The Benefits of Being an On-Call Registered Nurse (RN)

Being a nurse is rewarding and possibly one of the coolest professions because you literally help save lives. And being an on-call registered nurse is even cooler, in our humble opinion. Among the various nursing roles, being an on-call RN offers unique advantages that can be both professionally and personally rewarding. Let’s explore the benefits of this flexible and impactful career path. You have the freedom to tailor your work schedule and role to fit your needs and lifestyle.

1. Flexibility in Schedule

Imagine being able to choose when you work. One of the best things about being an on-call RN is the flexibility. Unlike a traditional nursing job with set shifts, on-call nurses can pick their availability. This is great for those balancing other commitments like family, further education, or hobbies. You can plan your work around your life, not the other way around.

2. Variety of Work Environments

When you get to change your place of work dull moments are far and few! It can keep things really interesting. As a Registered Nurse, you can work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and private homes. This variety not only makes the job more exciting but also helps you gain a wide range of experiences and skills. Each place has its own challenges and learning opportunities, making you a better nurse overall.

3. Skill Development

Working in different settings and dealing with a variety of medical situations helps you develop a versatile skill set. You learn to adapt quickly to new environments, understand different protocols, and provide quality care in different situations. This adaptability is highly valued in healthcare and can lead to advanced career opportunities..

4. Higher Earning Potential

On-call Registered Nurses often have the potential to earn higher wages compared to their full-time counterparts. Many healthcare facilities offer premium pay rates for on-call shifts, especially on weekends, holidays, and night shifts. Additionally, the opportunity to work extra shifts can significantly help increase your income. The limitation of being full-time, working only your set schedule, and earning only what is on your contract is removed. Just like your schedule, your earnings have flexibility too, allowing you to earn more. You can also set your rate of pay when working with companies like Staffy Health by picking up shifts and building your work schedule.

5. Reduced Burnout

Nursing is a demanding profession, and burnout is a common issue among healthcare providers. The flexibility of on-call nursing allows you to take breaks and time off when you need to. You can manage your workload according to your capacity, making sure that you maintain a healthy work-life balance. We want our nurses to be happy and healthy, and choosing when and how you want to work directly reflects this. 

6. Professional Networking

As an RN, you get to work with a diverse group of healthcare professionals in different settings and specializations. This helps you build a wide professional network, which can be great for your career. Networking can lead to new job opportunities, collaborations, and access to valuable resources and support. 

7. Sense of Independence

On-call nursing builds a strong sense of independence and confidence. You often need to make quick decisions and provide care with minimal supervision. When you’re constantly on the go and find yourself in different work environments and various medical situations, your confidence in yourself and your abilities as a nurse really increases. These types of situations enhance your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities, making you a more competent and self-reliant healthcare professional.

8. Opportunities for Specialization

When you work in different environments, not just different physical spaces but also various types of healthcare facilities with different specializations like ophthalmology, oncology, nursing home care, and critical care, to name a few, you get to try it all and explore various specialties within nursing.  You can also take on assignments in different departments, such as emergency, pediatrics, geriatrics, etc. helping you identify your areas of interest and expertise. These experiences can help guide your career toward a specialization you are passionate about and see yourself thriving in.

Being an on-call Registered Nurse is both challenging and rewarding, and offers many benefits that can enhance your professional and personal life. The flexibility, variety, and opportunities for skill development make it an option all of the cool kids (nurses) are exploring nowadays. Whether you want to diversify your experience, prevent burnout, or increase your earning potential, being an on-call RN offers a truly fulfilling career path. Embrace the flexibility and autonomy of on-call nursing, and you’ll find that this role not only enriches your career but also allows you to deliver impactful care to those in need, whenever and wherever you're called.

Find out more on how you can start the nursing career that fits you best with Staffy Health. Download the Staffy app today on the Apple store or on the Google Play store to get started!