zoniRN

I've worked in some institutions that do and some that don't. The first was a tertiary care center and needless to say they were extremely busy so call was mandatory. It was 12 hrs a pay period. We were paid call pay and then time and 1/2 if we were called in. The call pay was about $2/hr while we sat home. Another institution I worked at paid minimum wage for call time (while you sat) and time and 1/2 for coming in but again call was mandatory. I used to scrub so my call time was usually getting called in for a section. When the section was over I was done and went home. Both those institutions were located in Arizona. I've since moved to Florida and have not been required to take call time. However, there are times when the unit gets busy and nurses get called and asked to come help. When I'm on the drowning end I can tell ya I sure appreciate the help. The extra money from the call time came in handy when I got my first divorce and my x took half the furniture. I replaced it all with better stuff and paid cash for it all. Labor and Deliver can be much like an ER ie it goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5 min. Frankly I was shocked that neither institution I have worked for here in Florida mandated call on their labor and deliver units. In any case I'm greatful they don't but I'm willing to go help out if they call me cuz I know what if feels like to be drowning on the other side.