How To Cope With Working Holidays As A Nurse

  December 5, 2019    /      2:15 am    /      Ted Greenley

The holidays are fast approaching. Tis the season to spend time with your family, enjoy the many holiday festivities, and eat a little more than you should. As a nurse or another member of the medical field, the holidays may be a bit of a bummer as your holiday working schedule can interfere with these plans.

 

Dealing with The Nurse’s Holiday Work Schedule

Being a nurse during the holidays doesn’t mean you have to miss out on everything or that you should let the holiday blues get the best of you. As a South Florida career college that works with future nurses, we are sharing some tips we have learned on dealing with holidays as a nurse.

 

  1. Manage Your Expectations. With such a busy work schedule, there may be no avoiding working on a holiday or missing an occasion you enjoy. Whether it’s the Brown’s annual holiday party or a New Year’s Eve bash, you are bound to miss out a few events. Managing your expectations well in advance can lessen the letdown of missing some events.
  2. Make Your Own Holiday Schedule. This involves a little bit of planning ahead and requires some flexibility but can be well worth it. Pick the family traditions and holiday events that are most important to you and schedule them for days when you are not working. This may mean celebrating Christmas a few days late, but its not the day that matters, it’s how you spend your time.
  3. Celebrate with Your Co-Workers. You and your fellow nurses and doctors are all in the same boat. Try to make the most of the holiday season by making the most of your time at work. This may include handing out candy canes to your co-workers, wearing festive holiday accessories together, doing a Secret Santa, bringing in festive treats, or even having a cookie exchange (store-bought is fine).
  4. Trade Shifts. If there is one party or family event that you really do not want to miss, you can talk with your co-workers about switching shifts. Just remember that this is a two-way street. The more willing you are to pick up one of their shifts, the more likely they are to help you out when you need it.
  5. Remember Why You Became A Nurse. Whenever you are feeling down about missing an event or the stress of being a nurse feels like too much, just remember why you chose this profession in the first place. The holidays are about being grateful so think about how thankful your patients and their families are for your help. Your work is important and reminding yourself of this can help put matters into perspective.

 

Dealing with the holidays as a nurse isn’t always easy, but there are many other benefits that come with this profession. If you are ready to take those first steps to starting your career in this field, we want to help. At Southeastern College, our Florida nursing degree programs are designed to give students the basic skills and knowledge they need to pursue an entry-level position in the field. Contact us today to get started.