No ICU doctor at night

[blistersonmyfingers]

How common is it for ICU's to not have a doctor in house during night shifts? They get the extra night shift pay to stay in house, but go home at night

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

It is not uncommon in community hospitals. You have to clarify the statement - "They get the extra night shift pay to stay in house, but go home at night" - physicians are typically salaried. They have a week of ICU duties typically and is on call at night but do not necessarily mean they have to be present physically. 

There are various ICU staffing models depending on the type of hospital. Some have residency and fellowship programs that have physician-in-training staff night shifts. Some have APPs staff the night shifts (NP or PA). Some use a combination of the two. Some use an eICU model where a remote physician or APP is called at night for issues. In high acuity ICUs there may be a full-fledged intensivist in house 24/7.