{"id":8743,"date":"2024-11-04T15:00:50","date_gmt":"2024-11-04T15:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/?p=8743"},"modified":"2024-11-08T20:28:57","modified_gmt":"2024-11-08T20:28:57","slug":"holiday-survival-guide-for-nurses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wellness\/holiday-survival-guide-for-nurses\/","title":{"rendered":"A Nurse\u2019s Holiday Survival Handbook: Tips for Staying Merry During the Stressful Season"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The holiday season is officially here. Before you know it, families everywhere will be carving turkeys for Thanksgiving and wrapping presents to stash under a brightly lit tree. But while some people are decking their halls with boughs of holly, many nurses don\u2019t feel very jolly. Instead of taking part in the festivities and cozy gatherings, they\u2019re looking at extra-long shifts, an influx of patients and all the unique challenges that come with working holidays.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For nurses on duty, the holiday rush means juggling holiday cheer with the realities of one of healthcare\u2019s busiest seasons. If you feel the seasonal surge weighing you down, use our insights to infuse a little merry into your shifts and make it through with your holiday spirit intact.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>The Holiday Surge: Understanding Why Hospitals Get So Busy<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Holidays might be the most wonderful time of the year for many, but this isn\u2019t always true at hospitals and other healthcare facilities where an uptick in patient loads can compound stress in an already stressful environment. According to estimates at one emergency department, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thecurrentla.com\/2023\/while-everyone-else-celebrates-lafayette-emergency-room-personnel-gear-up-for-busiest-time-of-the-year\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">patient load increases by 10% to 20%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> during the winter months compared to the rest of the\u00a0year, with another 10% to 15% increase around certain holidays.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With many healthcare facilities already stretched thin by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/industry-trends\/nursing-shortage-by-state\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nursing shortages<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the additional influx of patients toward year\u2019s end can be overwhelming. Key reasons for increased patient load during the holidays include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spikes in cold and flu cases during the\u00a0fall and winter months<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People maximizing insurance benefits before deductibles reset in the new year<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Illnesses contracted at large gatherings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Injuries from winter sports or play (sledding, ice skating, etc.)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accidents related to holiday decorating\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cooking mishaps in crowded kitchens (burns, lacerations, etc.)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gastrointestinal distress from overeating or cheating on a doctor-ordered diet<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forgetting to take necessary prescriptions due to being so busy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Icy pavement causing slip and fall injuries or car accidents<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alcohol-related illnesses and injuries from over-imbibing\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heated domestic conflicts when families congregate for the holidays<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased mental health crises spurred by the holiday season\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nurses and other staff at inundated healthcare facilities may have to call out due to their own or a family member\u2019s injury or illness due to any of the reasons listed above, causing even more staffing gaps. And it\u2019s not just hospitals that feel the influx during the holidays.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even simple things like getting annual flu or COVID-19 shots increase traffic at urgent care clinics, primary care offices and pharmacies. Many doctor\u2019s offices close for the holidays, flooding emergency departments or urgent care clinics with seriously (or not so seriously) sick or injured people seeking care. These and many other factors make the holiday season one of the busiest times in healthcare.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>7 Tips to Help Nurses Stay Merry During Busy Holiday Shifts<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8745\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/11\/Nurse-Decorating-Tree-with-Patient-iStock-Resized-scaled-e1730489305426.jpg\" alt=\"Nurse helping patient decorate tree\" width=\"800\" height=\"420\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When your holiday hours pile on, so does the pressure\u2014but that doesn\u2019t mean sacrificing the spirit of the season. You can make these busy shifts a little brighter by finding ways to boost your mood, manage stress and embrace moments of peace and joy. Here are seven tips to help you keep holiday cheer alive, even during the most demanding shifts.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>1. Be Prepared for the Demands of Working Holidays<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From high patient volumes to dealing with staff shortages, holiday shifts often come with an intense workload that leaves little time to recover. Increased emergencies and back-to-back patient care make an already fast-paced environment even more physically and mentally demanding. In addition to job demands, the emotional toll of missing family gatherings or struggling to balance work duties with personal celebrations can be taxing. Here are a few strategies to keep in mind:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Set Clear Boundaries Between Work and Personal Time:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Carve out time for self-care and personal connections, even if it\u2019s just a quick call to loved ones or a few quiet moments for yourself. Even small pockets for rest and family connections can make a difference.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Seek Support Through Available Resources:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Whether it\u2019s employee assistance programs, other counseling resources or simply reaching out to coworkers who share similar experiences, seeking emotional support is essential to a nurse\u2019s overall well-being. Remember, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wellness\/techniques-for-building-emotional-endurance-in-healthcare\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">mental and emotional resilience<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is just as vital as physical endurance during this busy season.