or New Years off). As a nurse,i feel that i need to be contented that at least i spend one holiday with my family because i need to spend the other holiday with my patients who i treat as also like members of my family.
ReplyDeleteI don't really mind working holidays that much. Someone has to do it and I think it is just part of being a nurse. My family has always been very understanding and we just plan things around when I have to work. I also think of it like this, Things could be worse. You could be the patient who has to get treatment over the holidays and may be wondering if this will be their LAST holiday.
DeleteThats so true Jennifer
DeleteWe can feel upset about missing out on holiday time with our families- but what about our patients..who are not home for the holidays-it is nice that we can be their extended family for them in their time of need.
I am fortunate to be in a position that is closed the major holidays. Although, in the past, I have worked many 12 hour shifts over holidays working on the oncology unit. It is difficult to work a holiday when everyone in your family is at a party. I agree that the staff became your family and the patients and their families bond over holiday time together. As in the article, the food and party atmosphere create a happier environment. Now that major stores are opening all night after Thanksgiving and extended hours over other holidays, I think many more people understand the commitments and sacrifices of working holidays.
ReplyDeleteI too work in a department where at present is closed major holidays. But I have worked Christmas and other holidays in the past.It was just part of the job. My family often would celebrate after I got home;and understood that I had to work; and truthfully, I did not mind the holidays but liked the day off following. At work we bonded together for ourselves as well as our patients; often brought in food to share. Patients appreciated that we were there. I too think more people now understand the committments and sacrifices of working holidays, as stores are open earlier and earlier whether it is a holiday or not.
DeleteNow after many years of working weekends/holidays I am finally in a position that works the traditional "bankers hours". My regret is that all those years I was working on the holidays, which was especially hard for my Mom, I am now not able to enjoy the holidays with her, as she passed away from cancer in 2009. Her last Christmas was the first Christmas I was off in many years:-( Life lesson learned: just because one is single and without children does not mean they should work every holiday to accomodate those who do.
ReplyDeleteJulie, I agree, although I have a lot of kids, those without kids deserve their fair holiday rotation too. Family is important whether it is kids, parents, or extended family. I'm glad you got to spend your mom's last Christmas with her.
DeleteJulie, I too am happy you got to spend that last Christmas with your Mom. Everyone, regardless of marital and child status deserve equal time off on the holidays.
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear that you lost your mother. I lost mine in 2007, so I understand how you feel about the holidays. Thank you Julie for emphasizing that EVERY staff member's holidays are important no matter if you have young kids or not. I too now work traditional hours, and I have a DEEP appreciation for the time I now have with my family. Thank you Nurses for all you do!!!
DeleteI think that when you choose a career path- you have an understanding of what is and will be expected of you. There are certainly plenty of modalities in nursing to accommodate any schedule wishes. But if you plan to work within a hospital or a setting that is open on holidays, expect to work. If you get lucky enough to get called off then-bonus for you. Though administrators should maintain a fair and shared holiday off schedule. But like you mentioned your family being supportive and celebrating another day is a great work around.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! We chose this career path; it comes with the setting. It's not to bad. You learn to appreciate it in other ways.
DeleteWhen choosing a career like ours, we know that we are going to have to work holidays every year. I am newly married and don't have any children yet so my family understands that schedule. My husband is a fireman so he misses many holidays as well. I enjoy working holidays, especially in our hospital because it really gives me more time to spend with my patients and my co-workers because they are all family too! However, we and our families really appreciate the time that we DO get to spend together on holidays becuase they know it is not often that we get to all be together. I am sure this will become more difficult as my family grows though. As of now, to adapt to a holiday schedule, it is just important to keep in mind that we are all a family and our patients really do appreciate our care and presence on special days like that. We are all a team and in it together, and just because we cannot celebrate a holiday on it's designated day does not mean we cannot celebrate it before or after and still enjoy the season, as well as our opposite holidays off.
ReplyDeleteYou are right...our patients do appreciate our care and validate the sacrifice we make to be away from our loved ones during the holidays. I enjoy being able to care for our patients during these times, as they truly appreciate our care.
DeleteEntering the nursing field, I always knew that holiday rotation would be part of the responsibility. It is something that I have always dealt with and family adapts to. I am aware of the holiday schedule at the beginning of the year and therefore am able to plan things accordingly. Although it is hard to teach kids that it is necessary because they don't fully understand, it is more important to make the time special when it happens. It is not about the "date" that the holiday happens, but rather the "time" that is spent around these dates. To me, they are dates that can be planned on different dates...I find it to be extremely difficult to be upset on these holidays I have to work because there are ill patients that want nothing more than to be with their families and to be well again. Specifically as an oncology nurse, I see the impact of illness on these patients who wish to spend Christmas with their families.
ReplyDeleteYoung children do learn that their mother/father nurse needs to help ill people on the holidays. They learn to respect you.
DeleteI knew what I signed up for when I decided to pursue nursing as a career. Christmas day is a very interesting day to work. I remember working on a oncology unit, and everyone's family brought a dish to the floor. We ate as a group, and took turns rounding on patient's since our census was very low. It was actually a really nice way to spend it, since everyone else's family came together as a group. My advice would be make the best of it, and bring the holiday cheer to work that day. There is no reason not to celebrate as a family with your coworkers. You might actually find it to be one of the Christmas memories that sticks with you. It certainly did for me.
