Thanksgiving marks the official start of the holiday season—a special time for gatherings with family and friends, sharing comforting meals, reflecting on the past year with gratitude and appreciation, and creating lasting memories. However, for travel healthcare workers, the holidays are often a time of long hours, demanding schedules, and the absence of loved ones while providing quality care. Additionally, travelers have to manage an uptick in ER visits due to food and alcohol overconsumption, disrupted health routines (failure to take daily medication, missing checkups), decorating-related injuries, respiratory illness, and depression.
If you’re clocking in for an assignment this holiday season, be aware of these tips for maintaining your well-being while delivering the highest quality care.
Spread Holiday Cheer:
- Fake it ’til you make it: Maybe you didn’t really want to work, but you needed to pay some bills, or maybe you needed to avoid a certain family member at the annual get-together. Try to lean into the holiday spirit. You may find yourself decked out in tinsel, singing along with Mariah Carey before your shift is over.
- Decorate Your Workspace: Add festive touches like twinkling lights, seasonal-themed desk accessories, and other holiday decorations to jazz up your work area. Spread the positive energy and create a sense of community by inviting coworkers to help you decorate.
- Share Holiday Treats: Nothing says “Happy Holidays,” like sharing your family’s secret recipe for rum balls or eggnog cookies. Whether you’re a fan of sweet treats or known to engulf a bag of salty snacks, share your goods and reap the rewards from your happy coworkers.
- Participate in Holiday Activities: Is your unit having a potluck? Is everyone meeting up after your night shift for breakfast? Can you participate in a Secret Santa? Whether it’s a party, a work event, or a volunteer opportunity, join in and be part of a group.
- Make Time for Family and Friends: You may be working over the holidays, but you’re probably not working every minute. Be sure to reach out and connect with friends and family. Schedule a video or phone call if you can’t meet in person. A little communication is better than no communication.
- Connect with Fellow Travelers: Offer each other support and words of encouragement. Organize virtual or in-person gatherings.
- Practice Self-Care: Get plenty of sleep to stay energized and focused. Enjoy holiday treats, but fuel your body with nutritious foods to boost your immune system. Incorporate techniques to reduce stress, such as exercise, time outside, and meditation.
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