When you are put on CALL, how does your work call you in If they need you?
I would expect that they CALL you.
My wife has been on call a couple nights the last few weeks and a certain charge nurse has just been sending a text message saying, “you’re getting called in, let us know when you get this.” These texts just make a little beep on her phone and it doesn’t wake either of us up, especially at 1:00 or 2:00 am. I just feel like it should be common courtesy to make a phone call and not just text if they need you to come in during the night.
She doesn’t want to keep showing up super later when she gets called in because it takes her so long to notice the text, but she doesn’t want to throw a fit about her not calling if texting is the norm.
Is this something she is justified in writing a complaint about? Or should we have someone stay awake and keep watch for an incoming text at any point during the night?
I get that they are trying to find the fastest solution, but I don't think it's actually doing anyone any good. I would NEVER rely on a text message to call someone in. Our house supervisors will send a mass text to us if they are looking for volunteers to come in, but any time someone gets called in - a phone call is made. Day or not - this should be the policy.
Specializes in Surgical, Home Infusions, HVU, PCU, Neuro.
I also work nights and have had the house supervisor text me that I needed to come in and I didn't get the text until the next morning, about 6 hours later. I immediately contacted the day house sup and then my manager however a week later the CNO was saying I was to be on final write up and possibly terminated for a "no call, no show". The house sup not calling is what saved me from getting a write-up or terminated, as well as me contacted those that I did when I saw the missed texted.
I have also had issues with my manager not receiving any of my texts but I could get hers. After selecting the delivery report to be sent they would never be delivered, and that was with her not blocking me or anything to that nature. So how are they to be absolutely certain that you are in fact receiving the text for you to come in?
Some texting applications do not allow you to alter specific ringtones for contacts, it is just one notification setting and that is it.
I agree with telling them via email to call and not text you when you are on call and they are needing you to come in. I would email this specific charge nurse, your supervisor as well as BCC your personal email address in the request. This does not seem to be a crazy request and I would think it would be one that is easily accommodated.
xoemmylouox, ASN, RN
3,150 Posts
I get that they are trying to find the fastest solution, but I don't think it's actually doing anyone any good. I would NEVER rely on a text message to call someone in. Our house supervisors will send a mass text to us if they are looking for volunteers to come in, but any time someone gets called in - a phone call is made. Day or not - this should be the policy.