{"id":3541,"date":"2016-12-09T10:00:04","date_gmt":"2016-12-09T15:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelnursesource.com\/notes\/?p=3541"},"modified":"2019-12-03T14:13:40","modified_gmt":"2019-12-03T19:13:40","slug":"travel-nurse-tips-holiday-shifts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelnursesource.com\/notes\/travel-nurse-tips-holiday-shifts","title":{"rendered":"Travel Nurse Tips: Holiday Shifts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
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While travel nursing has a lot of perks<\/a>, it also has some downsides. That\u2019s right, we\u2019re talking about holiday shifts. They\u2019re never easy, but holiday shifts are inevitable for most travel nurses. After all, a travel nurse\u2019s job is to help understaffed facilities, and hospitals are often very busy during the holidays. Some nurses, especially those who are just starting their travel nursing career<\/a>, may have a hard time accepting this reality. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can keep your spirits up during these difficult holiday shifts! Continue reading for more information.\u00a0\"holiday<\/span><\/p>\n

Travel Nurse Tips for Holiday Shifts<\/b><\/h2>\n

Positive Vibes Only<\/span><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s important to remember the positive impact you are making as a nurse. You are not only helping to heal your patients, but you\u2019re also allowing your coworkers to spend some quality time with their families. While this time can be challenging, holiday shifts are definitely something to be proud of. Show up with a smile and know how much of a difference you are making in other people\u2019s lives!<\/span><\/p>\n

Feeling pumped, yet? Great! Now let those positive vibes translate into your work. Be extra kind to your team and your patients. Remember that most of them, especially your patients, would rather be anywhere else. And, if you want to go the extra mile, be one of <\/span>those<\/span><\/i> nurses. Throw on some holiday-inspired scrubs or something else that\u2019s festive! For Christmas, this could be a pair of jingle bell earrings or a Santa hat. For Halloween, it could be some spooky face paint or some fangs. As long as your superiors deem your costume appropriate, have fun with it! Everyone in the hospital may not be able to celebrate with their loved ones, but that doesn\u2019t mean that you can\u2019t bring the holidays to them!<\/span><\/p>\n

Find the Loopholes<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re scheduled for a holiday shift, a foolproof way to enjoy the holidays is to reschedule the celebration. Call up your friends and family to see if they are willing to get together with you on another day. If this doesn\u2019t work for them, no problem. Host your own little gathering with whoever is able to make it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You also have options if you\u2019re on an assignment that\u2019s far away from your loved ones. Set up a time with them to video chat! You could have a gingerbread house competition, a costume party, or play some holiday-inspired games! Just because you aren\u2019t is the same state doesn\u2019t mean that you can\u2019t enjoy each other\u2019s company.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whatever you choose to do, be sure to avoid<\/span> FOMO<\/span><\/a> and resist the temptation to check your social media. Nothing will stop the positive vibes faster than pictures and posts of everyone else enjoy their holiday.<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Stop Now<\/span><\/h2>\n

We won\u2019t lie to you. Nursing is not an easy job. Sometimes the stress and anxiety that come with holidays make it even harder. Try your best to not let this discourage you. Lift your coworkers\u2019 spirits in any way you can. Plan a potluck,<\/span> Secret Santa<\/span><\/a>, or game day that can be played throughout these holiday shifts. You can also hand out cards or post-it notes to spread the holiday cheer and let your colleagues know how much you appreciate them. This joy will be contagious, so keep it up! There\u2019s nothing better than knowing you just made someone\u2019s day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lastly, Don\u2019t Forget About the Patients<\/span><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s not like you need the reminder, but your patients could use some positive vibes and holiday spirit, too! Go above and beyond by decorating their rooms, handing out small gifts like cards or candy, and even singing a song. Seize the opportunity of working these holiday shifts by providing much more than just care. Get to know your patients better by asking what gifts they are hoping to receive and showing interest in their holiday traditions. Need more ideas? Take some notes from these<\/span> student nurses<\/span><\/a> who brought in the holiday spirit to brighten up some lonely patients\u2019 days!<\/span><\/p>\n

Ready for a review? Make sure you\u2019re getting the most out of your holiday shifts by looking at this list! You can bring it along with you when you have to work and even share it with your coworkers!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n