Night Float--your thoughts

[wifeofaDO]

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I'm new here and curious as to your thoughts on this issue. Hypothetically speaking, if you were interviewing and researching residency programs, what would appeal to you more and why--

An intern year with Q5 call that goes from 5-9pm with occasional weekend call and OB pager call from home

or

An intern year with 4 2-week blocks of night float (where you also do in-house OB) with occassional weekend call? (This would also mean one less rotation--in this case, one less ER rotation).

Thanks!

 

[Seaglass]

First, what specialty are you talking about, OB in particular or FP? Night float is a bit different depending on what service you are on.

Overall I have heard two arguments with regards to night float. Those against say it hurts continuity of care because their patients are turned over to people who are not integrally involved in the plan of care every night. However, if your hospital is like ours with 4+ medicine teams and cross-coverage, I think this argument doesn't hold water.

In my opinion, night float improves quality of care because those on nighht float are equally informed and interested in all the patients under their care as oopposed to being deeply involved in some and only peripherally knowledgeable about others.

As to which I prefer, I'd rather be on for a stretch of nights than sporadic nights, so ask yourself which you prefer.

Casey

 

[wifeofaDO]

Thanks so much for your thoughts on this. And you're right, I should have mentioned the specialty . . . family practice.

I see a lot of pros and cons as well. I'm interested to hear more. Thanks again!