Celebrating Halloween at a healthcare facility can be a fun night for patients and staff. There are many excellent, creative, and easy ways to enjoy the holiday if done following hospital standards and policies. One of the best ways for patients and staff to enjoy Halloween is to plan with the team first what is allowed in what areas of the hospital or long-term care facility. One of the first things to consider is that not everyone will want to participate, and that's fine. Just make sure the people participating wish to participate.
Costumes and Creative Dress-Up Ideas
Several simple costume ideas work well with healthcare facilities. Dressing up as a witch with a simple hat or fake long nose makes for a fun costume. This costume is perfect for doctors, who can say they are witch doctors. Making masks out of colored construction paper is simple and a great time for patients. Dressing up the patients is a fun time with a parade if the healthcare facilities allow this type of activity. Something more extravagant like this is sometimes done in nursing homes, pediatric units, and assisted-living facilities.
Again, in alignment with the uniform policies at your place of work, you might be able to wear festive-colored or even printed scrubs during October. Many stores sell Halloween- or fall-themed scrubs. Even in the most basic way, black, orange, and purple scrubs add a friendly festive spirit. For more Halloween costume ideas, please visit here. They have easy-to-make costumes that people make with many items they may already have lying around the house.
Trick or Treat Activities that are Simple and Perfect for Healthcare Facilities
When most people think of Halloween, they think of getting candy, snacks, or treats. One fun candy idea is to stuff latex gloves with treats to give out as goodie bags. Or, the staff and nurses can have a Halloween pot-luck-themed meal, which can include a variety of items, including more health conscience treats such as oranges and tangerines. Another idea is to put white chocolate-covered pretzels in a bag and call them a bag of bones. Not everyone likes candy and sweet things so consider veggies and fruits to add to the mix.
Halloween Decoration Ideas for Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
Nothing adds ambiance like a few decorations. Purple and orange strings of lights around the nurse's station add a nice touch with fake plastic spiders added into some fake cobwebs. Even hanging a few cut-out ghosts and skeletons make the healthcare facility feel festive. The important thing is to have fun. Don't force participation, as not everyone will want to participate, but that's ok. Have fun with the day and make some memories for the patients.
Photo Shoot and Prop Ideas
Make some memories to mark the occasion, and have an area for a photo shoot. Show off the costumes and even add a few props to the scenery. Carved or painted pumpkins, a small scarecrow, and spiders make for an exciting Halloween day. If it is a pediatric unit or a place where costumes are going to be worn, a great way to show off the costumes is to have a Halloween costume parade. Everyone gets to see everyone else's outfit, and there can be a contest for best costume, scariest, and other categories.
PRN Shifts for Nurses and Allied Healthcare Workers
Nursa helps nurses and allied health workers find per diem shift work at healthcare facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, etc. It is an application that can be downloaded onto any iPhone or Android device. It is easy to use and helps find assignments for healthcare workers. All that is needed is first to download the application, then fill out a profile by answering a few questions about qualifications, upload the necessary documentation, and once approved; you can start looking for PRN jobs. The best thing about the Nursa application is the freedom it offers. Nursa works with healthcare facilities all over the country, so people can choose when they want to work, how long they want to work, and where they want to work. It is perfect for traveling nurses and helps people explore new cities. Many hospitals offer more pay than regular full-time employees because these shifts would otherwise go unfulfilled.
