Holidays aren’t always a happy time for everyone—especially our patients. Many people are sick, or even hospitalized during the holiday season. And, when they are, someone has to care for them. Your staff. Which can take them from their own families and traditions.
Working over the holidays is not usually something people look forward to. Yet many healthcare staff members must work to ensure that patients get the care they need. It’s not just another shift for those working. It could be baby’s first Christmas or possibly the family’s last holiday with an elderly grandparent. Be sensitive to what staff might be giving up.
I’ll admit that my first round of holidays working in a hospital took me off guard. I had never been apart from my family for our Christmas Eve traditions. I distinctly remember being told that I would have to take the Christmas Eve shift because of the holiday rotation. I was dumbstruck. I remember thinking, Wait…I have to work on Christmas Eve? Is this what I had signed on for when deciding to become a nurse?
A rude awakening indeed, but I learned to find joy in working the holidays.
Ask yourself…
As leaders you can set the stage to make working holidays better. Here are some important questions to ask yourself:
- Do my staff members have what they need to be productive and efficient when working the holidays?
- Will they see you and other leaders also working, or dropping in, during the holidays? It is important to be visible and present.
- How will you show your appreciation for their efforts?
Holidays don’t have to be sad or dull for either staff or patients in the hospital.
Making memories
As a nurse, I have many fond memories of our holiday potlucks, secret Santa, and white elephant gift exchanges. The breakroom was usually full of goodies and offered a nice reprieve from the hustle of the unit. These activities are important for building camaraderie and engagement during the holidays.
For patients, having a little fun can bring a smile. Decorating the unit and patient rooms, dressing up, and playing holiday music (within reason of course) and simply being there with a smile and warm touch can brighten someone’s day.
Encourage your team to enjoy the holiday spirit, but also stress the importance of keeping patient needs at the center of every action. Here are some additional ideas for making the most of holidays in the hospital from the AMA.
Happy holidays!
Tags: Customer Service, employee relations, in the hospital over Christmas, leadership practices, patient satisfaction, staffing for holidays, working holidays
