Night Call
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@George-K What does that mean?
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The number of medical schools that require overnight call for their 3rd and 4th year students has fallen over the years.
When I was a 3rd year student, I took call, overnight, with "my intern." He was a 1st year post graduate trainee. When he got called for something, he would let me know, and we would both respond to the issue. Over 12 weeks, with Jim, we got to be friends, and we learned what night work in the hospital is.
When I was a 4th year student, I was MUCH more independent. I was the front line for handling all issues - be it a medication adjustment, re-starting an IV, getting a new admission, or dealing with an emergency on the floor. However, I was not alone. The 2nd-year trainee was available for guidance, help and suggestions.
It was an invaluable learning experience.
No, I did not work "All night long." I was there all night long. Most of the time, I would get 3-4 hours of interrupted sleep. Sometimes even more. Very rarely less.