Abstract:
Background: An on-call scheduling system is used to ensure that the appropriate
employees are available whenever needed. The aim is to create 24-hour staffing
coverage in various hospital departments. When in need, RNs must be ready, 24/7, at
any time.
Purpose: To explore how nurses working at AUBMC are living under the current On call system, their experience, and preferences.
Methodology: This project followed the qualitative descriptive design. Sixteen nurses
working at AUBMC shared their experience under the current on-call system in three
focus groups discussions. Focus groups were held between October 2022 and
November 2022, during working hours at AUBMC. Data analysis was done through a
qualitative descriptive method following Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis
methodology.
Results: Four themes emerged from the data. 1- Threat to Homeostasis (Internal and
External); 2-The need to be fairly reimbursed; 3-A solution and a problem; 4-The shy
dream.
Conclusion: This project revealed a negative impact for using the on-call system as a long
term solution for nurses’ shortage and staffing. Several recommendations were proposed
according to the RNs requests and dreams such as standardization, a clear policy,
remuneration in terms of fresh dollars and so on.
