I was happy to have this past weekend off of work. I was also relieved to be home, especially since I was needed in another capacity. Instead of clocking in at work, I spent the weekend caring for a family member who was suffering with pneumonia.

When we are not working, we are often called upon to care for our own and, whether willing or begrudging, most of us oblige.

In many ways it is easier to care for our own family members than to manage our typical professional loads. For one thing, it is refreshing to have only one patient at a time. And, we can enjoy such luxuries as talking on cell phones and freely consuming snacks and fluids. Bathrooms are usually more accessible than on the floor, and no one reports us if we fall asleep or read a book. Caring for family also allows us to show off our skills while we gain points with other family members. Last but not least, we get to share hours of quality time with our family-member-turned-patient.

Around on Saturday, I received a call from my hospital, asking me if I could come in to work. I looked over at my home care patient who was studying my face intently. Although I was tempted to give in to the request, I did not feel comfortable leaving my family member alone. She was still very sick and in need of company and monitoring. I must admit that I felt a tiny bit guilty about turning down the hospital’s request and I slightly lamented the loss of potential overtime pay. Yet, I was content to stay where I was, settled on the sofa, watching television with my recovering patient.

Sometimes, caring for family members can be a burden, especially if they are very ill or if our relationship is strained. But, my weekend patient was neither of these. Tomorrow, I will probably wonder what happened to all of my time off. Yet, I will know that I did not squander any of it. For today, I am glad I am both nurse and temporary family hero. And, to be honest, I probably rested a whole lot more than if I had actually taken the time “off” to run errands and catch up on all my household chores.

Do you often find yourself “working” on your days off? Do you spend your time off caring for family members at home or working in a volunteer capacity? We would love to hear your stories.