On call stipend

dianajh73 · Mar 20, 2017

Too late to help the OP no doubt, but I'll answer in case there is anyone else out there looking for feedback.

I currently work on call 24hrs Mon 8am - Fri 5pm for my 4 ICF homes (24 clients). There is not additional pay for answering TCs during the week, although we can charge or flex time for any time spent handling calls. Otherwise I am paid $35/hr for 40hr wk with OT as needed.

Weekends we receive $100 stipend to cover on-call Friday 5pm to Monday 8am, plus billed hours for time spent handling calls for 8 ICF homes (48 clients).

This is pretty consistent with what we demanded when I worked for a hospice company - $2/hr to be on-call. When I started with that company they paid $0 and couldn't keep anyone. I finally convinced the owners that there HAD to be something because it required us to be available at all hours and is a huge commitment.

TAKOO01, BSN · Apr 12, 2017

Hi dianajh73,

Thank you for responding, because I am interested:). What sort of things do they call you for when you are on call? I am thinking - if there is an emergency, why wouldn't the staff call 911?

dianajh73 · Apr 13, 2017

Huge coincidence that you asked this today. We were just informed that, going forward, we will be taking our calls 24/7 without stipend and that if we want to cover for one another it was up to us to work it out, but we would not be scheduled to cover for one another. This is a corporate change and we are encouraged to bill for any time spent working because of calls or texts.

Our Direct Support Personnel are required to report ANYTHING unusual, ANY change of condition, and if they want to give any PRNs. Last night I got a call about a medication that was not given in the morning, this morning I got calls on blood pressures for 2 clients which resulted in repeated exchanges and contact to primary care. I also got a call on an appointment and what was needed for Dr. Usually I get daily calls from each house on who needs MOM per protocol. I also received a 1am call to report a bruise. When a client is in ER I get regular updates, regardless of time. When the client is discharged I have to go to the home (all 45min-1hr away) and assess and write instructions and plan.

Technically they do not "Control" my time, in that, I have no mandate not to drink or socialize, but if I have to respond it is on me. I ended up 2hrs late to my own birthday party because I had to go assess 2 clients regarding hospital discharge.

Our company frequently defers to ER, but there are many instances that just require notifications or appointments. One weekend recently I had 50 TCs from 5:30pm Friday to Sunday 11am. Even when clients are in the hospital I am asked to check on them regularly over the weekends.

I love my job, but on the lookout for better environment. I LOVE DD Nursing regardless and I HATE when another RN sends a client in when it isn't necessary because they don't know client. I'd rather they call me, but it does cause huge interruption in my life. If I had children it wouldn't work at all.

Just off the top of my head based on the last 2 weeks.

dianajh73 · Apr 13, 2017

My friends still tease me about the call I got during dinner about "redness under breast from bra strap". Yep - ended up in 3 calls because they can't use anything without an order and had no powder on hand.

TAKOO01, BSN · Apr 26, 2017

Thank you for responding. It was very helpful to hear about what your week looks like. I am a little afraid of 24 hour on call, but I am considering it. I will definitely do some more investigating.