how to successfully switch A backup call

 

DISCLAIMER: The chiefs will do their best to make requests possible. However, as your schedules are highly interdependent (ie. making a single schedule change affects multiple residents), not ALL requests can be fulfilled, even if they are technically possible. Moreover, we occasionally have to deviate from the listed guidelines for special circumstances. 

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Guidelines

For best results, use the following guidelines when attempting to swap backup shifts. 

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• Backup days count as a potential shift. This means a weekend backup day does not count as a real day off.

For example: If you are on backup Friday and your day off is Saturday, you would no longer count Saturday as a day off if you get called in Friday night. Everyone should have 2 real 24-hour days off per 2 week block. 

• Remember that backup shifts encompass night shifts as well. This means you cannot cover a backup shift if you are on a core rotation that requires your presence the next day.

For example, covering backup on a Sunday while on Adolescent, PCC, or Ambulatory is not allowed since your presence is required on Monday morning, making you ineligible for a Sunday night shift.

• You should not have clinic on the backup day or the post-backup day. In some cases this is unavoidable, but please let us know if you see a mistake.

• Senior residents cannot swap backup dates with interns due to duty hour restrictions

• Remember that when you are on backup, you may be called anytime to work during your 24hr backup shift. 

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• Per ACGME rules, you should have 2 days off per 2 week block and at least 8 hours off between scheduled shifts and not work more than 80 hours per week.

• Please use the link to UCLA GME Duty Hour requirements below to assist with your schedule change requests. 

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General Tips​

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• Contact the chief residents (pedchief@mednet.ucla.edu) for backup switches.

• Please send in schedule changes as soon as you know you need them. The chiefs are available to help find coverage, but need time to make it happen. Last minute changes are much more difficult to accomodate and less likely to happen.  

• Try to do some Amion stalking and find potential swaps before contacting the chiefs.

• To see if a swap works, assume that whoever is taking your shift will get called in for a 24 hour call. If working that shift violates the duty hour rules, then that person will not be available. 

• Please do not make swaps under the table. The duty hour restrictions are cumbersome, but designed to ensure everyone is getting an appropriate time off from work. Additionally the paging system needs to be correct (we don’t want patient care affected by unapproved switches).

• It is generally advised to make a 1:1 swap. Don't fall into backup debt!

• Please remember to assume that you will get called in if you are on backup.

• Be respectful of your peers and their schedules when asking for switches and be respectful of their personal lives – everyone needs time away from work :)