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>2. Celebrate on the Job<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8747\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/11\/Nurse-Reading-Card-from-Patient-iStock-Resized-scaled-e1730492505419.jpg\" alt=\"Nurse reading card from patient\" width=\"800\" height=\"420\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who says you can\u2019t celebrate the holidays because you\u2019re working? Granted, you might not get to celebrate with your family on the actual holiday, but you can still celebrate with your work family on the job. Activities that promote holiday cheer can make long hours feel lighter and boost morale across your nursing unit.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li><b>Dress the Part:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If allowed, wear holiday-themed scrubs or simple accessories like festive pins, headbands or even holiday socks to promote the season.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Decorate Your Space: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Add small, unobtrusive decorations to your nursing station or unit to create a warm, festive environment for staff and patients. Consider a stuffed turkey at Thanksgiving or a miniature tree or string lights at Christmas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Spread Cheer to Patients:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Brighten your patients\u2019 holidays by giving cards or small, thoughtful gifts. Nurses working in pediatrics may find their little patients especially appreciate holiday treats and gifts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Plan a Potluck or Cookie Exchange:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Coordinate a simple potluck where everyone brings a dish or organize a cookie swap to enjoy treats together.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Do Secret Santa and Stockings:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Hosting a gift exchange or hanging stockings for small surprises adds a touch of fun and connection among team members.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Have Holiday Sing-Alongs or Caroling:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If your facility allows it, organize a brief sing-along or caroling session for both staff and patients to spread joy in every room.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>3. Create Your Own Holiday Celebrations<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who says you have to celebrate on a specific day? If you\u2019re together with your loved ones and participating in family traditions, like preparing a classic feast, exchanging gifts, baking cookies or another favorite activity, your holiday can be any day that works for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you must work on a key holiday, schedule a special gathering with your family and friends on a day off adjacent to the holiday. Plan ahead so you can do all the festive things you enjoy that you might have missed. By adapting to celebrate a few days earlier or later, you can create memorable experiences just as special as if you\u2019d celebrated on the holiday itself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For travel nurses or those who don\u2019t live near enough to family to work out a day for a physical get-together, utilize technology and keep in touch through virtual events like these:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Video Chat Sessions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Schedule a time to share a holiday meal together over video chat or plan a virtual gathering to take part in festive traditions like opening gifts or singing along to holiday music. Video calls are an easy way to bring you closer to home when you can\u2019t be there in person.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Engage in Remote Activities:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In addition to traditional events, set up other virtual activities throughout the winter holidays to reduce loneliness. Plan virtual games, recipe exchanges or an online cookie decorating session to create memories from a distance, helping you feel connected even when you\u2019re apart.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>4. Practice Self-Care During the Holidays<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8695\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/10\/Meditation-for-Mental-Health-iStock-Resized-scaled-e1728575701563.jpg\" alt=\"Meditation to Prioritize Mental Health as a Nurse\" width=\"800\" height=\"420\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the holiday rush, self-care is essential to stay healthy and energized throughout demanding nursing shifts. Small, intentional actions can make a big difference in how you feel during this busy season. Prioritize these self-care strategies:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Take Regular Breaks:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Create a shift routine with mini breaks to recharge, even if it\u2019s just a few minutes to breathe, stretch or step outside. Taking small, restorative breaks during shifts and ensuring you have sufficient downtime between shifts help boost your mental and physical well-being.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stay Hydrated and Nourished:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Keep a water bottle handy, and opt for nutritious snacks and meals to sustain your energy and focus throughout long shifts. Ensure you stick to healthier meal choices with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/work-life\/make-ahead-breakfasts\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">make-ahead breakfasts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and lunches instead of hitting the vending machine.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Get Enough Sleep:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Quality sleep is also vital to physical and mental health. Aim for a consistent rest routine on your off days to restore yourself fully.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Create Post-Shift Recovery Rituals:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Develop a simple routine that helps you unwind after each shift. Whether it\u2019s listening to music, soaking in a scented bath, meditating or doing some light yoga, choose activities that help you decompress.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wellness\/prioritizing-your-mental-health-as-a-nurse\/\"><b>Prioritizing Your Mental Health as a Nurse<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h4><b>5. Manage Stress During the Holidays<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The holiday season can amplify stress for healthcare professionals. It\u2019s crucial to identify triggers and recognize the warning signs of elevated stress before it reaches an unhealthy level. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wellness\/world-mental-health-day\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing stress<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> helps you stay balanced and focused during your shifts and be at your best both on and off the clock.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Identify Signs of Stress: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension or fatigue can signal stress, as well as emotional cues like irritability, anxiety or difficulty concentrating. Spotting these and other signs early lets you take proactive <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/inspiration\/how-to-handle-nursing-burnout\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">steps to avoid burnout<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stay Organized: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Juggling holiday responsibilities and work can be challenging, so spend a few minutes organizing your duties at work and home at the beginning of your day. Planning ahead helps you better manage shift tasks and at-home to-dos, reducing the last-minute rush and keeping stress in check.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Take a Timeout:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Self-care techniques mentioned above also help with stress, such as simple breathing exercises or short mindfulness breaks to help center you during a hectic shift. Even stopping for just a minute or two to take a few deep breaths or focus on a peaceful thought can help lower your stress levels.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Talk with Others: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Share your experiences and challenges with coworkers, friends or family to help ease stress. Connecting with others provides a sense of support and reminds you that you\u2019re not alone.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wellness\/new-survey-ranks-healthcare-as-most-stressful-career\/\"><b>New Survey Ranks Healthcare as Most Stressful Career<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h4><b>6. Remember to Embrace the Spirit of the Season<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8198\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/Nurse-with-child-patient-iStock-Resized-scaled-e1725979439492.jpg\" alt=\"Become a nurse to make a difference\" width=\"800\" height=\"420\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the holidays, nurses offer a compassionate presence\u2014an invaluable gift to their patients. By providing comfort and support to patients who may feel especially lonely or vulnerable this time of year, you make an immense difference in their experience. Every patient interaction is an opportunity to brighten someone\u2019s day. Whether it\u2019s a warm smile, a short personal conversation or a simple moment of reassurance, it can mean the world to someone missing their family and friends during the holidays.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find joy in every moment, and remember that even the smallest gestures can have an enormous positive impact on those around you. Whether it\u2019s cheering up a colleague or a patient, embracing small moments of connection can help you feel more fulfilled during the holidays or any time. While it can be challenging to work on a significant holiday, remembering the impact of your care can help keep your spirits bright and make the season brighter for everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>7. Take Extended Time Off Post-Holidays<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Working through the holidays often includes more demanding shifts than the norm. Scheduling extended time off afterward is an excellent way to unwind and recharge fully. Use this downtime to indulge in hobbies, self-care or other activities you enjoy that you might have had to set aside during the busy season. Focusing on personal interests can be incredibly rejuvenating after the intensity of working holiday shifts. Taking much-needed downtime also helps prevent burnout and enables you to return to work with renewed energy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An extended break also gives you time to make up for missed moments with your loved ones. If you haven\u2019t had a chance to have your holiday celebrations yet, plan something during this break. If you managed to work in a celebration during a day off, use this time to reconnect and spend quality time with friends and family without worrying about work. Schedule a fun get-together or outing, or simply enjoy some relaxing time at home together to make up for the time you had to spend apart.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because the winter holidays come at the end of the year, and as the new year begins, taking an extended break from work provides time to reflect on personal and professional goals. Are you still happy where you\u2019re at or do you feel it\u2019s time for a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/advice-for-nurses-considering-a-nursing-career-change\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">change in your nursing career<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? Think about the past year and set achievable goals for the next one to tackle the new year with a fresh outlook that aligns with your well-being and happiness.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Embrace Staying Merry<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you embrace the various ways you can take the holiday spirit with you during your nursing shifts, your season will truly remain merry and bright. Prioritize self-care to stay energized and resilient, allowing you to provide the best care for others and never forget the difference you make in your patients\u2019 lives. Whether you\u2019re working on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, New Year&#8217;s Eve or any holiday throughout the year, make time to celebrate at work and in between your shifts to make the season meaningful and memorable in your own way.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your post-holiday pursuits include looking for a new job, we can help. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/browse-jobs\/landing\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Browse jobs on Vivian<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to find your next career move easier in the new year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a style=\"background-color: #124e3b; color: #fdfeff; font-size: 20px; border-radius: 10px; padding: 15px; min-height: 30px; min-width: 120px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/browse-jobs\/landing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Browse Jobs<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Celebrate and keep stress in check with our tips for working holiday shifts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":8751,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[107,7],"tags":[362,123,496,303,465,75,426,90],"class_list":["post-8743","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wellness","category-inspiration","tag-lpn-lvn","tag-nursing","tag-perm","tag-permanent","tag-registered-nursing","tag-rn","tag-staff","tag-travel"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/11\/Nurse-Being-Merry-Working-Holidays-iStock-Resized2-scaled-e1730493085352.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8743","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8743"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8743\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8751"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8743"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8743"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8743"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}