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree.Some of those great times/memories have been spent during the holidays with your coworkers. We are all in it together.
DeleteIn the past when I worked Holidays I will admit that I was a little resentful. But on the Holidays there always seemed to be an extra sense of commraderie and merriment among those of us who were working. I would advise for those of us who have to work on a Holiday, that we are caring for people who are sick, suffering and may be celebrating there last with loved ones. And to remember , that we are truly fortunate to have our health.
ReplyDeleteVery true Mary, we have to look at the big picture. We are healthy and are able to celebrate on a later day but for some of our patients there won't be more Holidays to celebrate.
DeleteI knew when I pursued nursing as a career I would need to work weekends and holidays. My family would celebrate the weekend after a holiday if I worked the holiday. I now work in the Radiation Oncology dept. We are not open on weekends or Holidays. Nurses do take call after hours, weekends and holidays. I did have to come in on Thanksgiving Day and the Fri day after. You just have to change your family plans.+
ReplyDeletei agree with you Mary , upon choosing this profession you should be ready of what it entails you about working on holidays, like you i work on same day surgery , we are close on holidays. i have my shares of working holidays too during my earlier years as a nurse working on the floor and I try to schedule our holiday with my work schedule
DeleteI would have to admit that I have struggled in the past working on the holidays. However, the advice I have learned is that attitude is the key. Ultimately, the only thing we can change is our attitude towards something. When someone has a good attitude, usually you will have a better day and so will the other people around you. Just think about it, most patients don’t want to be in the hospital either. I have many good memories with patients on Christmas day.
ReplyDeleteYes, that is so true, Sheila! "the only thing we can change is our attitude towards something!"
DeleteIt is hard having to seperate yourself from family during the holidays but as long as the holiday assignement is given ahead of time, planning can be done. When departments are open 24/7 and the holidays are divided evenly I am willing to do my part. Coming to work with a positive attitude makes a huge difference. Celebrating with patients and co-workers that have came in to work the holiday also is a great way to have a positive outlook on the day.
DeleteThe holidays aren't my favorite time of year, so when I worked inpatient, I never minded it. I would volunteer to work for those that needed to be with their families. I don't remember that the patient load was terribly heavy or that we go a lot of admissions, so it wasn't so bad. Everyday is a gift, especially those like us who work with cancer patients and realize how quickly life can change.
ReplyDeleteWe are nurses. I really do not know how many kid's birthdays, anniversaries and holidays I have worked. It has just come to be accepted. Just like everyone else, you learn to adapt and change to what is good for your family. As my children have grown, I have had to learn how to have Santa Clause change his route because he was early or late to fit my work schedule. During the holiday season, I actually like working. The popcorn tins, candies and goodies...if you have to work what a time to do it. Thanks to all who put forth their holiday and special days to care for our patients.
ReplyDeleteI agree with many of the posts above. If you know your rotation is to work a holiday, ask your family to schedule on a day that you are off. You could even make "Thanksgiving" or "New Years Day" or "Fourth of July" your Christmas celebration. Having a holiday on the "holiday" isn't required. Most important is spending time with those you love.
ReplyDeleteEveryone celebrates the holidays a little bit differently. Many of us consider our work family our 'second family' and that can make working the holidays somewhat easier. As nurses, we knew what we were signing up for when it came to working on and around the holidays and we have to be flexible when it comes to rotating the holidays that we work. This year, patients were constantly bringing cards, cookies, candies, and other little gifts in to the clinic which meant a lot to us as a team. When it comes down to it, attitude is everything.
ReplyDeleteI agree Taylor! Looking at working holidays optimistically is a great way to keep positive. Planning ahead really helps to prepare for when working holidays is mandatory. Celebrating the day before or the day after with family has worked for me in the past.
DeleteI have to say that i have worked my share of holidays and weekends in my nursing career and it was very difficult to accept at times but you realize quickly how fortunate you are to be working and not the patient and family being cared for at the same time. I also have to say that after 5 years on the inpatient side of nursing in cardiac/intermediate car and ICU I came to CTCA and have worked in a clinic setting where I am now off all weekends and Holidays and it is a blessing. I understand fully the sacrifice from family that it takes to work those special moments but know once again that at least us nurses get to go home at the end of the shift and our patients do not.
ReplyDeleteWorking Holidays are very difficult but you really do have to leartn to make the best of the situation. I agree that it is difficult for your family to learn to accept the fact that you can not always be there for the holidays. My husband is in the military and the closest that we have lived to either side of the family is 5 hours away. So, in order to be there for the holiday you have to have more than just the date of the holiday off. We have learned to adapt though. If necessary we celebrate the week before or after. For the times that I am at work, I truly do feel Blessed to be making a difference in the lives of our patients.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I have been through the same situation with my husband being in the military. You need to make the best out out of any situation working the holidays.
DeleteI too have pictures of myself in scrubs prepared to dash off to work on Christmas day after the kids opened their presents at 5:00am. My kids understood that sick people need care everyday, especially on Christmas. I have missed many Christmas Eve family parties due to work, but as long as the scheduling is fair and shared among co-workers I didn't mind too much. I was doing my part to care for patients during a difficult time when they don't want to be in the hospital either. It's a hectic time of year and work around the Christmas holidays seems calmer sometimes. Watch out the following week! The week after holidays are nearly always extremely busy!
