How to Succeed as an On-Call Registered Nurse

Being an on-call Registered Nurse (RN) can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. The flexibility to choose your shifts, work in different healthcare settings, and make a meaningful impact on patient care is something many nurses appreciate. In Canada, where the demand for healthcare workers continues to grow, on-call roles are an essential part of staffing. If you're considering this path or already working as an on-call RN, here are seven practical tips to help you succeed in the role.

1. Master Time Management

One of the biggest advantages of working as an on-call nurse is the flexibility to choose your shifts. For example, staffing agencies like Staffy Health allow healthcare workers to pick up extra shifts on their own terms. Whether you're aiming for a quiet night shift or need a last-minute weekend slot, time management is key. But even with all that flexibility, it’s important to stay organized. Keep your phone charged and maintain an emergency bag with the essentials—scrubs, a stethoscope and any medications you might need. By staying prepared for sudden calls, you can make the most of your on-call schedule.

Key takeaway: With platforms like Staffy Health, you can enjoy the benefits of scheduling flexibility, but it’s up to you to manage your time wisely and stay ready for unexpected shifts.

2. Stay Physically and Mentally Ready

On-call shifts can be unpredictable. Some days, you might be called in to work a routine shift and other times, you may find yourself dealing with a critical situation. According to a 2022 report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), over 80% of nurses reported experiencing some level of physical or emotional exhaustion due to work demands. That’s why it's important to stay physically fit and healthy.

Regular exercise, proper nutrition and good sleep hygiene are fundamental in keeping your energy levels up. Your mental health is equally as important. On-call nurses must remain calm and focused under pressure, often facing unexpected and stressful situations. Developing techniques for managing stress—like mindfulness or breathing exercises—can help you stay sharp during chaotic moments.

Key takeaway: Staying physically fit and mentally prepared allows you to handle the unpredictability of on-call nursing with confidence.

3. Build Strong Communication Skills

Effective communication is essential when working in healthcare. Whether you're speaking with other nurses, doctors, or patients, your ability to communicate clearly and efficiently will make a huge difference. You might not always be able to have a full handoff, so honing your ability to ask the right questions and relay necessary details succinctly will ensure patient safety and care continuity.

Platforms like Staffy Health also offer a unique opportunity to build relationships with various healthcare teams, as you might work in a range of settings—from hospitals to long-term care facilities. Developing rapport and effective communication with different teams can help ease transitions between shifts and ensure that patient care is seamless.

Key takeaway: Clear and concise communication will help ensure the best care for your patients, even when time is tight.

4. Develop Strong Organizational Skills

On-call nurses often have to juggle multiple responsibilities at once, from handling patients to managing charts and reports. A successful on-call RN can evaluate the urgency of situations and organize their tasks accordingly. Whether it's coordinating with the team or handling multiple patients, staying organized under pressure is the key to providing quality care in a fast-paced environment.

Key takeaway: Developing the ability to prioritize efficiently, ensures that you're always responding to the most urgent situations first.

5. Be Flexible and Adaptable

Working as an on-call nurse means embracing change. You might find yourself working in different types of healthcare facilities, and each place may have its own set of protocols and work environments. In fact, 60% of nurses in Canada report working in more than one healthcare setting, according to a 2021 survey by the Nursing Council of Canada.

By embracing flexibility, you’ll be better equipped to adapt to the different environments and situations you encounter. Whether you're working in a bustling urban hospital or a more laid-back rural clinic, flexibility allows you to broaden your skillset and gain new experiences.

Important insight: The ability to adapt quickly to different healthcare settings, particularly with opportunities through platforms like Staffy Health, will help you grow and succeed as an on-call RN.

6. Set Boundaries and Practice Self-Care

While flexibility is great, on-call nurses also need to set boundaries to avoid burnout. Long shifts, odd hours and the mental strain of constant readiness can take a toll on your well-being. According to the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, over 30% of nurses report experiencing burnout due to high workload and stress.

It's important to know when to take time off and how to disconnect. Self-care could be anything from spending time with family, reading a book, or practicing mindfulness. On platforms like Staffy Health, nurses can choose shifts that fit their lifestyle, giving them greater control over their schedules and allowing for more downtime when needed.

Key takeaway: Setting healthy boundaries and taking time for self-care ensures that you can continue to perform at your best.

7. Network and Build Relationships with Your Team

Building strong relationships with your team, whether in the hospital or through your on-call agency, is vital. The more you communicate and collaborate with your colleagues, the more efficient your work environment will be, especially when you're called in. Creating a support system within your workplace helps reduce stress and fosters a sense of camaraderie, even when you’re working alone or outside regular hours.

Key takeaway: Cultivating a supportive network within your team enhances collaboration and helps you navigate the challenges of on-call shifts.

Being an on-call RN requires a unique combination of skills, including flexibility, time management, communication and self-care. Whether you’re picking up extra shifts through a staffing agency like Staffy Health or working independently, there are many ways to thrive in this flexible and rewarding career. By mastering time management, staying physically and mentally prepared, communicating effectively and embracing flexibility, you can navigate the demands of the job and succeed in the ever-changing world of healthcare.

The key to success lies in balancing the unpredictable nature of on-call shifts with a well-structured approach to managing both your work and personal life. With the right mindset and strategies, you'll be ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that come with being an on-call nurse.

To find out more on how you can maintain balance and succeed as an on-call nurse download the Staffy Health app today on the App Store or on Google Play and let’s get started!