Altru Health System in Grand Forks is making the holiday season brighter for both patients and caregivers through special events and enhanced patient care. The initiative, led by dedicated staff, aims to create a sense of community within the hospital, often referred to as a “home away from home” by Case Manager Courtney Caron.
During this festive time, hundreds of employees at Altru work tirelessly to ensure that patients and their families experience a warm and supportive atmosphere. Despite the traditional notion of the holidays being a time for family gatherings, many patients unfortunately find themselves in need of care. Intensive care unit nurse Kortney Clarke emphasized the importance of providing high-quality care, stating, “People still deserve to be cared for.”
To foster a festive spirit, Altru organizes several holiday events. In November, the health system conducts a food drive to assist patients in need. During Thanksgiving, a Thanksgiving tree is displayed, allowing staff and patients to share what they are grateful for. Additionally, departments participate in an “adopt-a-family” initiative, donating gifts to families during the holiday season. Altru also holds a candlelight memorial service for families who have experienced the loss of a child, creating a supportive environment for those in mourning.
Recognizing that the hospital may not be where many individuals want to spend the holidays, Caron noted, “We do everything that we can, all the time to make it another experience, especially around the holidays.” Staff members go the extra mile to decorate their departments and don festive attire, contributing to an atmosphere that feels special and comfortable.
Support among staff is equally crucial during this time. Employees often swap shifts to accommodate personal plans, while potluck meals during Thanksgiving allow staff to share a sense of camaraderie. Clarke remarked on the teamwork, highlighting how these gatherings help make shifts feel more special and provide the support needed for a work-life balance.
To ensure fairness in holiday scheduling, Altru plans holiday rosters years in advance, preventing the same individuals from working every holiday. Ken Hanson, senior marketing and communications specialist at Altru, added that staff members receive “holiday premiums” as a recognition of their commitment. “In health care, patient needs don’t pause for holidays,” he stated. “Our holiday premium acknowledges that sacrifice and commitment of our team to serving patients, even on days of national or cultural significance.”
While the festive efforts enhance the environment during the holidays, Caron stressed that the standard of patient care remains consistent throughout the year. She expressed pride in the Altru staff, stating, “At Altru, really helping our patients and caring for our community is really who we are, and I think that this shines even brighter during the holiday season.”
Through these initiatives, Altru Health System not only supports its patients but also fosters a strong sense of community among its staff, ensuring that even in challenging times, the holidays can still be a season of joy and togetherness.