ReplyDeleteAnjie, you got that right! We get slammed the weeks before and after major holidays! :)
DeleteWorking holidays was difficult with my children when they were small. My husband was in the military and that means that either one of us was working the holiday which was usually around Christmas time. We made the best of it. We celebrated on Christmas eve. We left one present for the my daughters to open up Christmas day. So being with family and making the best out of any situation can get you through the holidays while working.
ReplyDeleteI prefer to be with my family during the holidays. We can’t get back those memories. But I also know that nurses share the alternating of holiday work schedules.
ReplyDeleteWhen I worked in the nursing home, it always felt good to see all of the residents during and on the holidays, knowing that for many of them, WE were their family. The giving and sharing of the special gift of family is how I was able to sacrifice my family for my “other” family at work. As a healthcare team, we can help each other by switching shifts or covering for each other in any way that we can.
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DeleteI used to work at a nursing home also and I loved working holidays there. The employees always picked a patient's name out of a hat and bought them presents. It was very rewarding because most did not have visitors or family. WE were their family!
DeleteSometimes working holidays can be a bummer but I understood this would be something I had to do going into this profession. I actually don't mind working holidays and although I tend to miss out on family gatherings I am still able to enjoy the holidays after I leave at the end of my shift. I think sometimes we need to put things into perspective and be grateful for what we do have considering patient's are sick in the hospital during a holiday and they are not able to be at home with their families.
ReplyDeleteHealthcare at the holidays. Well, I can't say as we WANT to be at work when our loved ones are at home, but that comes with the territory. One thing I love about my job is that I can know our patients, so being with them at the holidays is just an extension of that. We can talk with them about plans, meals, the good and bad of it. We can continue to partner with them in a time that is generally pretty stressful. And we can do it with chocolate, which always helps! We can bring normalcy to their lives as we share in our common humanity.
ReplyDeleteIf I were to give advice to my fellow nurses, it would just be this. Be good to yourselves. Don't miss your holiday because of (difficult to meet) expectations you place on yourselves. Lower your expectations of what should be, and enjoy the sweet moments. They'll be gone in a heartbeat.
Very well said Jen. I agreed with all of these posts. I think our patients are so appreciative during the holidays. I really feel the appreciation and love from our patients around the holidays. It makes it so much easier to work a holiday because of them
DeleteUnfortunately, when you decide to go into the medical field you already know that you may need to dedicate yourself to long days, crazy hours, weekends and holidays. It's no so bad, of course I would rather be home but so would our patients. I would suggest that once you are aware of your holiday schedule, just prepare for it. Schedule family plans on different days, emotionally prepare to be at work, and make the best of the situation. My mom always complains whenever I have to work on holidays and I always tell her "the patients' illness just doesn't take off on those days! Someone has to care for them".
ReplyDeleteI enjoy working around the holidays- I feel the patients inspire me to realize what is truly important in life. I have plenty of days to spend with family and friends and we are all willing to move days around in order to spend time together. Some patients do not have that luxury and are so sick they need to be in the hospital setting. It is nice to share of ourselves and get away from the commercialized aspect of the holidays.
ReplyDeleteFor new nurses I would stress this. It is hard with young children and so being able to switch shifts is a nice thing to do.
I have worked my share of holidays, in earlier years, when my boys were little. During most of these years, I worked nights, so if I didn't have the "day" off, I knew I would be celebrating very tired. I had to be very organized and get things done, before that, as the holiday seemed like a double shift, first work, then staying awake for the festivities. Truthfully, I didn't mind. I had worked in a hospital before becoming a nurse, so knew what was expected and I could look forward to the extra workday off, another day. In later years, after I was divorced, I knew I would be making extra money, for working the holiday and I liked to figure out how much that would be and do something fun, with my sons, with it.
ReplyDeleteBeyond that, I liked the working holidays. Only the sickest patients remained and our hospital seemed to have the strongest, most caring family members, so there always seemed to be something special in the air. They would have special treats and decorations, in the rooms and there always seemed to be an abundance of goodies around. Despite their serious illnesses, the patients always seemed concerned about their poor nurse, who had to work. I always felt everyone had a good spirit.
I learned to plan another day, to celebrate and, fortunately, my extended family lives near and we always found a common time to see each other.
Most manager made good use of the holiday requests and divided things, as fairly as they could.
It is something that a new nurse, working on a unit that is open on holidays, must understand and accept, however.
i dont mind working during holidays, since i choose this profession, I have to be mentally and physically aware of the commitment and sacrifice I have to make. We just try to schedule things around my work schedule. As my children gets older ,they understand it better why I have to work during holidays
ReplyDeleteLike everyone, I also have my share of working Christmas eve/day, and every other holidays.When I was still single we usually let our married co worker take the day off.We have mutual understanding to give way to our married co worker especially if their kids are still small.So when I got married, I enjoyed the same privilege. Nursing as a Noble profession can be achieve with the help of your peers. It might be hard at times, but very rewarding, we always make the most of it. If you happened to be working, we do pot luck, we do a lot of things to enjoy the day.Most of the time too,the unit will be very quiet since only the very sick, who really needs the care that are confined.As most of you said, it is the attitude, how you perceive & choose when to celebrate Christmas, how & where.
