With Gratitude

As I watch DH in an ICU bed I am reminded of all the holidays I have worked in the past. Some had really wonderful things happen, Others I remember with sorrow and pain. None match this year for the thanks I have for all the staff who are attending DH. None have ever indicated not wanting to be here during the holidays. All seem to understand that I don't want to hear another wish for a merry Christmas.

My humble thanks to all who are working and those who have the day/days off, I know you would work if needed. It is part of being a nurse. Enjoy your holiday. I suspect many of you will be working the next.

The sharing of self by health care workers is more than what we do, it is who we are. Our families learn to accept the missing of opening presents when others do. They put up with the large and small inconveniences of living with a nurse. When you go home today, thank your family for understanding that their willingness to share you makes a huge difference to others, even if they don't always recognize their sacrifice as well as the honor of sharing you.

What a nice thread as I'm waking up having my coffee, ready to start a 12-hour day. It's nice to be appreciated, at least for one day. :)

I hope that all of us have a great day. Happy Holidays!

Nearing the end of my night shift... Working Xmas eve night and Xmas day night 11-7. Merry Xmas everyone!

I am going in tonight----1st christmas in 38 years I have not went to my Grandmas house....granted I will be sad that I wont be with my Grandparents but I knew going into to nursing that hosp are open 24/7.

I called Grandma this morning and even though she is still upset she said to me "its ok honey---you will be there for someone who needs you more than I do today."

God I love her....so that is my goal tonight to treat every pt as if she was my own Grandma...

I'm just really upset that the people at Dunkin Donuts got the day off. They are essential personnel if you ask me.

I work 4 hours this evening. 6p-10p. I'm just an aide, not a nurse yet. This is my second holiday of (mostly) being off in 4 years. The year before I was on maternity leave. Holidays take on new importance having a daughter and all. But the fact of the matter is I work evenings. So I can open presents with my daughter and be there in the evening for my residents. SO many of them are lonely. It really breaks my heart.

I did have the day off work today--but did do my good deed--me and my oldest daughter wrapped over 200 gifts(donated by family,friends,coworkers, and community)last night, this morning as a family my kids and myself wrote out 200 Christmas cards, and then my two sons and myself went to a local nursing home and handed everything out(along with a couple hugs)---It felt so good and I couldn't be more proud of my children for being unselfish and giving thier time to those often forgotten...the elderly. We did not forget the wonderful staff there---all the nursing staff was given cards and candies to show how much we appreciate their hard work throughout the year. We lost our Beloved Grandma Ruth last year,who is now our shining star in heaven, and we thought appropriate to spend Christmas in a place where we have all the "Grandma's" that we could possible want.:heartbeat Merry Christmas to you all!~!!

What a nice thread as I'm waking up having my coffee, ready to start a 12-hour day. It's nice to be appreciated, at least for one day. :)

I hope that all of us have a great day. Happy Holidays!

Dude, believe me, somebody appreciates you q day. I bet you're a great guy, a great nurse.

You are lovely, Vito...just lovely.

You know something. I get the idea that you would understand. It can be a downer to work a holiday...yes. But one little thing keeps me going....even on the regular days where I am tired...and I don't think I can take anymore....

We have THAT kind of job, where we are invited into an individual's life...and maybe even in to the lives of their family. Sometimes uninvited even. But in either situation....we have the chance...the opportunity....to do a good thing and bring a smile...or a bit of comfort....or hold a hand.

In a normal life....that opportunity may not present itself as often. In our life....it happens everyday....everytime. And it keeps you grounded. And it reminds you why you are here. And why you chose a job where your feet hurt and where sometimes you feel like you are on emotional overdraft.....

but really, Vito. It is good stuff. It is good stuff. Lucky we can be nurses. Lucky God got us here. Lucky that he keeps us here. And Blessed that we keep keeping on.

And though it isn't necessary.......you cannot know what a kind word means...speaking for myself....and I am very sure...many others here.

Thanks for starting a great thread! I felt really lucky this year. I had yesterday off, spent it with family, and then went worked 1230-1900 today. We split our shifts on Christmas, which is such a blessing! It was actually kind of nice to see my co-workers and wish one another a Merry Christmas. I cherish all the little things we do for one another to make the holiday shift a little easier. (I was kicking myself for not bring a "morale elevating box of donuts" on my way in!) Several sweet co-workers, patients and family members brought us poinsettias, cookies, and cards, which warmed my heart. The nurse who left me report wrote "Merry Christmas, Bridgette" on our report sheet, and it made my day.