Stress of nurses working in the holidays in the UK
Almost everyone believes that the holidays are stressful. However, not everyone is subjected to the additional stress of working in a hospital. Working as a nurse during holidays can be super stressful. As a nurse, you enter into your profession knowing that it requires a year-round, 24-hour commitment. However, it is difficult to celebrate holidays when you are hard at work at the hospital while others are celebrating with family and friends. That’s not all. Here’s why you need to avoid working during holidays as a nurse.
Three main reasons why working as a nurse during holidays can get stressful
Mounting stress
The holiday season can be a time of joy, but it can also be a time of added stress and worry. At this time of year, many of us may feel stretched beyond our budgets, and our patients may feel similarly. When our patients face catastrophically high medical bills, their stress levels may rise accordingly. During this potentially difficult time, keep an eye out for signs of depression and anxiety in yourself, your coworkers, and your patients.
Patient’s separation from holidays
Healthcare workers aren’t the only ones who are separated from their families during the holidays. Inpatient stays do not end magically on the day before a special occasion, and thousands of patients are left in the hospital. Furthermore, some patients may have no family to speak of, so they may regard you as their substitute family. Giving a little extra to your patients and spreading holiday cheer is your sacred duty and privilege.
You end up missing the families
Whatever holiday you celebrate, being at home with loved ones is generally preferred. Unfortunately, the healthcare system is a 24/7 beast, and nurses are needed on the front lines 365 days a year. While you may enjoy holiday cheer with patients or coworkers, nothing beats being at home. The reality of your loss is real, and dealing with the emotions isn’t always easy; thankfully, you have colleagues to lean on.
Working as a nurse during holidays? Coping strategies
Face it
You will be working over the holidays. Complaining only adds to the frustration and stress. It’s also not good for your team or family. Instead, embrace your work and understand how valuable it is.
Enjoy the advantages
There are actually more than you think. Many facilities offer bonus pay for working holidays, which can quickly add up, primarily if you work consecutive shifts. Offering to work on holidays builds goodwill and sends a clear message to management that you go above and beyond.
Working on vacation also provides you with more opportunities for advancement. With fewer ancillary resources and a faster pace, situations may arise that allow you to demonstrate your critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication abilities.
Strategize and plan ahead
Begin decorating, shopping, and cooking well in advance. This allows you to spend more time with your family without feeling exhausted or out of sorts. Also, learn to say no to extra holiday obligations.
Be inventive
Begin some new traditions that accommodate hospital work, such as a funny gift exchange with coworkers, a “worst holiday sweater” contest, or a team party. Be creative with your family as well. One hospital employee convinced the children that Santa would make a special return trip to them the day after Christmas so that the entire family could celebrate together. Another inventive solution is to hold Thanksgiving dinner on Friday. Being adaptable can do wonders.
Review your opinion
It is up to you whether you see holiday work as the greatest gift you can give to others or as a complete burden. Working under duress or learning at the last minute that you must perform is difficult. Making the best of a bad situation, on the other hand, is the healthiest approach. It helps to know that you have the unique opportunity to provide care and joy to your patients during a difficult time.
Put kindness first
While you may be dealing with the desire to be at home with your family, keep in mind that your patients would also like to be at home with theirs. They are also dealing with the illness or injury that has landed them in the hospital. You are free to leave.
Compassion for your own and others’ feelings is essential. Everyone is unique. One person’s feelings about the holidays may be cosy and warm. Another possibility is that the holidays will be a nightmare. It’s difficult to predict what the season will do to an individual’s emotions.
Say no to working during holidays with a temporary recruitment partner
In reality, nurses are totally stressed out working for longer hours and during holidays. Being enrolled with a locum recruitment agencylike JP Medicals Recruitment can relieve 360 and will give you time to catch up, schedule breaks, and work with no obligation. We are aware that every nurse has particular requirements, and we collaborate with you to satisfy those requirements. Check out JP Medicals Recruitment if you ever find yourself in need of temporary nurses.
