Nurse Marge in Charge

Dear Nurse Marge,

This is the first year I’m working Thanksgiving.   I’m not really thrilled about it, but I guess it comes with the territory.  I want to have the best holiday possible even if I have to work.  My co-workers just roll their eyes and say “Good luck with that!”  Can you let me know what to expect? Are they right? Am I doomed to have a dismal Turkey Day?

Signed,

Happy Holidays?
Dear Happy Holidays,

Being away from home on the holidays is tough, but it does have its positives as well.

Look at it this way: any Thanksgiving you spend working is a Thanksgiving you’re not stuck at the table with Uncle Know-It-All and Aunt Isn’t-It-Time-You-Get-Married-Dear?  For some reason, I could never tolerate them as well I can handle Isn’t-It-Time-For-My-Pain-Medication-YET and When-Will-The-Doctor-Get-Here, who NEVER miss a holiday in the hospital.

One of the best things about Thanksgiving in the hospital: You don’t have to cook ANYTHING and all the dirty dishes are someone else’s problem.  You don’t have to worry about the bird being thawed out in time (despite popular rumor, however, it’s really NOT possible to get a last-minute thaw by throwing your frozen gobbler in the MRI!)(Please don’t ask how know I this.)If your unit does a pot-luck meal, there’s no pressure to actually produce home made goodies like Grandma used to make.  Simply buy something attractive from the bakery and tell everyone “It’s better this way. Trust me.”  Nurses will believe you when you say this, while relatives never do.

Good Luck!

Nurse Marge