Spending the holidays in a hospital is a challenging experience for patients and their loved ones. The absence of traditions, family, friends, and the comforts of home can take a toll on emotional and psychological well-being.
Nurses have a unique opportunity to bring comfort and a sense of normalcy to patients during this time. This blog provides practical strategies to help make the holiday season meaningful and uplifting for the holiday season.
Understanding the Importance of Holiday Cheer in Healthcare Settings
The holiday season can be challenging for hospitalized patients who are away from their loved ones and usual routines. Celebrating holidays within the healthcare setting can effectively lift patients spirits and foster a positive environment.
Understanding the psychological and physical benefits of holiday cheer is key to providing holistic care. Participating in festive activities can offer significant emotional uplift for some people. Celebrating may help reduce isolation by promoting a sense of belonging and community.
Positive emotions associated with holiday celebrations can reduce stress, which is linked to better recovery outcomes. Bringing joy to the hospital can directly contribute to their overall well-being and the healthcare staff.
During weekends and holidays, susceptible patients have a higher mortality rate than at other times of the year. Those hospitalized during the holiday season are likely to have worse outcomes than at different times of the year. The lack of healthcare availability during the holidays leads to missed or late follow-ups, causing an increase in mortality and readmission after discharge from the hospital.
Nurses are at the forefront of creating these uplifting experiences, ensuring patients feel cared for and connected despite their circumstances. By recognizing the profound benefits of holiday celebrations, nurses can create meaningful moments that positively impact patients mental and physical health.
Creating a Festive Atmosphere in the Hospital
A festive environment can make the hospital feel less clinical and more comforting during the holidays. Thoughtful decorations and sensory elements help bring the season's warmth to patients. Simple adjustments to the environment can foster a sense of cheer and normalcy.
Decorating Patient Rooms and Communal Spaces
Adding safe, inclusive decorations can significantly affect how patients experience the holidays. Simple, tasteful decorations can instantly uplift the mood. Consider using festive colors, lights, and holiday-themed artwork. However, ensure that decorations are safe and non-intrusive, especially for patients sensitive to visual stimuli.
Playing Holiday Music or Displaying Festive Visuals
Music and visuals can evoke fond memories and promote relaxation. Music has the power to evoke strong emotions and memories. Create curated playlists of calming and uplifting holiday music to play in common areas or individual patient rooms.
Incorporating Small Touches
Thoughtful additions such as holiday cards or small tokens can make patients feel valued. Small gestures can make a big difference. Distribute small, cheerful items like holiday cards or ornaments to patients.
Avoid scents, aerosols, and fresh plants to ensure patient safety. Transforming the hospital environment into a festive space creates a welcoming atmosphere that patients and their families can appreciate.
Engaging Patients in Holiday Activities
Engaging activities bring patients together and help them feel involved during the holidays. These activities can serve as a welcome distraction from medical concerns while building a sense of connection.
- Organizing Group Activities: Host holiday-themed games, arts and crafts, or storytelling sessions. These activities can encourage social interaction and provide a much-needed distraction from their medical condition. Hosting group games or craft sessions fosters interaction and reduces loneliness.
- Facilitating Virtual Connections: Help patients connect with their loved ones through video calls or other virtual platforms. This can help alleviate feelings of isolation and provide a sense of normalcy.
- Planning Individualized Activities: For patients unable to participate in group activities, provide personalized crafts, books, or puzzles. These activities help pass the time and keep their minds engaged.
3 Ways To Incorporate Cultural and Religious Sensitivity
Patients come from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, which can shape their holiday experiences. Being sensitive to their traditions and beliefs helps create an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected. Learning about patients cultural practices allows nurses to provide thoughtful, personalized care.
- Understanding diverse traditions by educating yourself about cultural and religious traditions.
- Offering alternative celebrations for patients who do not celebrate specific holidays to create non-denominational activities.
- Partnering with different spiritual leaders to support and facilitate access to religious services for patients who desire them.
Creating a neutral yet comforting atmosphere ensures inclusivity for those not celebrating traditional holidays. Recognizing and respecting cultural diversity strengthens trust between nurses and patients, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
Supporting Families and Caregivers During the Holidays
Families and caregivers play a vital role in a patients well-being, and the holidays can be particularly stressful. Nurses can extend their care to families by providing resources and emotional support. Here are some practical ways you can help families and caregivers.
- Share practical information about visiting policies and local resources
- Create family-friendly activities
- Provide access to support services
- Offer emotional support
- Discuss if holiday meals are offered
Compassionate Care and Emotional Support
Compassionate care is central to nursing, especially during the holidays. By listening and communicating empathetically, nurses create a sense of comfort and connection for their patients. Listening attentively to patients helps validate their emotions and ensures they feel heard.
Using kind and thoughtful language strengthens the nurse-patient relationship. Helping with small tasks like gift opening or arranging phone calls can ease patients stress and enhance their experience. Nurses can provide emotional relief through compassionate care and ensure patients feel valued during the holidays.
Self-Care for Nurses During the Holiday Season
While nurses work tirelessly to care for others, it is essential to prioritize their well-being. The holiday season often adds to the emotional and physical demands of the job, making self-care a critical component of effective caregiving.
Acknowledge the sacrifices and emotional needs of working during the holidays. Simple practices like time management, peer support, and stress-reduction techniques can help nurses maintain their well-being. Remembering the positive difference you make as a nurse in people's lives can provide motivation and fulfillment.
Creating a meaningful holiday experience for patients in the hospital is a vital aspect of compassionate nursing care. By fostering a festive atmosphere, organizing inclusive activities, and providing emotional support, nurses can bring comfort and joy to patients and their families during a challenging time. Your efforts uplift your patients and inspire others within the healthcare community. Together, we can make the holiday season brighter for those needing care.
About the Author:
Breann Kakacek, BSN, RN, has been a registered nurse since 2015 and a CNA prior to that for two years while going through the nursing program. Most of her nursing years included working in the medical ICU, cardiovascular ICU, and the OR as a circulating nurse. She has always had a passion for writing and enjoys using her nursing knowledge to create unique online content. You can learn more about her writing career and services at ghostnursewriter.com
Breann is an independent contributor to CEUfast's Nursing Blog Program. Please note that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely of the independent contributor and do not necessarily represent those of CEUfast. This blog post is not medical advice. Always consult with your personal healthcare provider for any health-related questions or concerns.
If you want to learn more about CEUfasts Nursing Blog Program or would like to submit a blog post for consideration, please visit https://ceufast.com/blog/submissions.