ReplyDeleteImelda, you are such a great nurse!!! You are so sweet
DeleteI agree with Vilma's comment, when there is sacrifices comes rewards and fulfillment.Not being bias but I salute all Nurses and other employees who works even on holidays.
ReplyDeleteBefore I became a nurse I knew that holidays and weekends would be part of the deal. But even other professions work these holidays as well. I enjoy working the holidays with my patients because I find it rewarding. As for the family when my children were small I of course wanted to be home in the morning to watch them open their gifts. Conveniently I worked the PM shift and was able to do this. As the children got older they understood I had to work now days and would wait to open their gifts when I would get home. I think it helps the children as they watch their parents work in these professions helping people to become more mindful of the importance of holidays and prioritizing what is important in life. Despite the treats and good cheer helping others when they are so vulnerable is why I do what I do. It is very humbling working with these patients and being part of their journeys including the holidays.
ReplyDeleteWorking every other weekends and holidays are part of being a nurse and I don't mind working during holidays. Actually, it is easy to work those days because it is usually quiet and not busy. For me, it is also rewarding to work those days.
ReplyDeleteTrue, it usually is quieter, plus you get Holiday pay so that makes it even more bearable:)
DeleteOf course most people would prefer to be home with their family on holidays, even our patients. Like everything in life though, there are positives and negatives. Being that there is no choice, people need healthcare services on holidays and weekends, we should do our best to focus on the positives. I really liked the article “Christmas in the Hospital” and the blog posts by my colleagues highlighting the many blessings that are included in working the holidays. Although not always ideal planning and adapting as many people have said is the best way to deal with the holiday/ work dilemma. Celebrating with your work family and trying to bring joy to the patients in this tough time help nurses to get through. Then, when you are able to celebrate with your family making sure to enjoy and cherish the moment even if it is not at the time or day that was expected.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Abbey!!! Thank you
DeleteI don't mind working around the holidays. My kids are adults so I try to let my co-workers with young kids have the time off. I also feel it is usually quieter in the hospitals and nursing homes and we have time to make the holidays special for the patients. I would advise that anyone having concerns with working the holidays bring it to their supervisor to come up with a schedule to rotate so everyone has a chance to get time off at the holidays. I find that it can be very pleasant and dinner is usually ready when I get home after working the holidays.
ReplyDeleteChoosing a career where you work 24hours/7days all year is typically known up front as many nurses have already commented above. I’ve worked on units where we used a buddy system and self-scheduled our own shifts, as long as the shifts were covered the system worked well. We had a rotating schedule for major holidays, you can still trade and barter with your co-worker nurses. It could be just as fun to celebrate the traditional holidays on a different day and make it special with your family and friends. You make the best out of what you have in life and be grateful and enjoy what you do have. We never know what our future holds for us.
ReplyDeleteI agree! It is nice to have a rotating schedule and you can plan ahead!
DeleteHealth Literacy to me means a combination of comprehension and communication in the healthcare setting to help promote and continue growth in patient/caregiver education and health maintenance.
ReplyDeleteIt’s all about making the patient feel comfortable so that when they don’t know something, they are more willing to come to you or another health care personal with their concerns or questions. Saying questions with a light tone in your voice with good eye contact is key. In my area here at CTCA, I am in the port rooms, so it is very important to always practice the Teach Back method when they are in my room. A lot of patients forget all the details of what the port entails, so continuous education is usually needed. I would say questions like, “I know we have covered a lot today with your new port, are you having any concerns you would like to talk about when caring for your port?” When accessing them I almost always go over the importance of hydration so it is usually pretty drilled into their heads when they visit us a few times. Saying things like “Have you drank your water this morning or the day before?” (In a nice tone of voice and smiling). If they don’t know the importance of it, I will educate them, or re-educate them, then I could say “Now how much water are you going to drink the day before you come in for your next port access?” Questions like these have a more sincere approach and may make the patient feel like they can talk to you, so Teach Back is very important.
Working on the holidays in healthcare doesn’t bother me, although I don’t have kids yet so that view might change a little whenever that happens. I’ve always enjoyed working in the hospital on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas because the patients can’t help that they are here so it is nice to be there to comfort them and make their day a little better. For advice for a new employee to a hospital, I would say it is something they will have to adjust to unless they want to work in a clinic setting where there is no holidays or weekends. I would maybe tell them how I personally view it, and maybe they could look at it a little differently.
I was a night shift nurse before and missed a lot of holidays with my family. If I remember right, I was required to work 2 summer and 2 winter holidays. " IT'S THE POLICY !!! " It was not a big deal for me, my wife and I are both night shift nurses. We planned ahead and decide which holiday we would each work. This way we knew someone would always be home with our kids at any given holiday.
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DeleteI feel privaleged to work in health care around the holidays, especially here. The patients are so greatful and I am greatful to interact with them. I mean, it is hard knowing that we may miss out on a part of the holidays but so do our patients since we are here taking care of them. I always tell patients, as long as you celebrate with your loved ones you are celebrating the holiday no matter which day you acutally do it on. For example, I worked Thanksgiving last year and my family celebrated it with me that weekend. We still did the same traditions and loved being together. That is what it is about, being happy and surrounded by those we care for.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it feels special to be with our patients around the holidays, especially when so many of them have limited access to their family members while they are here. It creates a special bond with them and knowing that you are still able to spend time with your family makes even more special.
