When Everyone Else is Off: Coping With Nursing Holiday Hours
Article shared from Monster
It’s just doesn’t seem fair, working holidays when “most people” have the day off. But “most people” aren’t a nurse, like you, with a singular set of remarkable characteristics that makes you so good at what you do.
Everyone’s first year of nursing when working holidays can be tough, says Allana Covi, a registered nurse for six years working in trauma and ICU in Pittsburgh, Pa. As a supervisor now, Covi says scheduling is done by committee at her unionized facility, where most schedules are 12 hours, with some being eight hours.
In her workplace, Thanksgiving scheduling “pairs” with July 4, Memorial Day with Christmas, and Labor Day with New Year’s. “You could end up working Christmas and New Year’s one year, then the next year, you’re off,” she says. “Nurses generally work a set number of holidays each year.”
“You don’t go into nursing thinking you’ll have every holiday off,” confirms Tara Tehan, a nurse director on the job and president of the American Nurses Association Massachusetts. “The hospital or institution usually sets dates considered ‘holidays.’ Each unit develops guidelines for how holidays will be covered. In a union environment, schedules may be influenced by seniority.”
If you’re wondering about those non-Christian holidays, Covi says “We make special arrangements for folks who celebrate holidays other than the Christian ones. Those holidays are accommodated on a case-by-case basis.”
Tehan adds that although she has no personal experience, “I would think nurses who are celebrating other holidays besides Christian holidays probably switch among peers, and that’s not usually rotated. They might actually have an easier time getting holidays off.”
Every place is different
In nursing, it’s definitely different holiday strokes for different folks, depending upon where you work, say nurses who responded to us on the AllNurses.com forum. For example:
- “We have Group A and Group B assigned to every other major holiday and the next year it switches. So unless you volunteer to work, you don’t work both Thanksgiving and Christmas in the same year. But if you are off the holiday—for me on night shift, it’s the night before—you are typically scheduled the night of.”
- “Holidays are the same as any other day, my regular schedule. If the holiday falls on your regular day to work, you work.”
- “EVERYONE works every other weekend and every other holiday.”
- “In our hospital everyone has to work every other weekend, regardless of whether a holiday falls on your day or not. We self-schedule, but the supervisor has final say and people must take turns with holidays, unless they opt out. Some do. All nurses are equal, regardless of tenure.”
- “If the holiday falls on your regular day to work, you work. The policy to rotate holidays hasn’t ever been enforced so I don’t even know if it is a policy anymore.”
Make your own holiday magic
Try these tips to make your holidays meaningful, no matter where or how you spend them.
Don’t fight but switch
If Christmas doesn’t mean much to you—maybe you want to take a trip instead of opening presents around the tree—find someone for whom it does and trade, suggests Covi. “Let Scheduling know, and usually as long as ‘the numbers’ of staff match on paper, they’ll usually be fine.”
Expect light leadership coverage
Senior leadership may not be there, but know how to reach them if and when you need to. “I can text or call any time, day or night,” Covi says.
Face the family music
“Families also have trouble wrapping their heads around this,” Covi says. “Finally, my family really got it—that I wasn’t going to be around for the holiday. It’s part of maturing in this job, understanding that it’s just part of what you do. Now I don’t even give it a thought.”
At Kaplan, Zurcher says the school sometimes holds open family nights, when topics like holiday work are openly discussed. “It’s especially important when a new nurse has small children,” she says.
Don’t wait for surprises
Holiday schedules are always done in advance, says Zurcher. Find out when yours is done who you’re working with so you have plenty of time to make adjustments like trading or bartering.
Celebrate with your work “family”
Focus on building camaraderie as part of the bigger picture, says Zurcher. “Try to really engage each other and have fun keeping morale up with games like Secret Santa,” she says. “It also helps the shift go by faster.”
Keep it real
Be flexible and adaptable around holidays, just as you are expected to be in general, Zurcher says. If working holidays really bothers you, consider working somewhere besides a 24-hour facility, even if it means moving.
Know it’s not all about you
Remember your mission, says Lombardo. “The nurse plays an important part in creating a happy and blessed atmosphere for patients and their families.”
