Halloween in the Hospital: 5 Things You May Experience as a Nursing Student

Spending Halloween in a hospital is different than spending it anywhere else. While others are trick-or-treating or at a costume party, you may be gearing up for a 12-hour shift. But that doesn’t mean that the fun stops. In fact, being a nurse or a nursing student on Halloween is a unique experience filled with its own set of tricks and treats.

Here are 5 things you may face as a nursing student on Halloween:

1. The Best (and Worst) Costumes

Sure, some patients may show up in colorful wigs, silly hats, or ill-fitting costumes, but the real show is often put on by your colleagues. Nurses tend to be highly creative individuals, and Halloween can be their time to shine. You’ll see units coordinating outfits, from Halloween-themed scrubs to more elaborate costumes like the cast of a classic movie or a group from your favorite video game.

Even if it’s just a spooky tie or a fun mask, these lighthearted moments are a fun way to see a different side of your colleagues and bring you all together. While it is fun to join in, your attire must always reflect professionalism and respect for the clinical setting. Before even thinking about a costume, check with your clinical instructor and facility that they are allowed.

If you get the green light, ensure your costume:

• Prioritizes Patient Safety: It must not hinder providing patient care (no long, flowing pants) or compromise infection control.
• Is Professional and Appropriate: Skip the scary, gory, or revealing and stick with a simple, appropriate theme or “themed scrubs.”
• Allow for Clear Communication: Never wear a mask as patients need to see your face. Professionalism is non-negotiable!

2. Expect the Unexpected with Who May Walk In

When working in the Emergency Department, it isn’t out of the ordinary to be greeted by a new cast of characters each day. On Halloween, this is no different. You may encounter patients with injuries from falls in costumes that were too long, cuts from pumpkin carving, or food poisoning from questionable treats.

In a pediatric unit, a child who ate too much candy might be a temporary resident, but someone who unknowingly dragged their costume over an open flame, perhaps a lit Jack-‘o-lantern, may be in for a lengthier stay. This is a great chance for you to practice your assessment skills on patients with less common ailments. Remember to ask detailed questions about their activities leading up to their arrival.

3. The Treats Are More Than Just Candy

While some hospitals may set up their own Halloween town with patients often trick-or-treating throughout the ER, as a nursing student, you will quickly learn that “treats” are not always just about candy. A real “treat” could be a patient who finally takes their medicine without arguing, a family member who expresses sincere gratitude for your help or finally placing a difficult IV line with the help of a preceptor. These small victories are the true rewards of the job.

4. Decorations and Fun Festivities

During your clinical shifts on and around Halloween, you will see how a hospital can morph into a surprisingly festive place. Nurses often get creative with their decorations to bring some holiday cheer to patients and colleagues.

You may find a pumpkin carved to look like an organ, skeleton models all dressed up, or bats made from paper hung on the wall. Decorations can help to create a lighter atmosphere, reminding everyone that even in a serious environment, there is always a little room for fun.

5. You Are the Real Superhero

While everyone else is dressing up as their favorite superhero, you are living the part. Not just on Halloween, but every day, you are the real hero, dedicating your time and talents to save lives and comfort patients during what may be their hardest times. By providing constant care, educating families, and advocating for your patients, your work is what is saving lives. Halloween serves as a reminder that you don’t need to be wearing a cape to be considered a hero.

So, if you are working this Halloween, embrace the spirit of the season. Enjoy the funny costumes, share the candy with your coworkers, and take pride in the vital work you are learning to do.

Information in this post is accurate as of October 22, 2025.

*The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/). All Arizona College of Nursing and Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (https://www.abhes.org/), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.