DeleteI think most people would like to be with their close family and friends around the holidays. This includes patients. As healthcare workers, we know that working holidays is part of what we signed up to do. Making the holidays as enjoyable as possible for the patients is very rewarding. In the past, my family has been very accomodating with celebrations so that I can still be a part of traditions and family time.
ReplyDeleteThroughout my years, every job I have ever had required working weekends and holidays. Nursing, however, has been the most rewarding and fulfilling of any of them! Due to the nature of this profession weekends and holidays are just part of the business. Holidays are tough sometimes, especially when your kids are young but it is also quite rewarding. Being able to be with your pt during the holidays gives you a warm feeling of appreciation for health and family.
ReplyDeleteI would love to have holidays off. Just like everyone else I have grown to accommodate working holidays. My family plans other dates to celebrate so we make it work. I come into work with a smile on my face like any other day and embrace the day being with my coworkers and patients. It's just one of those things you learn to adapt.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I applaud your positive out look on the need that health care has for nurses to work holidays. I also commend you on having a positive attitude when you have to come into work on the holiday. You don't just talk the talk you walk the walk. Good job girl.
DeleteLisa Hammons
ReplyDeleteBeing off work for the holidays with family is always enjoyable and it would be nice to always be able to spend the holidays together, but as nurses, we have to just be glad that we can at least alternate Holidays so that maybe we get Christmas off one year and Thanksgiving the next. I haven't had to work on an actual holiday in several years now, but when I was a floor nurse I sure worked a lot of them. For my family, we just adjusted to it. If I worked on Christmas, then we would have a Christmas Eve dinner and let the kids open most of their gifts that evening, but always had a "Santa Gift" show up overnight and we would wake the kids up super early so they could open the gift before I left for work. Its all about balance and realizing that patients have to have care so we have to share the holidays with them instead of our families sometimes, although many of our patients feel like family since they visit so frequently.
Because of my family, we have celebrated holidays we can "get together". It is hard when it feels like the rest of world is celebrating and you are working. The holidays are tough. I try to remember that it is just a day, that I will be with my family tomorrow. Now that my daughter is older .. and soon will be leaving the house for college - it went way too quickly. That I spend too much time working the holidays and weekends.
ReplyDeleteFor the last three years I have worked in a clinical setting where we do not have to work on holidays but I have had other jobs where I was required to work on holidays. During those times my family just made adjustments and celebrated together when we could all be there. Then it feels like you were able to celebrate even more because you had the opportunity to enjoy the day with others and be a blessing to them and later have a family celebration. So much of it is how you view it. You just have to be positive and you never know when you might be on the receiving end of care at some point. Even if it as simple as buying gas on Christmas day or having access to a drug store when your baby is sick on a holiday. Someone has sacrificed to help and we can all be grateful for that.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very unique query, Melissa--thank-you! Although I am currently in a department which does not require working on holidays, I worked direct-patient care for the first 8 years at CTCA, when I did. Although I considered the shift with "glumness" ahead of time, I have to admit: I didn't mind it, in the end. Much of that may have to do with the fact that I was not yet a mother, but I loved the ambiance that holidays brought upon people...especially food-wise (potlucks), or wearing festive hats and pins. I remember working Christmas Eve 2nd shift one year, in-patient: A community member stopped in with a gift basket that she and a friend had made for any breast cancer patient. She said "We decided to help a cancer patient this year, in lieu of buying gifts for each other." I still recall the lady to whom I brought the basket: she thought it was so sweet! Then, the night nursing supervisor brought everyone an ornament. I ended my shift by going to Midnight Mass in my scrubs. So, my tip to others is "Make the best of it!" As my mother would remind me: "Better to be the one working, than the one admitted." Lastly, my husband is a police officer. He has to work holidays, and also I have children now. If a holiday occasion arises where he cannot be present, we would just celebrate on another day. Thanks!
DeleteTo Melissa M.: Loved your post. If I encounter a worker on a holiday (gas station, toll booth, etc), I always say "Thank you for working today."
DeleteYou made a good point that it's not just nurses who work on holidays. With stores/gas stations being open 24/7 365 there are many people working holidays. Those workers "give up" their holiday so we can as you said, get gas, buy things, shop. I've come to know that the holiday is the experience of being with people you care about, whenever that day is. It doesn't have to be on the day that's the holiday on the calendar.
DeleteWorking pre and post Holidays does not bother me as much as I have been working day shift. As far as that is concern, I plan my time ahead that if I am scheduled to work I don't plan having get-together parties with family and friends in my place, rather I just show up in my friend's house and enjoy. We always celebrate Holidays with circle of friends and that has not been an issue for me when it is my duty to serve those days. When I am working those days, my colleagues and I spend time discussing our plans and what not which to me is sharing ideas particularly when it comes to menus to serve, we exchange recipes and foods to prepare. It is fun time as well.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry, I have to reply to my own post. I was an inpatient nurse before and now working in the outpatient setting where we are always off on Holidays. But before then, I still did not mind working if it was my turn to come to work. I found it fair that we rotate annually in taking day's off on the Holiday itself. I just have to plan accordingly parties with family and friends and such:):):)
DeleteI knew from day one that working Holidays was part of this profession and tried to prepare myself for when this happened. I have been fortunate enough that I have been able to trade Holidays with co-workers and because of this I was able to spend time with my family. At the beginning of my nursing career I was too new to even ask to trade so I did have to put in my time of missed Holidays but it was a short time. Now that missing Holidays is not an issue I can't say how thankful I am, specially because I'm starting a family.
