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The warmer temps, longer days and sandy Nova Scotia beaches have us all longing for time off with friends and family. Most of us count the days until summertime vacation, eager to recharge our batteries and enjoy the great outdoors after months of near hibernation.
Nurses are not always guaranteed July or August vacations, especially if you’re a new grad or new to a facility. That’s typically the way seniority works. Even though your collective agreement allows for some flexibility, this time is sacred and usually reserved for those with rank.
This is a common practice across workplaces and professions. First in get first choice.
I recall the early days of my nursing career, especially when my kids were young, just how special it was to be off work enjoying fun in the sun or at Christmas when festivities were ramping up. It’s rare for a young nurse to celebrate on those exact occasions. It’s more likely the gifts are opened on Boxing Day and a get-away is booked in the off-season.
Things have shifted due to the staffing crisis, leaving employers with scheduling gaps and even less relief for those eager to head to the camp or the cottage. These days, staffing challenges don’t take a break, they are a 24/7/365 problem.
NSNU offers a focused initiative, an incentive ($1000) for senior nurses to defer taking their full vacation entitlement to allow more junior staff to access time off in the summer.
As of this June, Health P.E.I. is offering some healthcare workers, including nurses, additional compensation to take on additional shifts this summer, especially during evenings, weekends and holidays.
The new incentives could see P.E.I. Nurses’ Union members receive time-and-a-half or even double-time pay for shifts that are deemed critical. PEINU was first to strike a deal with Health P.E.I. on June 7th.
Health P.E.I. missed the deadline to post vacation schedules by June 1st because of an unclear staffing picture for the summer.
“It’s a little late to the game,” says Barbara Brookins, president of PEINU, noting that a lot of nurses were frustrated with the development because they already had summer plans.
PEINU is hopeful that nurses will pick up one or two shifts, making a difference between someone getting time off or not getting vacation.
I’ve already mentioned some of the reasons why time off in the summer months is so coveted, but according to authorities the benefits of a summer vacation go well beyond having a good time.
Taking a vacation can reduce stress levels and decrease the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Time off also is associated with greater happiness and improved job performance when you return to work.
Taking time in your busy schedule to relax prevents burnout and helps you be more creative and productive. We’ve all heard about the Oxygen Mask Theory. Secure your own mask before assisting others! That’s a mantra nurses should live by!
Scientific evidence shows that chronic stress can alter your brain structure and cause anxiety and depression. When you take a vacation or a break, you allow your body and mind to heal in ways they couldn’t if you continued putting them under pressure.
In other words, address your mental and physical needs first, before committing to responsibilities benefitting others. Oh, if it were only that easy.
Before I thank the skiers, autumn lovers and those who shun the sun for not requesting a summertime escape, I implore employers to be more creative when it comes to scheduling. Keeping the lines of communications open so that those who want to work these months can, and those who crave the dog days of summer are not denied.
Without a doubt, it’s tough to work when it’s 32 degrees and the seashore is calling but showing up matters. Showing up for your shift, regardless of the day of the week or temperature outside, is the responsible thing to do. It matters to your patients, your co-workers and your professional reputation.
While it is not possible for everyone to get vacation this summer, for those who don’t your time will come. With any luck, your regular off days will include blue skies, warm breezes and your favorite pastimes.
