Many people face the challenge of balancing the holidays with their work schedule, but travel nurses find themselves in this situation more often than most. Being on the road and away from your friends and family can make this time of year difficult. When taking off work entirely isn’t an option, what can you do to successfully manage Thanksgiving on the road? Here are a few tips to help you stay organized and focused so you get to relax, even when you’re spending your holiday away from friends and family. Being on #assignment during Thanksgiving isn’t all bad! Check out some ways to make the most of it in @FreedomHCS’s new blog: Click To Tweet
Give Thanks to the Perks
Working during Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be all bad. Many think working means the day will go slowly and there won’t be many patients coming in. But, many hospitals are buzzing with activity. Whether it be holiday activities or a surge of Thanksgiving accidents, the day will go by quickly and you’ll find yourself wondering where the time went. Additionally, there might be a potluck or a special meal the hospital caters for those who are working. Who doesn’t love free food? And, because they’re thankful you’re there, hospital administrators may be the ones serving you your meal.
The Silver Lining: Making the Most of What You Have
Most assignments and hospitals come up with schedules far in advance so you know what your Thanksgiving schedule will look like. Let’s be honest, no one wants to work the holidays. If you’re not able to get the time off, part of accepting your schedule means finding ways you could be helping others at work. Sometimes, getting in the spirit of the season by giving back to those around you can lift any unfavorable situation and even raise your overall mood. Positivity goes a long way. If you’re really looking to enjoy everything the Thanksgiving holiday has to offer, it’s better to face it head on and make the most of it. If you’re working this year, there’s a chance you won’t be working Thanksgiving next year and you’ll be able to do the things you missed.
Celebrate with Coworkers
If your assignment doesn’t have any exciting activities to help celebrate Thanksgiving, get together with a group of coworkers to make the day fun! Start your own potluck and share it with others in your unit. Nothing says delicious quite like a chili potluck competition among friends and coworkers. Having a shared holiday schedule with some close coworkers can make the day go by quickly and you’ll still be able to celebrate. Plan a Friendsgiving during one of your off-days. This is a great way to incorporate the potluck idea, bring people together and make a party out of it. For those who don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in your unit, have them bring something they would make for a special holiday from their culture. You’ll be able to celebrate not only your culture but the diverse cultures you have working around you. Plus, a variety of food makes for a great party anytime!
Be Family to Your Patients
The patients you’re working with probably don’t want to be in the hospital during the holidays just as much as you. Some of these patients might not be able to see their families at all during this time, so make room for them to become a part of your family and celebrate with them just as you would with your own family. You’ll find it easier to get through the day and you’re going to make the day go by faster for someone else. Working over Thanksgiving is a great way to celebrate the #culture at your #assignment location. Set up a potluck at work or host a Friendsgiving on your day off to make your Thanksgiving away from home count! Click To Tweet Working during Thanksgiving isn’t anyone’s ideal way to spend the holiday. But, for many travel nurses, this is what we have to face and find a way to work around it. Have fun with the day even though it might not be something you’d normally do. Celebrating with coworkers and patients helps the day go by faster for you and those around you. Freedom Healthcare staffing is giving thanks to YOU, our travel nurses, during the month of November. Enter for a chance to win a prize in our giveaway happening RIGHT NOW!