Top ten tips to survive those dreaded on calls

1. Don’t rush – Work steadily and prioritise appropriately. You’ll get faster.
2. List the tasks that you were given – Mark them off when they have been completed. Including times is helpful.
3. Stand your ground – Get a CT or an x-ray if it’s needed.
4. Show gratitude – It’s better to have the colleagues onside than against you.
5. Keep calm and carry on – This will help you tackle any challenge that comes your way, even when the bleep goes off incessantly.
6. Smile – If you’re happy to be there so will your team
7. Ask questions – Don’t be afraid to ask, ask, ASK!
8. Take breaks – remove yourself for short bursts and you’ll become more efficient and perhaps less grumpy?!
9. Eat – Make sure you’ve got hidden supplies for those moments when it dawns on you that everything is closed.
10. Create an on-call bag – With your Oxford Handbook, a jumper and snacks for your walks around the ward.