Calling in the “On Call” person when someone calls out

[Ginger27]

I was told that there’s some kind of ethics/legality with calling in the on call person when someone calls out sick. For example: Susie says she’s sick today so she calls out. There is on call staff available to call in. Is it ethical/legal for the on call person to be called in for that?

A coworker told me that on call staff is for emergencies (when there is an overflow of patients), not to replace people who call out sick. The hospital is supposed to staff the call out position with someone who is present for their scheduled shift (rather than bringing in an additional person). 

For reference I work in Postpartum OB. Just wondering if this is a thing or not!

A coworker called on a Saturday to ask if she could be canceled on the upcoming Monday night because she didn’t feel like working (and is notorious for calling out because she doesn’t feel like working). I am on call during her scheduled shift, and likely will be called in when she calls out.

Just wondering if there is any truth to what the other nurse said about how it isn’t ethical/legal to call in staff when the hospital needs to find a scheduled replacement/use currently present staff. If it isn’t ethical/legal I’d love to see some references! It’s not in my hospital policy as an FYI. 

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

3 hours ago, kp2016 said:

The problem with using your PACU on call staff to cover ICU overflow is that they are then not available to do emergency surgery cases. It depends on the hospital but a lot of smaller hospitals expect the PACU nurses to collect the patient, bring them to the OR and check them in while the OR staff open up for the case. The management answer to that is always, well "it probably won't happen", the ward / ER/ ICU staff can bring the patient to the PACU/ come get them, the Supervisor will come and help....blah blah blah

Trust me it does happen and "everyone" is always too busy to "do your job for you". Having a clear written policy on the role of your on call staff and the exact criteria for calling them in saves lots of middle of the night drama.

True, in regular times our PACU is not the appropriate overflow ICU. However, we have been in pandemic/disaster mode since March and the PACU is designated as CCU overflow. Roles haven't always been well clarified with this pandemic mess. 

[vintagegal, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

If this co-worker doesn’t feel like coming in because they don’t want to work, then why are they still employed at this facility? It’s called absenteeism and it should be dealt with accordingly. Not fair to anyone who is on call to have to come in for people playing games. Time to grow up, put your grown up pants on, and come to work.