Health Care Professionals: Spread The Holiday Spirit to Your Patients

It's that time of the year when we get a chance to spend time with our family and friends. Reunions, gifts shopping, setting up the Chrismas decorations and having lots of goodies are what makes the holiday season special. However, not everyone is fortunate to experience all the fun. For patients who are hospitalized, this season may be depressing. The family plays a huge role in cheering them up. Along with them, health care professionals can do a lot to lift their holiday spirits.

Let's do our best in these little ways to bring a smile on their face and enjoy this festive time of the year:

• Acknowledge the circumstances. Being concerned is helpful. Let the patient know that being admitted in the hospital during the holidays is not easy. Give them a huge and warm hug, it will make their day!
   
• Bring the holiday cheer to your patients. Writing a Christmas card may be helpful. Leave it in your patient's room or advice the family members to bring in their cards. Decorating the room with a small Christmas tree can change the entire atmosphere as well. How about holiday cooking? Try offering your patients some delicious holiday food but of course, make sure your double-check with their dietary restrictions.
   
• Push for another Christmas celebration. Health care professionals, try encouraging the family members to re-schedule the Christmas festivities until the patient is discharged and can enjoy with the entire family.
   
• Channel feelings through writing and reading. These are two activities that help distract the patients and divert their depression and frustration.
   
• Gift something appropriate. Set a portion of your budget for your patients. It doesn't have to be an expensive gift. A warm slipper, stationary or food items can make the patient feel that they are a part of the holiday scene.
   
• Make a quick change on the patient's clothes. Be normal to your patients and to start off, give them something normal to wear. Get rid of their hospital gown. Their own slippers from home will make them feel comfortable.

Hopefully, after doing these small acts, health care professionals, you can bring a smile to your patient's face and they won't have to feel the struggle that they are fighting with their health during the holiday season.

About the author: Jennifer Ward, BSN, RN is a medical-surgical nurse also trained in Oncology and Long-Term Care. Jennifer is dedicated to evidence-based practice and shared governance. She especially enjoys wound care, falls prevention, patient satisfaction, and documentation initiatives.

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