Are any nurses working during the holidays this year? If you’re a bedside nurse, chances are, the answer is yes! The holiday season often brings a vast mix of emotions for many professionals, but it can be particularly challenging for nurses. I used to dread alternating between working Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year because, in reality, I didn’t want to spend any of them at work. Unfortunately, as a bedside nurse, I had no choice in the matter. Scrolling up and down my social media platforms only fueled my inner turmoil.

Working during the holidays means being away from family and friends and not being able to participate in the festivities. This is a time of year when the demands of the job can feel even more intense than usual. According to the American Psychiatric Association, over half of healthcare professionals feel that their stress levels are increased during the holiday season. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. With some creativity and support, working during the holidays can be an opportunity for fun and meaningful experiences. 

Why Is It Hard To Work During The Holidays?

1. Emotional Strain: Holidays are a time of heightened emotions for everyone. As nurses, we not only have to manage our own feelings about missing out on spending time with family, but we also need to provide support to patients who are upset about being stuck in the hospital during the festive season. Since our patients are naturally vulnerable and lonely during this time, we will want to give them some extra comfort and care. While this support is necessary, it can add an extra layer of emotional labor.
2. Increased Workload and Staff: Contrary to what the general public may expect, the holiday season doesn’t necessarily mean a hospital slowdown. Oh no. Actually, hospitals often experience high patient volumes due to various reasons such as accidents, overdoses, and seasonal illnesses. Compound this with the staff shortages that hospitals are already experiencing, and you have a recipe for an increased workload for those already working.
3. Physical Exhaustion and Burnout: Long shifts are a regular part of nursing, but they can become even more grueling during the holiday season. A higher workload, emotional demands, and potentially fewer staff members can lead to physical exhaustion and burnout. The knowledge that coworkers are home enjoying their holiday off often exacerbates this. 
4. Disruption Of Personal And Family Traditions: Holidays are traditionally times for family gatherings and rituals. Nurses working during the holidays miss out on important family traditions, which can lead to feelings of sadness, guilt, and loss. This disruption of personal life can negatively impact a nurse’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being. 
5. Feelings of Isolation and Being Undervalued: While the rest of the country celebrates, nurses, doctors, advanced practice providers, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare staff are at work, which can intensify feelings of isolation. Moreover, the lack of public acknowledgment or understanding of the sacrifices made by nurses during these times can contribute to feeling overlooked.
6. Impact On Mental Health: The cumulative effect of increased workload, emotional strain, physical exhaustion, and personal sacrifices can strain a nurse’s mental health. This is incredibly profound for nurses who miss their child’s first holiday or birthday or miss seeing family members who live far away. Increased stress, anxiety, and depression during the holiday season can affect both their personal and professional lives. 

How Can Working During The Holidays Be More Fun?

So, if you’re already stuck working during the holidays, the least we can do is try to make it a bit more memorable….in a good way. Here are five creative ways nurses can make working during the holidays more enjoyable. 

1. Festive Decorations:
   • Why not get together with your coworkers and decorate the nursing stations, patient rooms, and common areas with holiday-themed decor? Lights, garlands, and holiday-themed artwork.
   • Decorations can be further elevated by a friendly competition for the best-decorated area or the most creative holiday-themed display, offering small rewards or recognition. 
   • Involving patients (in appropriate units) in the decorating process can also enhance their experience and create a sense of community.
2. Organize a Holiday Potluck or Holiday Meal:
   • Rallying together with coworkers to bring in a holiday dish from their own traditions and cultures and build a sense of inclusivity and cultural exchange. It would also be an excellent way for everyone to try something new when working during the holidays.
   • Setting up a comfortable place away from patient care areas is also helpful. Having a place to take a break and actually enjoy the food, even if it’s just for a short while, can help everyone feel appreciated and refreshed.
3. Holiday Themed Activities:
   • Holiday-themed activities such as a Secret Santa gift exchange are great ways for everyone to give and receive small, thoughtful gifts. 
   • Host a holiday-themed trivia contest or bingo game with small prizes, which can be a fun way for everyone to engage in light-hearted competition during any downtime or breaks.
4. Support and Acknowledgment from Management:
   • This can be done through personalized thank-you notes, gift cards, public acknowledgments, or extra pto. 
   • Developing a wellness area like an on-site massage or relaxation can show nurses their well-being is valued when working during the holidays. 
5. Stay Connected:
   • A quick Zoom or Facetime chat with your family can make all the difference. Facetiming my family helped me feel somewhat involved in the festivities and motivated me to push through the day. 

What You Do Matters

I know these tips can’t replace a holiday spent at home, so it also helps to remind yourself that you are valued. 

1. Reflect On Your Past Successes:
   • Remember situations where your care made a significant difference in a patient’s recovery or comfort can be a powerful reminder of the value of your work. 
2. Patient Gratitude And Feedback:
   • Paying attention to the gratitude expressed by patients and their families can be a potent reminder of the importance of your role. Keeping thank-you notes or remembering heartfelt words of appreciation can be uplifting. 
3. Celebrate Small Wins and Daily Achievements:
   • Recognizing and celebrating even small successes during each shift can boost morale and reinforce the significance of your daily efforts.  
4. Remember To Have A Work-Life Balance
   • Having a worklife balance during the holidays is hard, especially when you have increased obligations at home. Scheduling time for self-care and relaxation is crucial to prevent burnout and keep their professional contributions in perspective.

Working during the holidays as a nurse is no easy feat. What you do has a profound impact on not just the health of your patients but on the well-being of the community as a whole. Because of YOU, your dedication, and compassion, these healthcare systems can support patients during the holiday season. When you find yourself working during the holidays, remember that as a nurse, what you do matters.