Nursing at Christmas: the highs and lows of shifts

Nurses in different clinical settings discuss ways to lift spirits and navigate challenging situations on Christmas shifts

Working at Christmas may not be the ideal way to spend the festive period for some.

But many nurses spend this time of year in scrubs – what is your experience of working shifts at this time?

In this episode of the Nursing Standard podcast two nurses from different clinical backgrounds discuss their experiences of working over Christmas.

How to ensure challenging work experiences do not affect your celebrations

Children’s nurse Simone Portman, now a teaching associate at the University of Nottingham, tells Nursing Standard content editor and podcast host Alistair Mason how providing some seasonal magic for the young people in her care led to one of her best ever Christmases.

• RELATED: Festive shifts: top tips for working at Christmas

Sharon Evans, who is clinical team manager, criminal justice liaison and diversion service, for Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust, describes what it is like to spend Christmas in an environment where some people may be going through the lowest point of their lives.

Simone and Sharon also offer tips on changing your Christmas schedule to ensure you do not miss out, and ensuring that any challenging experiences at work do not affect your celebrations.

Related articles

• Christmas outfits on the wards: can nurses wear them?
• Christmas on a budget: money-saving tips for nurses
• A time for giving – but nurses must beware presents from patients