working on Christmas?

Bipley · Nov 16, 2005

I've been a nurse for almost 8 years. I have always volunteered to work EVERY holiday (newyears, 4th of July, Thanksgiving etc...) just to have Christmas off to be with my family. I am 6 months into a new ER job and they have scheduled me for Christmas Eve AND Christmas day:sniff: My poor kid's are really upset. My husband is also a nurse and is scheduled to work Christmas day this year too.
I had to tell my parent's that we were both working and ask if they would take the kids. My mom was pretty nasty and less then understanding. She said she didn't think it was "fair" to ask that I work Christmas when I have kids. I told her that people still get sick on Christmas and I wasn't the only employee with children.
Here is what I need from you all... Please help me explain to my (never had a job outside of the home) mother why I have to work Christmas. and second...Help me understand why I have to work Christmas:sniff:

I can't help you here, I'm an atheist and I always volunteer to work Christian holidays.

sunnyjohn · Nov 16, 2005

Wow!

We did a thread similar to this just this month and at times it got REALLY ugly. Even so, If you do a search for it you might find some excellent posts in that frenzy that will help you talk with your kids.

IMO, kids prefer honesty. If you tell them ahead of time you and you hubby will be working, they will be able to understand and be prepared. If you ar honest with them, in years to come your kids will be PROUD that mum and dad sacrifice to take care those in need.

I have an idea. Why not make plans with them to celebrate Christmas on the 26th? In the UK and other countries, that day is called Boxing Day. In the past it was the day folks would "box" up gifts and give them to the poor. In the country I grew up in, December 26th is a national holiday. We have a colourful "Junkanoo" parade (like Carnival in Brazil) and celebrate with friends, family and strangers!

Why not celebrate your Christmas with you kids on that day by giving your gifts to them AND by giving a few things to some less fortunate kids.

A new tradition perhaps?

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 16, 2005

I presume your parents are adults. So, they ought to understand this dilemma you have, as adults. Not everyone has a 9-5 job. Remind them how lucky they are you are not out of country---such as military people, or contractors overseas, at their holiday time. Imagine how tough it is for people whose loved ones are in the Middle East or someplace else far away this time of year!

Suggest alternate ways to enjoy your time together---maybe having "Christmas" on an alternate day or something. There are other ways to celebrate a meaningful season like Christmas than the traditional ways ---you may have to be creative. It's not about dinner, gifts, trees, etc anyhow. Any adult knows that.

Now, If their problem is your asking them to keep your kids for you, you may want to ask someone else, I don't know. They should feel LUCKY to have their grandkids around this time of year. Again, many other grandparents are not that lucky.

I think some people just need a reality check as to how fortunate we are......

At least you are explaining this to grown people---it's harder usually, for children to understand why Mommy or Daddy are not around (being military, it's been our way of life for so long, but it's never easy). If my kids can understand this concept, surely, your parents should be able to! Good luck.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Nov 16, 2005

I've been a nurse for almost 8 years. I have always volunteered to work EVERY holiday (newyears, 4th of July, Thanksgiving etc...) just to have Christmas off to be with my family. I am 6 months into a new ER job and they have scheduled me for Christmas Eve AND Christmas day:sniff: My poor kid's are really upset. My husband is also a nurse and is scheduled to work Christmas day this year too.
I had to tell my parent's that we were both working and ask if they would take the kids. My mom was pretty nasty and less then understanding. She said she didn't think it was "fair" to ask that I work Christmas when I have kids. I told her that people still get sick on Christmas and I wasn't the only employee with children.
Here is what I need from you all... Please help me explain to my (never had a job outside of the home) mother why I have to work Christmas. and second...Help me understand why I have to work Christmas:sniff:

I am so sorry. I am sure you can make it up to them and celebrate it earlier or the later. Best wishes to you.

Try kindly asking to trade with anyone willing? :)

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 16, 2005

OH BTW, I will be working Christmas and New Years, too. I commiserate. Such is hospital nursing.

suebird3 · Nov 16, 2005

sorry to hear that both of you are working that day. however, remember that illness knows no holiday.

in the past, i, too, have worked dang near every holiday known to mankind and spirit. now, at my facility, we work either christmas or new years. (i am off thanksgiving this year.)

suebird

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 16, 2005

I'm sorry that you have to work Christmas and know you're just really venting. Eventually, your parents will understand that as the new kid on the block you just have to suck it up and work it, that it's a 24-hour job, and that just because you have kids is no reason you automatically get it off.

I hope that you and your family don't focus on the fact that you have to work, and just somehow make the best of it. Don't let your parents sour it for the kids with their negativity about you're not being there. Make the best of it, use it as an opportunity to teach the kids a lesson or two about life.

I volunteered to work myself.

sjt9721, BSN, RN · Nov 16, 2005

Tell your mom to look around...more & more businesses are opening for holiday hours. Grocery stores & gas stations are joining hospitals, fire, & police departments by being available 24-7, holiday or no holiday. Obviously your mom has never had to fill her gas tank, run to the store for that 'last minute' dinner item, or need help because of an injury or illness on a holiday.

I remember working Christmas one year. A young couple & their 2 kids brought plates of homemade cookies to the ED. They had also visited the local fire & police stations. The parents wanted to show their children that some people can't be with their families on holidays. The kids told us "thanks for being here so you can help people". Could your parents bring your kids for a quick visit during your shift? It might help (all of) them understand why you do what you do.

fergus51 · Nov 16, 2005

Maybe just explain to them that you are currently low man on the totem pole in your job. Someone who has been there 6 months doesn't get first choice at holidays. Sometimes you can negotiate not working Xmas by working all the other holidays (I did it this year), but other times that just won't work because Xmas is really the most wanted holiday off. Explain to her that people without children still have families they want to spend time with. Explain that you would like your children to learn that Xmas is not about being home opening presents with mommy and daddy, it's about love for your fellow man and that is well evidenced by caring for the sick.

If all else fails, just say "Yeah, my nurse manager is a real witch, but I need the job so I have no choice".

Nurse Ratched, RN · Nov 16, 2005

I always thought, "At least I'm being paid to be here instead of paying to be here." I was just grateful to know I got to go home at the end of my shift, unlike the poor shlubs who were there as patients during the holidays.

canuckeh! · Nov 16, 2005

" Please help me explain to my (never had a job outside of the home) mother why I have to work Christmas. and second...Help me understand why I have to work Christmas ."

The answer is simple:

I have had Christmas off the last 8 years while other nurses worked. It is well past my turn.