But I have little kids!

grouchy · Oct 13, 2003

Originally posted by bluesky
Call me a bad mommy but I sort of like working Christmas cuz;

1. Staff are generally in a good mood and there's lot of free food.
2. Holliday pay
3. I don't have to cook at home (unpaid labor) and my family spoils me (out of pity) when I get home.
4. Good excuse not to indulge in consumer feeding frenzy (read save cash)
5. Opportunity to explain to my children what the real meaning of Christmas is (celebrating the birth of someone who gave his life for others) by serving others on this day.

Granted I'm not too religious but that's just my 2 cents

Lex

Amen!!

I wish there was an opportunity to work 4-hour shifts on the holidays. I'd gladly work part of Christmas, Thanksgiving, AND New Year's in one year if I could just make an appearance at the relatives. In fact, that's basically what I used to do when I worked per diem home care. I loved it. I made good money. I was able to spend enough times with my relatives to enjoy it, but I didn't have to spend so much time that I was snacking on chips and dip out of boredom, or trying to avoid getting pulled into mean-spirited gossipfests. Sometimes, seeing my patients was even one of the best, most meaningful parts of the day. I remember leaving one Thanksgiving dinner to do evening wound care on an elderly woman living alone. My relatives insisted I bring her a plate of turkey, fixings, etc. She was so moved, and she hugged me. I spent some time just talking with her. It really made me feel thankful for what I had.

Now, I'm a hospital nurse again, and I'm stuck with 8 or 12-hour shifts on the holidays. I would gladly work Xmas moring for a parent with little kids, if I could just get 3-7 off to pop in on my family.

SC RN, RN · Oct 13, 2003

Grouchy - I love the idea of 4 hour shifts (or even 6) ... I brought the idea up to our manager and she said "NO". I understand that it's more work to schedule and more money to cover the overlapping times while giving report ... but ... if it would make the holidays easier to cover with less complaints from staff and make your staff happier ... why not try it? :)

grouchy · Oct 13, 2003

While I agree that everyone should rotate holidays equally, and I am thankful that I won't be spending Xmas in a war zone, I'd like to say something that may help parents understand singles. I'm a single person. My Aunt and cousins are my remaining family within driving distance. I don't get to see them often, but I work hard to keep the connection going. One of the reasons I do that is that with my parents gone, I need a substitute "support system", so to speak. But, I'm only a cousin/niece, and I'm the only one with odd hours. Noone is going to change the day or time of the holiday celebration for me. I'm not asking for any special favors. I just want those who are in traditional families to realize sometimes those of us who are not need to work a little harder to make a family out of the family and friends that are part of our life. Please just understand that, and be a little tolerant when you hear us b*&^h.

SmilingBluEyes · Oct 13, 2003

where I work, there is the opportunity to work 6 hr shifts.....that way, no one misses the ENTIRE holiday.

That along with the rotation I mentioned, really DOES make it fair for everyone, whether they have worked there 20 years or 1 or are parents or not.

EVERYONE has a life like I said before. People without kids or a significant other do, too. No one need explain why he/she would like HIS/HER turn at the holidays off.

plumrn, BSN, RN · Oct 15, 2003

So many great, understanding responses here. Don't you wish you worked alongside all these wonderful people?!!

Worthy · Oct 15, 2003

I'm a student too, and I never thought that I would get holidays off, especially as a new nurse.

My family too is used to shiftwork. Dad is an engineer for a steel mill, a 24/7/365 job - we used to open gifts either very early, or in the evening on Christmas day, due to his schedule. We were never "emotionally scarred" because of it :) Then my sister became a Child and Youth Worker. We postponed Christmas to Boxing Day for her a couple of times.

Then I worked as the manager of a Horse Farm. Again, 24/7, horses need to be fed. Re-arrange the gift-opening again :)

I don't foresee my family will have any problem with my being a nurse. And as mentioned above, I have no problem working holidays. More food, happy people, Ho Ho Ho!!!

FutureNurse2005 · Oct 15, 2003

I'm a soon to be student nurse and I ( and my family:D ) have no problem with having to possibly celebrate holidays at another time. Nobody is going to keel over and die if we have to celebrate a day early or a day late (or whatever the case may be)

As someone else pointed out, its being together that is important.

Its very unfortunate that some people feel so entitled to some things.

Hugs to everyone!

askater11 · Oct 15, 2003

When I was single and childless I enjoyed working the kiddie holiday's. (Halloween/Cxs./Easter)

I would have New Year's off most definitately! But now I'm different with kids...New Year's Eve--I don't remember the last time I went out.

Dixen81 · Oct 15, 2003

In defense of uk_nurse, I can certainly understand where she's coming from. She's not saying she deserves special treatment, she's just reminding singles of the many times throughout the year when she (and others with small children) cover for them when they want to go out on weekends sometimes. There isn't anything wrong with anyone wanting to be home with their children on Christmas morning; I love to be home with mine, too. She's just asking that the ones she frequently covers for throughout the year should remember this and perhaps return the favor. I think Christmas (the presents and excitement part) is mainly for children, anyway.

I empathize with both sides. Hugs to everyone. :)

uk_nurse · Oct 15, 2003

Thank you 'peggysue'. i'm glad someone understands where im coming from. :)

manna, BSN, RN · Oct 15, 2003

I can't believe I read this whole thread (I don't usually go all the way through the longer ones) LOL..

Okay, so reading this leads me to a question for all the nurses out there...

Around here at least, students are constantly bombarded with the idea that nursing is such a GREAT, flexible profession, especially for someone with a family....... but given the fact that it appears to be so difficult to get time off, is it really? Or is that just an ill-spread myth?

I'm a pre-nursing student who doesn't have an opinion one way or another (yet).. I've always worked an office job so I'm sure getting into healthcare will be a bit of a sting getting used to working odd days/hours/holidays, but I realize it comes with the territory... I have to admit I am a bit worried though. I don't know how much of my family life I want to sacrifice for a career (the main reason I changed my major from pre-med to pre-nursing)...

So what do you think? (hope this didn't come across as offensive, didn't intend it that way at all)

hogan4736, BSN, RN · Oct 16, 2003

Originally posted by FutureNurse2005
I'm a soon to be student nurse and I ( and my family:D ) have no problem with having to possibly celebrate holidays at another time. Nobody is going to keel over and die if we have to celebrate a day early or a day late (or whatever the case may be)

As someone else pointed out, its being together that is important.
Its very unfortunate that some people feel so entitled to some things.

Hugs to everyone!

You are a genius...

Here's to celebrating Xmas on the 27th, Thanksgiving on the 4th Wednesday, and Only working 3 days per week...

People, we have it better than most' And besides, grocery shopping on Sat/Sun SUCKS!!!!!!

Here's to running errands on Monday morning!!! (AFTER rush hour and sleeping in!!)

sean