5 Unexpected Perks of Working a Per Diem Holiday Shift

The holiday season is often a time for joy, gratitude, and togetherness, but for healthcare professionals, the demands of the job don’t take a holiday break. This can sometimes mean sacrificing moments spent with your own loved ones to ensure the well-being of others. While picking up a per diem shift over the holidays might seem like a sacrifice, it also comes with unexpected rewards that can make the day meaningful in ways you may not have anticipated.

1. You'll create meaningful memories.

Working a holiday shift doesn’t mean the holiday is “missed,” it often just looks a little different. You may decorate a nurses’ station instead of a living room or share warm conversations instead of a big family dinner. Those small, heartfelt moments with residents and fellow staff can become memories you carry for years.

2. You'll build deeper connections.

The holidays bring out emotion: reflection, nostalgia, and gratitude. When you show up for residents during this time, you may be offering comfort to someone spending their holiday away from family or experiencing loss. Your presence matters deeply, more than you may ever fully know. The connection you build could be the highlight of their season.

3. You'll bring comfort to both residents and families.

Families trust you. They’re grateful that the people they love are still surrounded by compassion, celebration, and care, even when they can’t be there. That gratitude is real, heartfelt, and often spoken. The appreciation you’ll receive can be incredibly rewarding.

4. You'll earn a free priority pay.

Stepping up during the holiday season does not go unnoticed. Both GrapeTree and the healthcare facility appreciate your dedication and willingness to ensure seamless care for residents. As an extra thank you, if you work a per diem shift on Thanksgiving and/or Christmas, you’ll receive a free priority pay for that holiday shift. This means you can receive your paycheck early, at no extra cost to you.

5. You can earn extra money with holiday pay.

GrapeTree and the facilities we work with know how important it is to fill holiday shifts, and many facilities offer time and a half pay on holidays as compensation for missing time with your loved ones. Be sure to check with your GrapeTree Staffing Specialist to see which facilities in your area offer holiday pay!

If you've worked a holiday shift before, let us know in the comments. What were the unexpected perks you experienced?