Surviving the Fourth of July Shift: What Every Nurse Needs to Know
While the rest of the country is out there enjoying barbecues and dazzling fireworks, many of us nurses are gearing up for one of the busiest nights in the emergency department. Yep, the Fourth of July is not just about hot dogs and sparklers; it’s also known for a spike in certain injuries that keep our ERs buzzing like fireworks!
Research has shown that July sees a whopping 31.8% increase in hospital admissions for pediatric burns, with Independence Day playing a big part in this. Fireworks, alcohol, and heat are a recipe for accidents that send a tidal wave of patients through our doors. So, how do we handle this annual surge with grace and a touch of humor?
@mykailam making a patient feel seen as a human instead of a number 👏🏼 #RN #nursing #fypage #4thofjuly ♬ Firework - Katy Perry
Preparing for the Firework Frenzy: Your Pre-Shift Game Plan
If you’re working the Fourth of July, preparation is everything. The ER (or any acute care unit) can quickly shift from calm to chaos once the festivities begin, so it’s smart to head in with a plan.
Start by brushing up on protocols for common holiday-related injuries, especially:
- Burns (from fireworks, grills, or sparklers)
- Blast injuries and lacerations (from firework mishandling)
- Orthopedic traumas (from falls, ATV accidents, or alcohol-fueled mishaps)
- Heat-related illness (dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke)
- Alcohol or substance-related issues (including overdose and intoxication-related trauma)
Make sure your unit is fully stocked and ready for volume spikes. Double-check that you have:
- Burn dressings, hydrogel sheets, and sterile wraps
- IV fluids (normal saline, LR) and fluid warmers for trauma and dehydration
- Wound care kits, suture trays, and hemostatic dressings
- Splints, slings, orthopedic boots, and backboards
- Airway equipment (especially for intoxicated or unconscious patients)
- Naloxone (Narcan), activated charcoal, and tox screens
- Extra trauma gowns, rapid infuser setups, and portable monitors if applicable
If you're in the trauma bay or triage, coordinate early with the charge nurse to make sure assignments are clear, and that EMS handoff processes are tight—you might see multiple traumas roll in at once. Touch base with your trauma team or rapid response crew to clarify roles if you're expecting a high-volume night.
And finally, don’t forget about you—hydrate, eat something beforehand, and keep your head clear. A little prep goes a long way when the night lights up (literally and figuratively).
@hayleywombles ‘merica in the ER 🇺🇸🧨 #ernurse #nursesoftiktok #trending #nursetok #nurse #emergencyroom #er #4thofjuly #forthofjuly #fireworks #nursehumor #humor ♬ original sound - Betches
Nurse Self-Care Tips for Surviving the 4th of July Shift:
- Stay hydrated – Long shifts and hot weather can take a toll. Keep a water bottle with you and drink consistently throughout the day.
- Pack your own snacks or meals – You might miss the BBQ, but you don’t have to miss out on good food. Bring something you actually enjoy.
- Use sunscreen – Even if you’re only outside briefly, protect your skin, especially during patient transfers or breaks.
- Listen to music or calming audio – A good playlist during your break can help reset your mindset and energy.
- Wear compression socks – These can make a big difference during long, busy shifts and reduce fatigue later.
- Take mental pauses – Even two minutes of deep breathing or stepping outside can give your mind and body a quick refresh.
- Unplug during breaks – Instead of scrolling, allow yourself some quiet time to truly recharge.
- Set boundaries – It’s okay to say no to picking up extra shifts or attending post-shift events if you’re exhausted.
- Check in on your coworkers – Supporting each other during tough shifts helps everyone get through it a little easier.
- Plan your own celebration – Whether it’s a day off after the holiday or a small get-together later, give yourself something to look forward to.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
When patient numbers start climbing like a Fourth of July firework, teamwork is key. Divvy up responsibilities clearly among the team and keep those communication lines open. Check in with your colleagues regularly, especially those who might be experiencing their first Fourth of July on the frontlines. A little teamwork goes a long way during those holiday surges.
If things calm down for a moment, use that time to educate patients and their families on safety tips. Quick reminders about firework precautions, keeping hydrated, and supervising kids around water and fire can prevent repeat visits. For those of you working with pediatric populations, stay extra vigilant. Kids are often the unlucky stars in firework-related injuries, so keep an eagle eye out.
When You're Off the Clock...
For those of you lucky enough to be off-duty and joining the celebrations, a word of advice: If your friends or family are known for some questionable decision-making, keep them far away from fireworks and anything flammable. Or better yet, find a safer celebration to join!
Once your shift wraps up, it’s time to decompress. Fourth of July shifts can be emotionally and physically draining, so whether you choose to catch the tail end of the fireworks or just enjoy the peace of home, take a moment to reflect on the crucial role you played in keeping your community safe.
The Fourth of July brings unique challenges for nurses, but with a bit of prep, a sprinkle of teamwork, and a dash of self-care, you can handle the night like a pro. Even though you might miss out on some of the holiday festivities, your dedication to patient care shines brighter than any firework in the sky. Happy Fourth, and stay safe out there!
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