What to Expect When You're on Call Being a nurse on call can be exciting, and if you are the type of person that enjoys variety, you may be perfectly suited for it. An on-call nurse, often referred to as a Per Diem (Latin term meaning by the day) is a nurse that is essentially ready to go to work at any given time during his or her on call shift. Many on call nurses simply take phone calls and provide information, however you still must answer the calls and respond immediately providing it is during your working hours. As with any job, there are good points, and bad points, and as with any nursing job, it can be stressful, and rewarding. Why do Hospitals Use On-Call Nurses? Hospitals have a lot of staff in order to see that every patient and job is covered. Hospitals often rely on on-call nurses to cover staffing needs, as those needs may vary week to week, and sometimes day to day. If an area was having a flu epidemic, a hospital might have a larger number of patients than normal, however, the epidemic is relatively short lived, so there is no need for permanent staffing. When hospitals have a good, reliable group of on-call nurses, it allows them to maintain their costs by calling on and using the nurses only when they need them. On-call nurses have become a common practice, especially in larger cities. Be sure to check with multiple agencies to determine which one fits your particular needs. Related: Who was the World's first RN? - International Nurses Association Why do Nurses Choose to Work in on-call Nursing? On-call nursing certainly has its challenges, since these nurses are often working in units they have never worked in, with staff they do not know. However, there are also good reasons to choose this field. • On-call nursing is exciting and challenging. If you are the type of nurse that gets bored easily, and prefers a change of pace, on-call would be a great choice. If you can adapt quickly to new environments, on-call nursing could offer this, as well as meeting new people literally every time you work. •Newly relocated may be another reason to give on-call nursing a try. You may be unsure which hospital you would like to work at, and on-call nursing could help provide an answer. You can list yourself to be available for more than one hospital, and after giving several a try, you can make a decision on which is the best fit for your personal needs. •If you are faced with challenges regarding a work schedule due to family, school, or other issues, on-call nursing can be just the answer you are
looking for. Working on call allows you to say what days and hours you are available for, so you can have more flexibility and plan your schedule according to your needs. Generally on call nursing schedules are very flexible, you simply indicate which days and hours you are available each week. •As an on call nurse, when you show up and assist during a staff shortage, you are very much welcomed and appreciated. It's nice to know that you are helping out your fellow nurses, and offering your skills where needed. Most on site nurses are very glad to have on-call nurses available to help with the patient load. You will most likely have a great experience at any location you work at. Related:
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As with anything in life, there are downsides just as there are upsides, and working as an on-call nurse is no different. You really have to take a look at your lifestyle and your ability to be flexible before you agree to work as an on-call nurse. You don’t want to commit to something that you will not be comfortable doing, so perhaps a trial run of a week prior to accepting a regular position would be a good idea. You will have to weigh the pros and con’s and decides what works best in your situation. Some of the downsides to working on call are: • Working in a new facility where you have never worked. You will have to feel comfortable asking questions, such as where supplies are, how to reach your supervisor, or even where the cafeteria is. •You may not have the benefit of attending an orientation, so you may feel totally out of your element. Some large hospitals and on-call providers offer an orientation; however, it may not be geared toward every facility that you will work at. You won’t have computer passwords, keys, or access to certain areas you may need to gain access to, so you will have to rely on coworkers for assistance. Education Requirements To work as an on-call nurse, you will need to be a graduate of a nursing program, and have an unrestricted nursing license. You will need training and experience that qualifies you for the areas you will be working in at a facility. For instance, if you will be working in surgical intensive care, you will need previous experience in that environment. As a general rule, on-call nurses need to be previously trained when they show up for their on-call shift.
Many nurses enjoy working in an on-call capacity. It allows them the freedom to work various locations and with various people. The biggest benefit to on call nursing is most likely the flexibility to work as you want to. There are also some on call nursing jobs that are actually phone assignments. These positions usually require you to be on call for patient questions and advice. These positions typically provide a lower salary, however there is no travel expense involved. Your personality and preferences should be a determining factor, as you want to ensure you are a good fit with any position. A nursing career is rewarding regardless of what type of position you select. Explore your options, do some research, and ask questions, you will then be able to make an informed decision.
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