The most stressful time of the year
The holidays are a stressful time for everyone. Whether your in-laws are visiting, the kids are out of school, or other visitors are in town, there are enough chores to overload anyone. With long nursing shifts, and the regular stresses of your profession, you may feel like you are drowning in stress and an endless checklist of to-do’s.
For nurses in particular, it’s crucial to be careful of how you deal with extreme levels of stress. It’s important to remember that anything that happens outside of work can ultimately cause problems with your nursing license. When you’ve got a lot of people in close quarters with bad weather, sometimes people will pass the time with drinking, and drink too much.
Drinking and Stress do not mix
Excessive drinking can lead to arguments, and sometimes fights. Unfortunately, this usually leads to the police being called. Nurses need to be aware that if they’re involved in some sort of an altercation that involves the police, or if they drink too much at a party, they put themselves at risk of being arrested.
Police patrol the streets with more vigilance during the holidays, because they know there are more people out drinking and celebrating. You should be extra cautious about getting behind the wheel, even if you only had a few drinks. Making the choice to drive while intoxicated could cost your career!
Holiday Anxiety and Mental Health Issues
Nurses need to be aware of the anxiety, and oftentimes mental health issues, that the holiday season can bring. For a lot of people, the holiday season is a difficult time. Patients at the hospital or in a doctor’s office are going to be dealing with not only their health issues, but also sometimes with the holiday blues.
Patients may find it difficult to get seen around this time of year, as well. Especially in specialties (such as orthopedics), doctors may be taking time off through the holidays. This can sometimes increase the anxiety of the patient, as they wait to receive medical attention.
It’s important that nurses keep these things in mind and try to have extra patience for their patients. It’s difficult for everyone this time of year!
Life vs. Work
A lot of people get a ton of time off during the holidays (depending on the industry), but nurses don’t. The practice of medicine goes on regardless of the time of year. It’s important that nurses remember that and focus on their job at work, and focus on their life when with family.
Separating this time and focus on your work stressors on the clock, and focusing on family after work can help to relieve some stress. You don’t have the energy, time, or manpower to complete everything at once!
It's not all bad...
The holidays can be a magical time of year for a lot of people, but nurses need to remain vigilant against drinking too much, or getting involved in family altercations that cause issues. Remember to remain compassionate at work, and understand that people that you’re dealing with this time of year are oftentimes going through quite a bit.
If you get into any trouble throughout the holidays, our team is here to help. Call us today at (214) 384-1902, or fill out an online form. We wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
Visit Do Nurses Have to Report Arrests? for more information.