The holidays are a time when people make happy memories with their loved ones and give presents. However, it is not always fun and games for the brave souls who work in the medical field. Medical emergencies don’t take the day off and neither do the doctors, nurses and other health care providers who can manage them. Most are on active duty during the holidays even when others have the day off. Across the country, thousands of HCPs will be spending Christmas in health care facilities. Those who do return home will be on call for emergencies which they have to drop everything to attend to. For these professionals, finding balance between their career obligations and family can be the biggest stressor of the year for them. So how do they do it? Here are some ways HCPs across the country are making their holiday season as jolly as they can without ignoring their duties. Bringing festive cheer to work Just because they don’t have to be home for the holidays doesn’t mean they cannot bring the holiday cheer with them. It is not uncommon to see hospitals and clinics decorated for Christmas with decked out halls twinkling with lights. Each employee brings their own ideas to the table not only for themselves, but also for the patients who are nursing their own ailments in the hospital. This speaks a lot of the dedication HCPs bring to their profession and the care they show their patients. Even a couple of wreaths and free eggnog in the cafeteria can go a long way in this regard. They are mindful of patients Speaking of patients, professional and dedicated HCPs know that they are not the only ones who are away for the holidays. Many patients are stuck on hospital beds whether they are nursing injuries, having babies or booked for long-term care. This includes their attendants who have no choice but to remain by their side through recuperation. Even if they get to leave work and be their families, most of their patients won’t have the same luxury and some don’t have anyone to spend that time with. Small attempts to share the season with them is what sets good HCPs apart from average ones and they take pains to ensure they are not left out. In some cases this means remaining in the hospital for longer shifts to keep them company especially in Pediatrics. Whatever reason compels HCPs to attend to their duties during the holiday season, their jobs are undeniably stressful. However, since they are needed 24/7, they cannot avoid those duties either. Their dedication to their field is a testament to the dedication they show their patients even if it means putting off family time. Healing hands do not get days off. Whether they are delivering babies, fixing broken bones, handling stressful surgeries or making sure their patients are well taken care of, doctors and nurses are the unsung heroes of the season. Source