ReplyDeleteWorking in healthcare and having to work holidays goes hand in hand for most people. For the first 3 years as a nurse I had to work holidays. My family adapted and we celebrated at different times, or I was just not a part of the festivities. It was hard in a way, but sometimes working holidays was a very special time. The patient's became your "family", along with your co-workers who were working the holidays as well. I'm sure neither of them wanted to be in the hospital at that time either. Now that I have a position that doesn't require me to work holidays, I have several times (when I didn't have custody of my kids for that particular holiday)offered to work the floor for another nurse so he/she could be home with their family. Working on holidays is just something that we as nurses have just adapted to. A holiday doesn't have to be celebrated on that particular day. It is all about getting together with family and friends.
ReplyDeleteBrenda Chiappetta
I agree, Brenda. I am lucky enough to not have to work holidays now either, but I spent many holidays working before. Surprisingly, some of the time spent during the holidcays with my patients and colleagues were some of the most cherished. I'm sure the patients want to be in the hospital much less than we do - so if they can put on a smile and find things to celebrate, then it sure makes our job seem a lot easier in being there.
DeleteI have worked in health care so long now that I am used to working for some time around the holidays. I work around the holiday with my family and make plans to get together when I do have the time off. I understand it's hard for people with family out of town and I am lucky that way, my family is relatively close. As long as everyone understands that we all take our turns and support each other during the holidays. Support may come in the form of switching holidays with someone who needs to go out of town to celebrate the holiday.
ReplyDeleteI dont mind working the holidays, but being home with the family is of course the ideal. I try and make the best out of working a holiday, bringing in treats, hanging with my co-workers, wearing santa hats, making the patients smile. As nurses, we have to adapt to alot of things, and one of them is sacraficing to work holidays.
DeleteI am very fortunate that I do not have to work the holidays in my current position. However, I have some very fond memories when looking back on the years when I did. There are many special moments shared with colleagues and especially your patients on those days. We would always find ways to make it enjoyable and the patients always made me feel very appreciated. I think because I have little kids that it would honestly be a struggle for me to be away from them on the holidays, but at the same time it is important to remember that it is not the actual day that is as important, but the time spent together in celebration.
ReplyDeleteSo true Cathy, we play not only important role as caregivers but the fact that we acknowledge that they are far home and is sick and not with their respective families on holidays makes us truly feel blessed that at the end of the day we are so close to our families and that indeed is something to be thankful of.
ReplyDeleteWhen I started my career in the healthcare field especially working in a hospital, I knew that working holidays will be a part of my life and of course who would want to work on a holiday especially Christmas?
ReplyDeleteFor me Christmas is always special, being Filipino, this is the only holiday I looked forward to because of family bonds and parties. When I came here in the US, things were never the same Here, I learned to adjust that I only have few members of the family to deal with compared back home so working on Christmas Eve and day was never an issue for me. Sometimes I'd rather work and spend time with the patients to cheer them up and be with them so that they will feel that even in the most darkest hours of their lives they know that there is somebody who they can truly consider as a family. For me, working holidays around the patients give me that sense of belonging. Why? Because they are not the only ones that finds a family in me, but me too. On the holidays, I get to know them better and quality time is always in there because you have less patients to take care of. The hugs, the stories you hear and most of all the precious smiles on their faces gives me a different perspective and outlook in life. Sometimes it makes me ask myself what if this is their last holiday to celebrate, at least In any way I was able to play an end part of it. For people that has to work on a holiday just think about this, at CTCA, our patients come from other states and places and most of them have no families around them during these times. Us, when we go home after the shift, we see our families and probably can still celebrate even for the shortest hours, but them, they'll wait till they get better and able to go home before they can celebrate. That is why we all have so many things to be thankful of, if we miss a celebration, it's not the end of the world cause there is always another day for us to do that. For the patients, it's uncertain cause no one knows what another day brings to their lives.
Richie - you are a gifted writer. I agree that we have another family - our hospital family. Some of my best memories are working the holidays, making it a little brighter for that patient,family or coworker.
DeleteRichie, I have thought that many times, what if this holiday is this patient's last holiday. It brings a different perspective to the preciousness of each person we care for.
DeleteI think everyone who decides to go into the healthcare profession knows that a few missed holidays goes with the territory. As many of my positions have been in an outpatient setting, I have been lucky enough to have most of the major holidays off. The ones I have worked I enjoyed some sweet time with my coworkers. There is a camaraderie when you spend a holiday with your nurse family. However, I am not yet married and do not have children. I have watched nurses who are mothers struggle with this much more than I as they are trying to give their children the family holiday they deserve and make memories for them. I must also say that it is also particularly difficult to see people sick and suffering around the holidays.
