8 Tips for Working the Holiday Season as a Healthcare Professional

Working during the holiday season can be tough no matter what industry you work in – especially when you are missing special holidays, time with family and friends, etc.

 

Public Holidays in the United States are:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Washington’s Birthday (also known as Presidents Day)
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth National Independence Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Indigenous Peoples’ Day (or Columbus Day)
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Though it can be annoying to have to work over a holiday, there are still plenty of ways to still make it enjoyable and to celebrate at work. In this article, we will discuss some fun ways to help make working during the holiday season still fun and enjoyable.

Tip 1: Focus on the Positives

Though working through the holidays isn’t always easy, try focusing on the positive aspects of the situation. Working during a federal holiday usually means overtime/holiday pay of 1.5x and/or getting the next holiday off.

Think of fun ways you can use your holiday pay before/during a shift you are dreading can help take your mind off of it. Consider treating yourself to a spa day, vacation, or buying yourself a nice gift!

 

Tip 2: Celebrate on an Alternative Day

If you are working and cannot get off for a special holiday, try scheduling an alternative time to celebrate with your family and friends. Even though it’s not on the usual day, you can still partake in all of the festivities. Celebrating on an alternative day might even be beneficial to get your friends and extended family together if they are busy otherwise!

A great way to do this is to have Friendsgiving a few days before or after if you are missing Thanksgiving, or celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve or Boxing Day if you are working Christmas Day. Shifting your traditions over a day can be a great way to accommodate your work schedule.

 

Tip 3: Celebrate at Work

Celebrate with coworkers! When you’re working a holiday shift, try to be the one who makes it an enjoyable experience for your colleagues and patients. After all, you are all working on the holiday.

Wear some holiday themed clothing, holiday themed socks, decorate your station, or consider playing festive music (if allowed). You could also bring in some holiday treats or organize a gift exchange with your coworkers to spread some extra cheer.

 

Tip 4: Use Technology to Stay Connected

Thanks to technology the world is more connected than ever! Use this to your advantage this holiday season.

Call, text, Zoom, or FaceTime your family and friends during your breaks to keep in touch with your loved ones while at work.

 

Tip 5: Request Time Off Far in Advance or Swap Shifts

If you want to ensure you have the best possibility of not working your favorite holiday, make sure you request the day(s) off as soon as the window opens. Be sure to double check your facilities policy on time off requests and holiday shifts well in advance to prepare yourself.

Another way to ease your holiday work schedule is to try swapping shifts with your coworkers (if allowed.) For example, if your family typically celebrates Christmas Eve, your coworker may be happy to trade that shift for Christmas morning.

 

Tip 6: Bring a Holiday Themed Meal or Leftovers to Work

Bringing a holiday treat or some delicious leftovers to bring some holiday cheer to yourself. A yummy treat never hurt anyone!

 

Tip 7: Take Extra Time Off During a Slower Season

If you and your family cannot connect before, during, or after the holiday you are working on, be sure to plan a vacation or a time to see each other when it’s less hectic.

Chances are you can also find some better travel deals and it will be easier to get time off during a slower season.

 

Tip 8: Remember That you are Making a Positive Impact on Your Patients

Of course no-one wants to be in the hospital during a holiday – including patients. But by being there for them and having a good attitude, you can help make a more positive experience for them and yourself.

All Med Search offers tons of resources to help you throughout your job search. The holiday season and the end of the year is a great time to find a new job! Contact us today to take the next step in your career! Jobs@AllMedSearch.com