DiversityNursing Blog

For many people, Thanksgiving is a day of gathering, slowing down, and sharing gratitude. But for thousands of Nurses, it’s another kind of service day, a time to show up, care deeply, and be present for patients who need them most. Working on Thanksgiving isn’t always easy, but it carries a unique meaning that only Nurses truly understand.

Whether this is your first holiday shift or your fifteenth, here’s a little appreciation, encouragement, and guidance to help you make the most of the day.

🧡 Remember the “Why” Behind the Work

While the rest of the world settles into celebration, you’re providing stability, safety, and comfort to people who may be spending the holiday in a hospital bed. That’s no small thing.

Many patients feel vulnerable or lonely this time of year, and your presence can help them feel less alone. Even the smallest acts, a warm blanket, an extra moment of listening, a genuine smile, can mean more than you realize.

Sometimes, the most meaningful gratitude comes from the quiet moments no one else sees.

🦃 Bring the Spirit of Thanksgiving to Work

Even on shift, there are ways to honor the holiday:

• Start the day with a gratitude intention

• Share a festive treat or potluck dish with your team

• Write small thank-you notes to coworkers

• Add a subtle autumn touch to the unit (per facility rules!)

• Share a moment of reflection during handoff

These tiny traditions help the day feel special and they strengthen the bonds that make Nurse teams feel like family.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Stay Connected to Your Loved Ones

If you’re missing a holiday gathering, remember: Thanksgiving can be celebrated anytime.
Try:

• Quick FaceTime calls during break

• Asking family to save you a plate

• Planning a “Thanksgiving redo” on your next day off

• Creating your own tradition; breakfast Thanksgiving, takeout Thanksgiving, cozy movie-night Thanksgiving

Your holiday isn’t lost, just postponed.

🫶Take Care of Yourself During the Shift

Holiday shifts can be mentally and emotionally heavy. Make space for yourself, too.

• Eat a real meal, even if it’s not turkey

• Drink water and something fall flavored

• Take a few grounding breaths between patient rooms

• Step outside for 2 minutes of fresh air

• Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up; gratitude, exhaustion, pride, or even frustration

You’re human, and Nursing on a holiday is hard work.

🌟 Celebrate the Impact You’re Making

Working on Thanksgiving is a sacrifice, but it’s also a gift.
A gift of service.
A gift of compassion.
A gift of presence.

While many people give thanks around a table, you’re giving thanks through action; supporting patients and families who are facing some of their toughest moments.

Please know this: You are seen. You are appreciated. And your work matters deeply. We are thankful for YOU.

Thanksgiving may look different for Nurses, but its heart remains the same: gratitude, connection, and caring for one another.

If you’re working this holiday, thank you for being the steady, skilled, compassionate presence your patients rely on.

You make a profound difference, not just on Thanksgiving, but every single day.