Why I Am Grateful To Be Working On Thanksgiving Day
For the majority of nurses this might be the case, but what if all nurses actually enjoyed working the holidays? Could you imagine the positive rippling effect this would have on the environment you work in and the patients you serve? In this article, see why I am grateful to be working this Thanksgiving Day.
NursesGeneral NursingArticle
For the majority of nurses, working the holiday is a requirement that we dread. For me, I choose to accept what I cannot change and to actively seek the good given the situation. It is my hope that this article can change your view on working the holiday. Or at least, bring to light the positive impact being at work on this day you will be able bring to your patients.
I am grateful to be working on Thanksgiving Day...
To serve my patients on a day that could be the worst day of their lives and on top of that it is a holiday
Working the in Emergency Department, I have learned first hand that when it comes to: death, trauma or exacerbations of chronic medical conditions, they all do not care that it is a holiday and could turn your world upside down at any moment. Nor do any of the above events take heed to age, gender or socioeconomic status. Anyone at any time can be negatively impacted at any moment. Having lived this fact, I am grateful to be standing and of sound mind to help those who are not so fortunate on the holiday.
To create an environment of home for my patients in a place that is the furthest thing from home
In my opinion, the hospital is the furthest thing away from the warm and fuzzy feeling I have when I think of home. Even though I can wear my pajamas to work, let's say I would not want to lie down on the floor to read a book. With that being said, as nurses, we can have some fun with this to make it feel as comfortable as possible for our patients. Ask your patients what would make them feel like they were at home and use your creativity and imagination to make that happen for them. I am sure with whatever you make happen, no matter how big or small, they will notice and appreciate the effort.
To be family for those who do not have a family to share the holiday with
Unfortunately, we all have seen this as well. Some more than others, but the joy some people feel about the holidays, others might feel nothing but sorrow. Be an ear to listen to a story or the shoulder to cry on. Try to make them feel at home or maybe even have dinner with them so they do not have to eat alone. Going the extra mile here will not go unnoticed and has the potential to truly make a day that has been miserable for years, positive for once.
To spend the holiday with my work family
No matter how you slice and dice the numbers, when you are working full time or even part time hours, we are spending a ton of time at your place of employment. The bonds that you build with your colleagues in the healthcare arena are unique and unless you live it, you won't get it. Not to mention dinner, I mean, THE UNIT POT LUCK! They never disappoint and I look forward to them every time.
For the Thanksgiving Holiday, let this article give you a different perspective on working the holidays. Think about the topics discussed, come up with ways that you can benefit others by working the holiday and after, see how this has changed your day. Looking through this lens will make the 12-hour shift more enjoyable and you will bring more joy to the patients you serve on this day.