Don’t forget to check out openings on Monster.com.
photo credit – Monster.com
Nurses Influence the Health and Wellbeing of Patients Every Day
As individuals, nurses directly influence the health and wellbeing of patients every day. Through frequent contact, nurses are best placed to encourage lifestyle changes in…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Changes in Nursing
Changes in nursing involve a major shift in higher education standards, requiring more nurses to hold a 4-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). The…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Trades make a comeback with Gen Z Workers
America’s skilled trades — from nursing and plumbing to welding to construction — need more workers as boomers retire. Gen Z-ers are stepping up to fill…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations, Sumner College Graduates: Embracing New Beginnings
Congratulations to the new Sumner College nursing graduates. As the tassels are flipped and mortarboards soar into the sky, a chapter closes, and another begins.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
April BSN Info Sessions
Have you considered being a nurse and working in the healthcare industry? Attend an information meeting with Sumner College to learn more about the BSN…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
The State of Wellness: Everything You Need to Know About the Oregon State Board of Nursing
You have likely heard about the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN), but how does the organization interact with and support Oregon nurses? Join us…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
OCN Explores Nursing Wages in New Research
Article & Photo Shared from Oregon Center for Nursing How much do Oregon nurses really make? The well-being of Oregon’s nursing workforce is a guiding initiative for…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
New Classes Start Today!
March classes start today! Welcome to our new BSN, PN and RN-BSN students.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Meet Alex – Sumner College Graduate
Alex, congratulations on your graduation! As you’ve embarked on your nursing journey, remember: ‘Nursing is not just a profession, it’s a calling to serve, heal,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Meet Alexandra – Sumner College RN to BSN Graduate
Alexandra, congratulations on your graduation! As you’ve embarked on your nursing journey, remember: ‘Nursing is not just a profession, it’s a calling to serve, heal,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Meet Renee – Sumner College Graduate
Renee, congratulations on your graduation! As you’ve embarked on your nursing journey, remember: ‘Nursing is not just a profession, it’s a calling to serve, heal,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Meet Serena – Sumner College Graduate
Serena congratulations on your graduation! As you’ve embarked on your nursing journey, remember: ‘Nursing is not just a profession, it’s a calling to serve, heal,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Meet Amanda – Sumner College Graduate
Amanda, congratulations on your graduation! As you’ve embarked on your nursing journey, remember: ‘Nursing is not just a profession, it’s a calling to serve, heal,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Meet Natalie – Sumner College Graduate
Natalie, congratulations on your graduation! As you’ve embarked on your nursing journey, remember: ‘Nursing is not just a profession, it’s a calling to serve, heal,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Now Hiring
Are you a healthcare educator? Sumner College is looking for our next Nursing Educator to join our team. This is a part time position. Read…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Meet Erin – Sumner College Graduate
Erin, congratulations on your graduation! As you’ve embarked on your nursing journey, remember: ‘Nursing is not just a profession, it’s a calling to serve, heal,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Exploring the Vital Role of Nurses in Heart Health
Article Shared from DiversityNursing.com February is American Heart Month. It's important to promote cardiovascular health and explore the many ways Nurses are engaged in these…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Meet Anne Marie – Sumner College Graduate
Anne Marie, congratulations on your graduation! As you've embarked on your nursing journey, remember: 'Nursing is not just a profession, it's a calling to serve,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing Ranked Most Trusted Profession for 22nd Year
Article Shared from DiversityNursing.com In Gallup's 2023 Honesty and Ethics poll, Americans' evaluations of almost all 23 professions have experienced a decline compared to previous years.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Helpful Apps Every Nurse Should Have
Article shared from DiversityNursing.com Mobile apps have transformed how Nurses provide care to their patients. Smartphones allow Nurses easy access to applications designed to assist…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
DiversityNursing.com – Helpful Resources
Helpful Resources DiversityNursing.com is a Career Job Board, Community and Information Resource for all Nurses regardless of age, race, gender identity, religion, education, national origin,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How to Prepare for College – Oregon Goes to School
Article shared from Oregon Goes to College It’s a plan! No matter what grade you’re in, you can get ready for your future. Getting ready…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College Clinical Partners
Sumner College clinical partnerships play a crucial role in advancing medical education and training. By offering opportunities for hands-on experience and mentorship, these collaborations help…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Commencement Ceremony
Save the date - April 6, 2024 for Sumner College's Commencement Ceremony. Celebrating cohorts: PN54, PN55, ADN23, RN-BSN10 and RN-BSN11 Congratulations to you all!! Tickets…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Healthcare Hero
Are you aspiring to be a healthcare hero? A common question from our nursing students at Sumner College is about the role of ER nurses…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Dynamic – Interactive – Rich with Real-world Relevance
RNs are you ready to take your nursing career to the next level with a BSN? Guess what - at Sumner College, you can achieve…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
ER Nursing
Have you been thinking, “How can I start my nursing career in an ER?" Begin by obtaining a solid understanding of nursing through an approved…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
LPN
At Sumner College, we understand the importance of every role in the nursing field, including the dedicated work of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). LPNs are…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Flexible – Balanced – Online RN to BSN
Wondering what it's like to pursue a nursing degree online? At Sumner College, our RN to BSN program fits the busy lives of working nurses…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing, beyond direct patient care
Thinking about a career in nursing but interested in roles beyond direct patient care? At Sumner College, we recognize that nursing offers diverse career paths,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn