[PsychRN03]

As a fellow nurse, who is fortunate enough to be working a M-F daytime research clinic job, I wish to thank all of you who are spending your Christmas holiday working at a hospital or LTC facility. Many of you are missing out on the opportunity to be with your friends, family and loved ones to take care of those who need your care to survive. It's a quality about health care professionals that sets us apart from many professions, and in spite of all the frustrations you, me, and all health care professionals experience on a regular basis (including having to be away from loved ones during the holidays) my deepest gratitude goes out to each of you. We are a special breed, indeed. Have a safe holiday and a wonderful New Year.

[traumaRUs]

Thank you and how nice. I am a CNS who worked the weekend at two hospitals 50 miles away from home. What a drag but it has to be done. I have worked so many holidays, that they all kinda blur together.

How nice of you to think of us. Merry XMas.

[PsychRN03]

During school and when I first got out of nursing school I tried to work as many holidays as possible. After all, it meant more money, and it was during a time when I was a single guy so, for example, when I worked at a VA with the psych patients, it was like being around on big dysfunctional family, but I loved every minute of it.
I also know that during all the holidays I worked, not once did a patient say thank you for taking time out of your holiday to care for me (not that I could ever realistically expect one to).

[Tweety]

Thanks so much. I needed that after a 12-hour shift that turned into 13 at which time I came home to an empty house.

[PsychRN03]

Hey Tweety

It's been a really long time since I've been much involved with this message board, but my recollection is that I've appreciated your comments and insights. I've gathered that you are a kind, giving, and caring nurse.
I'm curious, what pace have you been taking the BSN courses? The school I'm going to gets you through it in a year (but being the rebel and the disgruntled student that I am , I'm taking 2 years, but that nightmare is a whole new thread).

[Tweety]

Originally Posted by psychrn03

Hey Tweety

It's been a really long time since I've been much involved with this message board, but my recollection is that I've appreciated your comments and insights. I've gathered that you are a kind, giving, and caring nurse.
I'm curious, what pace have you been taking the BSN courses? The school I'm going to gets you through it in a year (but being the rebel and the disgruntled student that I am , I'm taking 2 years, but that nightmare is a whole new thread).

Thanks for the kind words. I'm considered "half-time" which is two courses a semester. They are accellerated into 7.5 weeks per course. I had so many coreq courses to take it will have taken me 2.5 years to finish. I've 13 courses behind me, 3 more to go!!!

[911fltrn]

Thanks psych rn. I have workd 11 out of 14 christmas holidays. Currently last night of 6 12hr shifts in a row. Christmas eve was terrible at the inner city er i was in. I didnt see santa but I saw alot of red. (blood)

Called home this morning and heard about my friends kids opening the presents i bought for them. Made me cry. I have resolved that i will work no more holidays.

Merry Christmas All.

[chadash]

Thanks!
I think it is good for those of us who are older and kids are grown to pick up the slack a bit over the holiday. Those with little ones home from school need the time. I can pick up with the grandbaby inbetween and occasionally sleep

[TazziRN]

I was lucky enough to get today off, even though it was my year to work, because a childless coworker offered to work for me so I could be at home to watch my toddler tear into her presents. I bless her for that, and I called her at work this morning to tell her Merry Christmas.

[jennyfyre]

Thanks.. it's always nice to know that people are thankful that the hospital goes on as usual. I was thanked in the elevator today while showing some people how to find the patient they were visiting. They had the cutest little guy in a Santa Suit.. about 8 mo. old... and all he did was smile. Then one of the older girls with them (about 8yr or so) gave me a huge hug. Really made what could have been a bummer day into a happy one!

P.S. I volunteered to work today so the person scheduled could be home with her 5 yr old. My kids are pretty much grown, so they didn't mind waiting.