On the first hour of nursing, my charge nurse gave to me: A bedpan overflowing with pee.
On the second hour of nursing, my charge nurse gave to me: Two pressure cuffs, and a bedpan overflowing with pee.
On the third hour of nursing, my charge nurse gave to me: Three naked men, two pressure cuffs, and a bedpan overflowing with pee.
On the fourth hour of nursing, my charge nurse gave to me: Four call bells, three naked men, two pressure cuffs, and a bedpan overflowing with pee.
On the fifth hour of nursing, my charge nurse gave to me: Five contact rooms, four call bells, three naked men, two pressure cuffs, and a bedpan overflowing with pee.
On the sixth hour of nursing, my charge nurse gave to me: Six nurses aching, five contact rooms, four call bells, three naked men, two pressure cuffs, and a bedpan overflowing with pee.
On the seventh hour of nursing, my charge nurse gave to me: Seven phones a-ringing, six nurses aching, five contact rooms, four call bells, three naked men, two pressure cuffs, and a bedpan overflowing with pee.
On the eighth hour of nursing, my charge nurse gave to me: Eight Foleys filling, seven phones a-ringing, six nurses aching, five contact rooms, four call bells, three naked men, two pressure cuffs, and a bedpan overflowing with pee.
On the ninth hour of nursing, my charge nurse gave to me: Nine IVs hanging, eight Foleys filling, seven phones a-ringing, six nurses aching, five contact rooms, four call bells, three naked men, two pressure cuffs, and a bedpan overflowing with pee.
On the tenth hour of nursing, my charge nurse gave to me: Ten patients bleeding, nine IVs hanging, eight Foleys filling, seven phones a-ringing, six nurses aching, five contact rooms, four call bells, three naked men, two pressure cuffs, and a bedpan overflowing with pee.
On the eleventh hour of nursing, my charge nurse gave to me: Eleven patients whining, ten patients bleeding, nine IVs hanging, eight Foleys filling, seven phones a-ringing, six nurses aching, five contact rooms, four call bells, three naked men, two pressure cuffs, and a bedpan overflowing with pee.
On the twelfth hour of nursing, my charge nurse gave to me: Twelve fall bells buzzing, eleven patients whining, ten patients bleeding, nine IVs hanging, eight Foleys filling, seven phones a-ringing, six nurses aching, five contact rooms, four call bells, three naked men, two pressure cuffs, and a bedpan overflowing with pee.
Working the holiday is its own kind of shift. Hospitals run around the clock, so nurses regularly staff nights, weekends, and holidays as part of providing continuous patient care (BLS). Find the humor where you can, and get through it together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do nurses have to work on Christmas?
Hospitals and nursing care facilities never close. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that nurses in these settings usually work in shifts to provide round-the-clock coverage, which means nights, weekends, and holidays are part of the job. Patients still need care on December 25, so someone is always on the floor.
How do units decide who works the holiday?
Most units rotate holidays year to year or split them, so a nurse who works Christmas one year often gets it off the next. Many places let staff swap shifts or volunteer for the days they prefer, and some pay holiday or shift differentials as an incentive.
Is working long holiday shifts hard on your health?
It can be. CDC and NIOSH point out that shift work and long work hours are linked to fatigue, sleep loss, and disrupted circadian rhythms, which raise the risk of errors and accidents (CDC/NIOSH). Planning rest before and after, staying hydrated, and using your breaks help.
How can nurses make a holiday shift better?
Small things help: bring food to share, decorate the station if your unit allows it, and lean on your coworkers. The shared experience of working while others are home is part of what bonds a nursing team.
Do nurses get paid extra for holidays?
Often, yes. Many employers offer holiday pay or a shift differential for working recognized holidays, though the specifics depend on the facility, your contract, and whether you are full time, part time, or per diem.