’Tis the season for fun festivities with family and friends celebrating the end-of-year holidays—Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and of course, the New Year. As a clinician, however, you know holidays sometimes fall on workdays, and if you are on a locum tenens contract, it could mean spending them away from home.
If you find yourself committed to a locum tenens position during one or more special occasions this season, use the circumstances as a chance to experience new ways to celebrate. Here are a few tips on how to turn a holiday far from home into treasured memories.
- Reset the calendar. Who says you can’t celebrate early or at a later date? Discuss your schedule with loved ones, letting them know what days you’ll be gone and when you’ll be home. Then reschedule the big family celebration for a day when everyone is available.
- Invite family to join you. If kids are on a school break or your spouse has time off, arrange for them to join you on assignment. You get to spend the holiday with your family, and they get a mini vacation.
- Participate in friendly gatherings. Accept invitations to join colleagues in their celebrations. It’s a chance to get to know individuals outside of work as well as to partake in festivities. Or find out who else on staff is on their own and plan an informal get-together.
- Accept extra shifts. If you’re not scheduled to work on Christmas day or New Year’s Eve, volunteer to cover a shift so a staff member gets the holiday off. Also, inquire with coworkers about what they do to make the occasion special while on duty. For example, if a potluck is planned, bring in one of your favorite family dishes so you can still experience a taste of home.
- Spread extra cheer to patients and families. Being a patient or having a family member in the hospital this time of year can be tough, so do what you can to spread a little cheer to those in your care. Something as simple as asking about their family traditions may lift spirits.
- Seek out community celebrations. Ask colleagues about local events this time of year, such as holiday craft fairs, over-the-top house decorations, or local performances; then go check them out.
- Find a house of worship. If you’ve always attended midnight mass for Christmas, keep that tradition going even when away on a locum tenens contract. Find a local house of worship in your faith (or, if you’re curious, other faiths) so you can still mark the meaning of the day.
- Volunteer in your free time. Contact local charities about volunteering opportunities. Food banks could always use extra hands, but also consider animal shelters. Not only will the four-legged residents appreciate your time and attention, but you can give regular volunteers time off to be with their families.
- Give yourself a gift. If you’ve been wanting to take a class or go to a show, then sign up or buy a ticket. Treat yourself to something special.
- Maintain your fitness routine. Keep up your exercise regimen so you can tap into those feel-good endorphins.
Have you created special holiday memories in other ways while on assignment? Let us know how you make the day(s) extraordinary by leaving a comment below.
