With Thanksgiving just a couple of days away now, the holiday season is upon us whether we’re ready or not. Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and the best of holidays yet to come!!
This is never an easy season for nurses. People don’t get well and go home for the holidays. Health care facilities don’t have the opportunity to shut down for a week between Christmas and New Years like my husband’s engineering company always did.
In fact, this can be peak season for nurses. Flu season officially starts about mid November and continues well into the new year. Pneumonia seems to run rampant and hospitals fill up. Home health agencies open many new cases, and doctor’s offices and clinics are full. About the only thing that may slow down is elective surgeries. People don’t usually choose to be battered and bruised for the holidays.
For those of you in nursing school, or considering a career in nursing, be sure you understand that you aren’t going to have a two week break for the holidays once you become a nurse. In fact, it may be nearly impossible to take your vacation at or near this time of year so plan ahead. you WILL be working many a Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years. The same goes for all other holidays throughout the year including your own special days such as birthdays and anniversaries. It comes with the territory so be prepared. Health care is a 24/7, 365 days-a-year profession.
Have a great holiday season and remember that Nurses Make a Difference in Someone’s Life Everyday!
