Supporting Nurses Through The Holiday Season: A Leadership Guide

Dec 3 / Teresa Sanderson, RN, CCM
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As a nurse of over 30 years and founder of Nurses Feed Their Young, I've seen firsthand how challenging the holiday season can be for our nursing community. Let me be direct: healthcare doesn't stop for holidays, and our nurses need our support now more than ever.


I want to share some practical strategies I've learned for supporting nurses during this demanding time. After spending years as a Certified Case Manager and Certified Hospice & Palliative Nurse, I understand that simple, meaningful actions can make a tremendous difference in nurse retention and morale.

Think Outside the Box with Scheduling

I've been there - I know what it's like when staffing doesn't work out during holidays. That's why I strongly encourage nursing leaders to consider flexible scheduling options. Can you split a 12-hour shift into two 6-hour shifts? Yes, it takes extra work, but I've seen the incredible impact this can have on staff appreciation. Remember, the way we've always done things in nursing just isn't working anymore.

Nourish Your Team - Literally

It might seem like a small gesture, but providing holiday meals or cafeteria passes goes a long way. Here's the key though - make sure your nurses can actually take breaks to enjoy these meals. When nurses feel nurtured and supported, their gratitude is genuine. I've seen simple acts of care make a lasting difference in nurse retention.


Create Real-Time Connections

Even a 10 or 15-minute virtual gathering can be meaningful. Your staff are working in real time - they need real-time support. I'm not talking about recorded messages. I mean actual face-to-face time with leadership who can check in and ask, "How is everything going?" These brief connections show your team they haven't been abandoned on the holiday.


Make Your Appreciation Personal

Take the time to write handwritten cards with personalized messages. Don't use canned messages - include specific examples of how that nurse made a difference. Maybe add a comment shared by a coworker or patient about their impact. Yes, this takes time, but ask yourself: How much time does it take to recruit and train a new nurse?


Be Present for Your Team

I cannot stress this enough - administrators and CEOs need to be visible during the holidays. This isn't about the charge nurse or unit manager - I'm talking about senior leadership showing up and rounding to support the team keeping your doors open during the holidays. Your presence speaks volumes about your commitment to your nurses.

These strategies might seem simple, but they're vital for addressing the serious retention challenges we're facing in nursing. When 38% of nurses are planning to leave the bedside, we can't afford to keep doing things the same way. I've seen too many nurses struggle with burnout and lack of work-life balance.

Remember, changing nursing culture isn't a small task, but we have to start somewhere. In my years of consulting with healthcare organizations across the US, I've learned that genuine support and appreciation can make the difference between a nurse staying or leaving.

Your nurses are the heart of your organization. They deserve to feel valued, especially during the holidays when they're sacrificing time with their own families to care for others. These aren't just nice-to-have suggestions - they're essential strategies for building a sustainable nursing workforce.

Join Our Supportive Nursing Community

If you're looking for additional support during the holidays and beyond, I invite you to join our Nurses Feed Their Young online peer support community. We're offering a 30-day free trial to help you connect with fellow nurses who understand exactly what you're going through.

In our member community, you'll find:

  • Regular check-ins and support sessions during the holiday season

  • A network of nurses who share your experiences

  • Resources and strategies for managing holiday stress

  • A safe space to share your challenges and victories

Don't navigate the holiday season alone. Join our community of nurses supporting nurses. Comment "community" below, and I'll share the link for your free 30-day trial.

Remember, at Nurses Feed Their Young, we believe in nurturing and supporting each other. Because if nothing changes, nothing changes.

Let's make that change together. Join the Nurses Feed Their Young Member Community today!