Embracing the Night Float System
We've recently adopted a night float system to eliminate 24-hour call shifts and improve the overall quality of life for our residents.
Night float and and call shifts typically consist of covering emergency department consults, transfers from outside hospitals, the inpatient GW psychiatric unit and consults & liaison emergencies.
Here's what you can expect regarding the night float schedule and call responsibilities during your psychiatry residency at GW:
PGY-1 Residents:
GW Inpatient Call Experience
- As a PGY-1 resident, you will primarily take overnight inpatient call with the psychiatry department at the George Washington University Hospital.
- During your PGY-1 year, you will only take call on the weekend for a duration of 12 hours.
- You will not be expected to take psychiatry call while rotating on internal medicine or emergency medicine.
- Your call shifts will consist of either a "mini night float" on Friday and Saturday night or day team coverage on Saturday and Sunday.
- You will always be supported by a PGY-2 or PGY-3 resident during your call shifts as a PGY-1.
Children's National Medical Center
- While rotating with Children's National Medical Center, you will participate in their call pool.
- Call shifts at CNMC will be home call. You will only be required to go in-person if there are acute emergencies.
PGY-2 and PGY-3 Residents:
- In your PGY-2 and PGY-3 years, you will enter the general night float call pool.
- This means you will have 2 weeks of night float, Sunday night to Thursday night, twice per year.
- You will be supported by a "back-up" resident (either a PGY-2 or PGY-3) who will be available by phone and ready to cover your shift if needed.
- You will also have weekend call shifts (night or day team coverage) typically paired with a PGY-1 resident.
PGY-4 Residents:
- As a PGY-4 resident, you will not be assigned call duties or back-up shift duties.
- This intentional break from call responsibilities will allow you to focus on your academic endeavors and provide you with the time needed to plan your future career steps.
At GW Psychiatry Residency, we understand the importance of balancing clinical experiences with personal and professional growth. Our night float system and call schedule have been thoughtfully designed to provide you with an enriching training experience while maintaining your well-being.
Should you have any questions or need further information about our call system or any other aspect of our program, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you on your journey toward becoming a skilled and compassionate psychiatrist.