🩺 Working July 4th? Essential Tips for Nurses
You might be working this 4thof July, because nurses don’t get holidays off from caring.
🎆 Yes, You’re Working the 4th—And You’ve Got This
While most people are firing up grills and claiming the best spots for fireworks, you’re clocking in—because nurses don’t get holidays off from caring.
Whether you’re a new RN or still prepping for the NCLEX, working your first July 4th shift can feel like a rite of passage—and not always an easy one. But it’s also a chance to learn, grow, and even find connection in unexpected places.
In this post, you’ll find practical tips, mindset shifts, and morale boosters to help you handle your shift like a pro—without missing the spirit of the holiday.
Let’s dive in!
1. Holiday Shifts Aren’t Always “Slow”—They’re Just Different
There’s a myth that hospital units slow down on holidays. The truth? It depends on your unit.
Some med-surg floors may discharge early, but others—especially the ER—can get slammed. Common July 4th hospital cases include:
Firework injuries (hand trauma, burns, eye injuries)
Grilling accidents
Alcohol-related incidents
Dehydration and heat exhaustion
Boating or vehicle accidents
🔥 Pro Tip
Ask seasoned nurses what to expect. Understanding your unit’s July 4th trends helps you prepare and focus.
Firework related injuries can be common during this summer holiday.
2. Bring the Team Spirit—Literally
You’re not the only one working. Everyone on shift is giving up their holiday, too. Build connection and boost morale with small gestures:
Organize a mini potluck or bring themed snacks
Decorate your break room with red, white, and blue
Wear festive badge reels or socks
Bring patient-friendly extras like activity sheets or stickers
🌟 Pro Tip
If you're new, taking initiative to spread positivity can help you earn trust and build rapport with your team.
Something small like a holiday themed badge reel can boost morale for yourself and your unit.
3. Recovery Plans = Sanity Savers
It’s not just about surviving the shift—it’s about bouncing back after it. Holidays can stir up feelings of missing out, especially when your feed is full of parties and fireworks.
✔️ Build your post-shift plan:
Let family know your availability in advance
Plan a personal “holiday” on your day off
Take 15 minutes to journal what you experienced and learned
🧠 Mental Wellness Tip
Try a post-shift wind-down with meditation apps like Calm or Insight Timer. It helps reset your mind before sleep.
4. Remember Why This Matters
You might not be holding sparklers—but you’re doing something just as powerful: you’re showing up.
You are:
Comforting patients who are alone on a holiday
Caring for trauma patients and families in crisis
Keeping the system running while others celebrate
This is the heart of nursing. It’s not easy—but it matters.
Some of your patients can’t be home for the holiday, but you can still be there and celebrate with them.
✨ Celebrate in Your Own Way
You deserve to celebrate—on your terms. Just because you're working doesn’t mean the holiday is lost.
Watch fireworks on your break or on the ride home
Treat yourself to something simple and meaningful
Reflect on how you made a difference
You CAN do this!
📣 Are you working this July 4th?
Share your survival tips in the comments or tag us on Instagram using #NursesOnDuty —we’d love to feature your story.
Comment below!
I invite my readers to join a discussion in the blog comment section to share tips and support each other in developing this essential skill.
💬 Join the Conversation:
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Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments:
How are you planning to celebrate on your holiday shift?
What does your unit do together for a holiday shift?
What are your planns for outside of work or studying?
Any tips or stories you'd like to share with your fellow new nurses?
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