I just returned from Italy - an absolutely glorious vacation…the people, the culture, the food…wonderful!!! I am now settling back in to home and work routines and got to thinking about how different this transition is for those of us who don't work in a clinical setting. As a clinical editor, I have the luxury of picking and choosing what to catch up on first - reading the latest journal articles, catching up on social media, writing the next eNewsletter, or editing some upcoming articles. The list goes on…

Sure, I need to prioritize what needs to be done sooner rather than later, however my return to work is a lot different now then when I was taking care of patients.  As a clinical nurse, there really is no easing back into work. Assessments need to be done, medications need to be given, procedures must be performed, and patient education and support must be provided. This list also goes on...

Thinking about this also brought to mind another common occurrence in my experience. After a return from vacation, I remember being given a heavier assignment, maybe the sicker patients or the families who needed a little more time and TLC. I was considered fresh, well-rested, and ready to go. Never mind the jet-lag or any family drama experienced while away!

I will confess that these are not only memories of my returns from vacation, but also in my role as charge nurse when colleagues returned from vacation. “Sure, Sally can take the patient maxed out on pressors who is a full-code. She just spent a week in Hawaii.” Or, “Give Jeff the ER admission with the fresh GI bleed. He’s been off all week.”

As I write this, I am disappointed in myself and think…would this be considered horizontal violence? It’s just the way that things were and no one ever questioned it, but that shouldn’t make it right. Thoughts?