The Hidden Costs of Being On-Call

In the veterinary world, being on call has long been considered necessary to provide continuous, high-quality care. However, the true costs of this expectation go far beyond just the financial aspects. From reduced productivity to burnout and challenges in recruiting new staff, being on call can have far-reaching effects on veterinarians and their practices.

The Economic Impact of Being On Call

1. Lost Productivity and Revenue

When veterinarians and their teams are required to be on call, it often affects their productivity during regular working hours. After a night spent handling emergencies or with disrupted sleep, they may find it hard to function at their best the next day.

• Lost Time: Studies show that sleep deprivation can cut productivity by as much as 30% the following day. A veterinarian earning around $70 an hour could mean over $150 in lost revenue each day for just one veterinarian. These losses could quickly outweigh any additional income from those emergency cases depending on how many after-hours calls they handle.
• Decreased Efficiency: A veterinarian who has been on call and isn't at their peak during the day might see fewer patients or perform fewer procedures, both of which can directly hit the practice's bottom line. There is also a higher risk of mistakes, which can affect patient care and erode client trust.

2. The Consequences of Burnout

Burnout is a major issue in the veterinary profession. Surveys show that over half of veterinarians experience symptoms of burnout at some point, and the stress of being on call is a big contributor to this problem, often leading to veterinarians and team members moving on sooner than they might otherwise.

• Mental and Physical Health Costs: Burnout can result in more sick days or even drive veterinarians to leave the profession entirely. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) estimates that burnout costs the industry millions of dollars each year in lost productivity and the costs of hiring replacements. In some cases, up to 25% of veterinarians may be impacted.
• Impact on Practice Performance: High burnout rates can lower staff morale and increase turnover, leading to instability in the practice and affecting the quality of care provided to patients. This can create a vicious cycle where the remaining team members must take on extra duties, adding to their stress and making burnout even more likely.

Challenges in Attracting New Staff

1. A Competitive Disadvantage

Practices that require veterinarians to be on call may find it harder to attract new talent. According to a survey by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), 60% of veterinary professionals say that work-life balance is a key factor when choosing a job.

• Recruitment Challenges: Practices that offer a better work-life balance, including limited or no on-call duties, are much more appealing to potential hires. This is crucial in a competitive job market where skilled veterinarians have plenty of options.

2. Building a Strong Reputation

A practice that prioritizes the well-being of its staff and fosters a supportive work environment is likely to develop a strong reputation, both within the veterinary community and with clients.

• Positive Reputation: A practice known for respecting its employees time and promoting a healthy work-life balance is more likely to attract talented veterinarians and build a loyal client base, which drives long-term success and growth.

The Priceless Value of Time and Peace of Mind

Beyond the economic and professional impacts, the most significant cost of being on call is the personal toll it takes on veterinarians and their families. Time spent on call is time away from loved ones and personal interests, which can strain relationships and diminish quality of life.

In conclusion, the costs of being on call are complex and far-reaching, affecting productivity, staff morale, recruitment, and the overall success of a practice. By reconsidering the necessity of on-call duties and exploring alternatives like dedicated after-hours services, veterinary practices can improve their operations and offer their veterinarians something invaluable: time with their families and peace of mind.