ReplyDeleteWorking on the holiday was never a problem for me.I new its going to be a part of my job as a nurse when i decided to become one.If i have to work on the holiday me and my family celebrate the day before or after.All of my family and friends try to plan any celebrations based on my schedule.After so many years it became a norm.If im working on the holiday i try to make that day special-bring some sweets or food related to the holiday,if permited wear holiday scrubs,etc.
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate your treats! I have found that my coworkers are often my surrogate family on the holidays. We keep each others spirits up. I appreciate that I have a job that can feel like a home away from home at times.
DeleteOver the years I have worked many holidays on various shifts and enjoy the time I am able to spend with my patients that have no family available to them. I just let my family and friends know ahead of time that I will be working during the holiday,this gives them (and you) a chance to plan accordingly to celebrate the holiday together. Even though holidays cannot always be celebrated on the actual day, it can still be memorable and fun.
ReplyDeleteSo true mary, holidays can be celebrated whenever family and friends are together. It's the being together that's important.
DeleteWorking holidays comes with the profession. I didn't mind working holidays when I was a "younger" nurse as it was a privilege to share this time with patients. One person/nurse can change and entire memory for a patient/family member either positive or negative. I hope that when my patients think back on being in the hospital for a holiday they remember the positive, silver lining, to a not so ideal situation.
ReplyDeleteWhen I worked at the bedside and worked more holidays, I was fortunate to have family and friends who were very understanding. In my family, the holiday was celebrated when we could be together. We accomodated everyone's schedule as best we could. There was always a way to get together, even when I worked during the holiday. Working on Christmas or Thanksgiving made me appreciate how fortunate I was to be able to go home at the end of my shift and spend time with loved ones. My patients were "stuck" in the hospital. I could go home. The hospitals I worked at always had special things for the patients on holidays. Sometimes it was as simple as holiday napkins or decorations on meal trays. Other times Santa would come to visit. Seeing how happy little things made the patients made it easier not being with my family at those times.
ReplyDeleteWhen I started working as a nurse, I was single and didn't mind working the holidays. I knew that someone has to mind the store and I was one of them. But when i got married and my daughter was born, I did what i could to make sure I was there when she opened her gifts. I used to exchange shifts with other nurses so i could be off on X'mas day and spend the holiday with my family. Now that my daughter is grown up and married, I don't mind working the holidays again. I tried to return the favors I received before when I was working on the floor. I switched shifts so the nurses with younger kids can enjoy the X'mas holiday with their family.
ReplyDeleteNow, that I transferred to care management I'm happy to have the weekends off and be off on all the holidays. Isn't life sweet?
I salute to you Jen, for working more than 30 years in MRMC. You deserve to be off all Holidays.
DeleteVery good point, Jennifer. I feel this as well, that with younger kids it is more of a 'burden' to work a holiday than prior to having a family or once you become an 'empty-nester'. I guess the phase of life you are in can impact your impression of holiday work.
DeleteWorking in the medical field, especially if you are doing bed side, it's a No Holiday situation, it is a 24/7 care. I work christmas day, being 8 months pregnant, with a full load. No choice. As well as the patient being in the hospital on Holiday sometimes they have no choice either.There is no easy way to be off. The only thing that we can do is discuss it with our manager and the entire team, it will work out. Take turns.
ReplyDeleteBeena Patel
ReplyDeleteAs others have mentioned, Working during the holidays varies tremendously depending on your own cultural belief. Being an Indian, my holidays are at different times than that of my coworkers. It has not been an issue when I had to work Christmas or thanksgiving and am willing to switch with my coworkers so that they can spend time with their families. But, what I have learned over the years is that a holiday is just another day. The gifts and food do not matter as much as the time spent with each other and that can be done any day of the week or year. We do not have to be thankful for all that we have in life on just that one day in November , we should be thankful each and every day.
Working holidays comes with this profession. I have always worked holidays before becoming a nurse. I am fortunate enough not to have to work major holidays anymore with my current position as a nurse. But it is about service, committment, and sacrifice. I have missed many holidays with my family. I have been with my patients and their familes while working at hospice. That was rewarding for me.
ReplyDeleteHealthcare is a very fulfilling and “open-hearted” profession to be part of, holidays take a different meaning for you and your family. Now, I have learned to appreciate even more those special days when you get the opportunity to spend them with your loved ones. But at the same time, sharing holidays with your coworkers and specially the patients, gives me the opportunity to have a deeper and more special meaning of why I decided to become a nurse. Hortensia Aiello
ReplyDeleteEven though I do not officially "work" holidays anymore I usually do in another sense. A call from the ER or a nurse on the unit. I have met a frantic patient at the hospital late on Christmas for a leaking applinace - in a blizzard. We are here to care for patients - no matter the time, the day or the occassion. Whenever I get called and the nurse says "I am sorry to call you..." my wish is that if this was my Mom that needed something that a healthcare professional would take a moment out of their day and provie her the compassion and care she deserves. Many professions work the holiday. We are all here for each other.
