Why we work on holidays

Nurses General Nursing

Published

There's another thread somewhere in here where someone (a student) asked if hospital nurses were going to be expected to work the major holidays. As all the hospital nurses here know, the answer is yes but it got me thinking a little more about what happened to me yesterday.

Every year for the last 25 years or so, the family has always had a big family Christmas party, my stepfather, his two brothers and wives, my grandmother, and all the grandkids. Well now the grandkids have kids so there are like 40 people in my parents (big) house and it is very stressful for my mother, and as a trickle down effect, ME!!

So this year is my first year as a nurse, I've so far worked July 4th, Thanksgiving Eve night, Black Friday, and I'm scheduled to work Christmas night. My kids are now 14 and 10 so working Christmas night is not that big a deal since the traditional gift opening is over ny 9 am in my house-but I digress. Yesterday was the BIG FAMILY Christmas gathering at my mothers house. I had already told my grandmother that I had to work because our schedules are done 2 months in advance. No problem right? My husband and kids were in attendance. I sent a text to my husband and daughter at about 2 in the afternoon when I knew they'd all be there. She sent me one back that said my aunt was pretty damned indignant that I wasn't there. I think it went something like "Why do we have to be here and Jennifer doesn't, its not fair!" My daughter told me that and I thought to myself, you self centered bi***!!! You want to know what I was doing yesterday while you were with all of your family? Well let me tell you.....

I held the hand of an old lady who's son was being wheeled out on a stretcher to go die at hospice due to cancer of the brain. I also held the hand of my 89 year old little old snowbird lady as she was suffering respiratory distress telling her we were going to get her fixed up and feeling better in a few minutes, just relax (the latter happened at hour 36 of three shifts in a row, shift change-typical right). The latter turned out ok, LOLNAD is doing just fine today.

I try not to get a "holier (sp) than thou" attitude about being a nurse, because as we know, for many hours of the day its just a grind of work-paperwork, needy patients, turning and burning beds and passing meds. But when stupid family members make brainless comments and question my absence, my thought (which I keep to myself) is "I'm not there because I'm saving a strangers life or holding their hand as they go to meet their maker-what exactly did you do today to make your life worth living?"

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I would like to personally "THANK YOU" for taking care of another family's member(s). Thank you for holding that woman's hand and thank you for helping the woman who was having trouble breathing. I can almost bet they were very happy that they had you with them during their difficult times. Merry Christmas to you.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

some people don't get it, never will. My mom, who's been a nurse since the days of Moses, doesn't understand why I can't show up and spend every holiday in my hometown. And my husband's family doesn't get it either, they all have govt jobs, so they don't get when I have to go to work. I've quit explaining it to all of them!

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Specializes in med/surg, ER.

I think that sometimes we have to let those people know just why we aren't where they would like us to be. Sometimes tactfully, for those who will get it and not so tactfully for those who don't. For those who haven't had the privilege of holding someone's hand while their child is dying or giving reassurance to someone who is struggling for their next breath, it is something they cannot fathom. It comes from within us and is part of who we are. There are some who, sadly, will never understand. But if we can get through to them, that self centered person may be the next person to hold that hand...

Blessings to you for all you do.

Ann

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some people don't get it, never will. My mom, who's been a nurse since the days of Moses, doesn't understand why I can't show up and spend every holiday in my hometown. And my husband's family doesn't get it either, they all have govt jobs, so they don't get when I have to go to work. I've quit explaining it to all of them!

I told my mother I might have to gon in today (scheduled off) to catch up on things. She asked if I can't bring my work home.

GUFFAW!

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Specializes in PACU.

i thought it was for the holiday pay! :D

i can't believe that your aunt would talk you down like that to your own husband and kids. i'd never talk to a total sleazebag like that ever again except maybe to say ;) i bet an obnoxious person like that would be the first patient to berate you for not being quick enough to fetch a coke for her able-bodied family member, even on christmas.

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I have to tell you before my kids were old enough to know about holidays, I volunteered to work.

Sometimes the stress of the hospital and the joy of taking care of other people's family members(who were generally appreciative) can be MUCH better than being with family on that (usually) stressful day .

We would normally have a much quieter ,less stressful family celebration that was about the true meaning of Christmas-and it was never on Christmas day .

otessa

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I just wish we didn't have to work EVERY holiday. I work night shift so the night before the holiday is technically the holiday. I'm 23 and live/work 2 hours away from my family.

This year I worked the 4th of July (aka the night before when all the fireworks are), Thanksgiving day (not a holiday), the weekend after Thanksgiving (my cousin was getting married and I was in it and even with a 3 month notice they wouldn't let me have the weekend off), Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, New Years Day, and I will be working Easter.

Despite requesting Christmas Day off (not a holiday) they scheduled me. Despite requesting New Years Day off (not a holiday) they schedule me.

I'd just like to enjoy ONE holiday with my family. :(

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Can you find another nurse willing to switch with you?

I just wish we didn't have to work EVERY holiday. I work night shift so the night before the holiday is technically the holiday. I'm 23 and live/work 2 hours away from my family.

This year I worked the 4th of July (aka the night before when all the fireworks are), Thanksgiving day (not a holiday), the weekend after Thanksgiving (my cousin was getting married and I was in it and even with a 3 month notice they wouldn't let me have the weekend off), Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, New Years Day, and I will be working Easter.

Despite requesting Christmas Day off (not a holiday) they scheduled me. Despite requesting New Years Day off (not a holiday) they schedule me.

I'd just like to enjoy ONE holiday with my family. :(

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

Prior to going into nursing I was in another 24/7 occupation, so working holidays and working nontraditional hours is not novel for me. My family is used to it. If anyone questioned it, I would say that the patients don't all just magically get well because it's a holiday.

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You made me want to become a nurse even more now :nuke:

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Can you find another nurse willing to switch with you?

I'm working as a PCT and I've had notes up in the break room, but no luck yet. Apparently, nobody wants to work on a holiday when you don't get paid extra for it.

I obviously don't have a problem working a holiday as I would have picked another career if I did.

I just wish I could have one off to spend with family!

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