I’m a Nurse, Solution Focused Life and Stress Management Coach and Entrepreneur.
Kathy Parlevliet, the Nurse who knows. Feeling the holidays creeping back into our schedules. Always a busy time for life. The battle of the holiday schedules begins. This is definitely a conversation wrapped around who is the most senior. Based on years of employment, and some luck, you might get your wish. Sometimes the ethnicity and religious backgrounds of other employees can help.
As I watch the conversations begin, I recognize another area that nurses really can struggle. Believing that nurses are one of the most compassionate and caring occupations in the world. It makes sense that the holidays are difficult to have to go to work. Filled with family, memories and great food. I am no exception to this. Having worked night shift for over twenty-five years, and dayshift for ten years. I have worked all of them. Many times, sacrificing sleep. Just to be there. All of us, giving of ourselves to strangers. We are an exceptional group.
So, how can you make it easier? What should you recognize about our jobs? When should you speak up?
It is an interesting calculation. For the winter holidays, it is a total of 3 working days. And summer holidays, the same. That doesn’t mean you work them all. Only one of the three. But that is the conflict. Some form of rotation, has seemed fair. But beware of the women who become very defensive about their beliefs. Just because you think that yours is more important than mine. Ouch! Knowing it is your turn to work, can help preparation. Next time you will be off. It is part of our work world. And sadly, we all knew it. Weekends and holidays were part of the contract we signed.
Speaking up for yourself can be necessary. If you are scheduled to work more than your share. Or, you have to work the same holiday you wanted off. Two years in a row. Bring your conversation through the chain of command. Try to have enough information to support your cause. Seniority awareness is helpful. Try to stay calm. In the end you have nothing to lose. If you don’t try, then you won’t know if it can be changed. Otherwise, you might have to change jobs. If it truly keeps bothering you.
The knowledge that you are not alone. Look around. Everyone else also could have plans too. But we are all doing the right thing. Not calling in sick. And working your turn. We try to enjoy our work family. Order food or a potluck. Make it a little different than a normal day of work. We have ours earlier in the day. Usually, we are busier by the last half of the shift. Then if you have plans after work. You won’t be full. Being grateful for your work friends, can be a gift. Try to turn a feeling of negative to positive. It is within your control.
If you have feelings that need more support. I am here.
TheRNCoach.com
Let’s talk soon,
Kathy
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