Nurses and clinicians, are you ready for the holidays? From getting your scheduling sorted to a few ways to extend cheer to others, get set for another busy season with this holiday season checklist for nurses and clinicians.
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Holiday Season Checklist for Nurses & Clinicians
The holidays are a busy time for nurses and clinicians — and especially those who work contract, travel, or per diem jobs, where you can expect to be called upon to fill in for absent staff and cope with seasonal surges and other challenges.
As always, we're here to help you thrive during the busiest time of year with this seasonal to-do list. And stay tuned to the HealthTrust blog for a deeper dive into some of these holiday season essentials.
☑ Stay on top of self-care
Not always easy in the best of times, taking the time for self-care can be even harder during the holidays. It can also do you a world of good, helping you feel centered, in control, and able to cope with whatever the holidays bring. Check out our self-care essentials here, and remember these key takeaways:
- Take regular breaks to recharge, especially after each shift
- Release tension during shifts by stretching, walking, or doing some yoga
- Make a plan to get enough sleep, and set aside an hour to unplug before bed
- Stay hydrated and nourished with healthy snacks and a water bottle
☑ Finish planning your holiday schedule
While you may not always get the time off you want during the holidays, you can help your chances by planning ahead. That means talking to your recruiter, or seeing if any co-workers want to swap shifts, asap. And if you’re working a per diem, travel, or local contract job with HealthTrust, get the Go HWS Mobile App to:
- See your schedule at a glance, from the palm of your hand
- Instantly plan, book and confirm multiple shifts with Bulk Booking
- Set your preferences and job alerts for future scheduling
- Search new exclusive jobs by specialty, facility, and location
☑ Plan a virtual celebration with loved ones
Even if you're working during the holidays, it's still possible to celebrate with loved ones. Ask if they want to get together the day before, the day after, or another time during the season. Make it virtual to include people from pretty much anywhere. It’ll make you feel better, and it'll make them happy, too!
☑ Make seasonal gestures when & where you can
If you’re feeling FOMO about working the holidays, spread some holiday cheer at work by wearing colorful scrubs or a holiday-themed badge reel, or organizing a gift-giving party. You can also spruce up your workspace with some lights, holiday music, or other small decorations.
☑ Take the time to talk with others
If you’re not the type to decorate — or if holiday music makes you cringe — fill that space with food (like baked goods or a potluck party), warm gestures, or kind words. Remember, patients want to be home, too, and you might be surprised at how much better you'll feel when you take the time to talk with them.
- Pro tip: Ask patients about their families, their favorite holiday stories, or just how they’re feeling today.
☑ Give the gift of a great job opportunity
If you’re looking for a great gift for your fellow nurses and clinicians, make their holidays a little brighter by referring them to a HealthTrust job! You can also score a little bonus cash for yourself, up to $1,000 for some positions. It’s the perfect way to offset some of that holiday spending. See terms and details here.
☑ Treat yourself by redeeming HealthTrust VIP rewards
The end of the year is a great time to redeem your HealthTrust VIP Rewards for gift cards, work gear, entertainment, priority support, exclusive access to jobs, and more. If you’re a top performer, you’re enrolled automatically! And remember, points reset at the end of the year, so now is the time to redeem!
☑ Be ready for holiday season travel
If you’re traveling to or from an assignment, expect busy roads and airports this holiday season! You can prepare by planning ahead, setting out early, and keeping your recruiter's info handy in case you're delayed or run into any other trouble.
And from preparing for winter travel to staying connected with loved ones to sprucing up your temporary living space, you'll want to bookmark this list of holiday travel essentials, too. It's got everything you need for holiday cheer while you're on assignment!
Wishing You Happy Holidays from HealthTrust!
Remember, the work you do is exceptional and essential! And we're here to support you all year 'round with amazing opportunities from coast to coast. Search jobs now to see what's available. And happy holidays from HealthTrust!
