Being on-call is a reality that many veterinary professionals face, often bringing long hours, interrupted sleep, and the pressure of urgent decision-making. The unpredictability of being on-call can disrupt personal lives, creating tension between professional responsibilities and the need for rest and recovery. This constant state of readiness can also lead to burnout and impact mental health, making it challenging to maintain work-life balance and focus on self-care.

In this episode, we explore the impact of on-call shifts on wellbeing and share strategies for managing the unique stressors of this demanding role. We'll discuss actionable ways to set boundaries, prioritize rest, and protect mental health, offering tools to help veterinary professionals not just cope, but thrive. Whether you're navigating on-call shifts yourself or supporting a team that does, this episode provides valuable insights for cultivating resilience and sustainability in your career.

Resources

On-Call Duties: The Perceived Impact on Veterinarians' Job Satisfaction, Well-Being and Personal Relationships (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34778429/

Retaining vets in farm animal practice: a cross-sectional study (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26002092/

Risk factors associated with veterinary attrition from clinical practice: a descriptive study (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34389973/

Support needs of veterinary surgeons during the first few years of practice: perceptions of recent graduates and senior partners (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11888109/

Factors associated with the career path choices of veterinarians in western Canada (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19721783/

'No-one knows where you are': veterinary perceptions regarding safety and risk when alone and on-call (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31611295/

Sleep patterns, fatigue, and working hours among veterinary house officers: a cross-sectional survey study (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35429371/

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