On call

Editorial Team / Admin · Apr 13, 2017

Can you be more specific? Are you referring to a certain facility? Other questions that you have?

RNGIF · Apr 13, 2017

I just got offered a position as a new grad. I am looking to find out if one is usually called "out of the blues" or you know the exact time frame you are on call.

Editorial Team / Admin · Apr 13, 2017

This is something you need to ask the manager of the OR where you were offered a position. However, generally "on call" means a set time where you must be available to report to work if needed. Many facilities have a set response time as well- mine is 20-30 minutes depending on the specialty. I know exactly when I'm on call- in fact, I'm on call as I type, with the phone nearby in case it rings. Does that mean I've never been on the receiving end of a phone call when I'm not on call? No, that's happened. However, I have the option to say no in that case- and I have, when I was 5,000 miles from home when they called me. That only happens in dire settings- all call people are already working, but the patients who can't wait are still rolling in. I work in a trauma center, and we've had a few mass casualty incidents where we had to not only call in all call people but then begin calling everyone on staff until we had enough volunteers.

RNGIF · Apr 13, 2017

Thank you. I get a clearer picture.