ReplyDeleteSince becoming a nurse, I have become used to working every other weekend and every other holiday. Although I often feel like I am missing out on fun family get-togethers, I always feel a sense of fulfillment working on Christmas. The atmosphere is different that day, both the nurses and the patients are in a better mood and everyone seems to be more thankful and less demanding. I can remember working on the trauma orthopedic floor my first Christmas working as a nurse. One of my patients was admitted to the hospital with a broken hip and had surgery on Christmas eve. His family and children were all in town for a Christmas surprise. The unexpected hospital visit had put a stop to their party plans. I worked with the patient's physicians and the nursing supervisor to set up a surprise party at the hospital for him. The family was allowed to use one of the hospital's large metting rooms for their party. My patient had no idea what was going on. The patient's daughter was calling me throughout the shift to coordinate my bringing the patient down to the reserved room. I had to come up with a little white lie to get the patient to go down in a wheelchair without telling him what was going on, as the daughter and family wanted me to keep it a secret. The patient's reaction to the surprise party will always stay with me. They were very impressed that I had gotten permission from his MD for him to leave the floor. I went down to the party several times to check up on my patient and everyone was so thankful. I left work that night so happy and with tears in my eyes.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree! I feel that we are meant to serve our patients even greater on holidays! How wonderful that you were able to make your patient's Christmas so cheerful in the mist of that situation! This is what nursing is all about!
DeleteHolidays take on a different meaning when they are worked. St home, I feel that holidays are more flexible, in that they are not so much tied to a specific day as they are tied to the meaning of the holiday. The day we spend as a family provides the meaning, not the calendar date.
ReplyDeleteAt work, the holidays are a mix of business but some fun. Coworkers and patients become the surrogate family. I've found myself sitting a little longer talking to a lonrly patient and even making impromptu holiday cards for patients. Not everyone has a "Merry Christmas". It is a privilege to spend time with people that are ill or working on the holiday.
Working in an outpatient setting as we do in Navigation and in the clinic, we don't technically 'work' holidays. However, I have been on-call for Thanksgiving weekend, which was a relatively calm time. I am grateful to have the actual days of holidays home with my family, as I worked many holiday days in the hospital setting bedside. Prior to becoming a nurse, my daughter became very ill and slipped into a coma on Thanksgiving day. Of course I was and am eternally grateful for the staff that was working in the ER, in Imaging, on the floor. My 3 year old's fate was in their hands. Had they not been 100% on-board with working that day, her outcome may have been very different. That Thanksgiving with a sick child was the inspiration I had to actually completely change my career and become a nurse. I saw first-hand the impact a wonderful nurse had on our entire stay. This holiday spent in a hospital changed my daughter's life and mine.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very hot topic throughout the months of Novemeber through January on our inpatient unit! Unfortunately, there are several arguements, begging, and schedules swaps during those months as well... What are we all fighting for? To be with our families, of course!
ReplyDeleteAs for me, I feel indifferent about working the holidays. I am someone who cherishes traditions, and I would truly love more consistency in my family life for the holidays. However, I know God has placed a desire for me to be an inpatient nurse and I love the position I am in now at the bedside. That being said, I will explain it to you the way I explain it to my family... I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve my patients during the holidays. As much as I want to be home with my family to celebrate, my patients want that for themselves multiplied by a thousand!!! If my patients have to be stuck in a hospital, fighting for their health... The least I can do is take 12 hours of my time that day and serve them with love and care to the best of my ability. I have the hope in knowing that at the end of my shift, I will make it home to my family to celebrate the remaining of the day, and I have the ability to coordinate an alternative day for a true family celebration.
I know that may sound cheesy, but it is truly how I feel. It is quite complicated being a nurse during the holidays, but thankfully, I am blessed with a family who is flexible and understanding. If I happen to get called off for a particular holiday, I have learned to be grateful for those surprises... But in the meantime, my attitude remains... I am here to serve my patients... They are the ones who deserve to be with their family, but do not have that option.
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ReplyDeleteDebbie Tyson, RNJanuary 31, 2016 at 9:22 PM
ReplyDeleteWhen my children were little and I was needed to work at the hospital on the holiday, I always reminded my children that my patients were so sick that they couldn't be at home, they were in the hospital and needed someone to take care of them. When they heard this, my children were happy to share their mom for one night/day. After completing my shift, upon going home I was even more grateful for the blessings in my life.
Throughout my nursing career, my family and I have adapted to celebrating the holidays on days other than the holiday itself. Living so far from my immediate family, it had to become incorporated into their customs too. Truly, holidays mean being together and celebrating life at every opportunity!
Deb, I read your blog and it reminded me of when my kids were little and where I worked we were required to work one year christmas the next christmas eve. I had a friend who celebrated Christmas Eve and my family was Christmas so we switched with each other every other year including the children. So she took my kids on Christmas eve and I took her shift and visa versa. My kids are grown as well as hers but we have each adopted some of the others traditions and of course we have grown kids who still are friends to this day!!! I agree each day is one to be celebrated. Happy Day!!!
DeleteWhile I never like missing a holiday with my family... I always try to make the best of it. We usually try to reschedule quality family time on a different day whenever possible. With everything in life, there are pros and cons, advantages and sacrifices.
ReplyDeleteI have over the years noted when patients are in severe stress, I have learned to ask them what is there favorite holiday and how does that holiday look in their family. Most patient's are willing to answer and the light in their eyes brings you to the moment with them. I have heard fantastic stories, sad stories, cried, and laughed. But I leave a better person because of the bond shared. Note: The macho guys I like to ask them about their first car or who they took to prom, My husband's Grandfather with dementia couldn't remember my name but sure remembered his first car and his junior and senior prom dates.
ReplyDelete