On-call entry level positions

[Curious1alwys, BSN, RN]

Got a question....

I know RN's get paid a differential or whatever for an "on-call" position, but do you get paid more if you are just trying for something entry level? I am looking at a hospital admitting job, on -call, and am wondering if it is a higher pay rate than the full time admitting positions. Anyone work on-call and can tell me how it works? Do you get a pager? What if they call you and you can't come in? ...etc.....

Thanks for the info!!:)

[sunnyjohn]

I'm a surgical technologist and I take call.

I get paid while I am on-call. You take scheduled call shifts just like your regular shifts. Basically they pay you a few dollars ($1, 2, 3 or more depending on the facility) to wear a pager. You can go about your daily routine as long as you answer that page in a timely fashion. I also have to be able to get to the hospital in 30-40 minutes.

If you are scheduled to take call and you can't come in, well that's considered an occurence. You have to have a really good reason why you can't take an assigned call shift. Some places might allow you to get another co-worker to cover. If I get called in to work I am paid time-and-a half or double-time and a half, depending on the facility.

Of course, if you are not on the call-schedule and they just call you out of the blue, all bets are off. It is just like any employer calling to ask you to cover. Believe me if you are one of those people who always come in when they call you and you are not on-call, your telephone number will quickly go to the top of the list. Two words, CALLER ID.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

You can go about your daily routine as long as you answer that page in a timely fashion. I also have to be able to get to the hospital in 30-40 minutes.

If you are scheduled to take call and you can't come in, well that's considered an occurence. You have to have a really good reason why you can't take an assigned call shift. Some places might allow you to get another co-worker to cover. If I get called in to work I am paid time-and-a half or double-time and a half, depending on the facility.

Agree. Being on-call is not the same as working "prn" or as needed. If you're scheduled to be on-call at a certain time, the understanding is that you'll be called if needed and expected to come in within the shortest reasonable time. If you don't/can't come in to work, it's considered the same as calling off any regularly scheduled work time.

You may be issued a pager, or you may simply be expected to be at home, and answering your phone.

Good luck to you.