Night Float

Our residency program instituted the nation's first night float system in 1979. It is designed to reduce the destructive fatigue experienced by residents who were on call all night and worked the next day. The night float system has promoted residents' performance both as learners and as practitioners and has contributed to residents' well being.

Each second and third year resident is assigned a one month rotation as night float. The night float is expected to work midnight-to-eight in the hospital and sleep during the day. This allows all other residents on regular day-time rotations to work the evening on-call but be assured of a good night's sleep between midnight and eight.

The night float system has enhanced the overall quality of the residency experience. The system reduces fatigue while assuring that the residents gain valuable experience dealing with the intensive patient problems which occur in the hospital at night. It is part of what we see as the ideal night call schedule.