At first, I didn’t have an on call bag. But then I realized how progressively uncomfortable every shift got. Now after 6 months working in the hospital, I think I’ve got the perfect on call bag essentials down for a smooth, comfortable shift.
I’m not talking about laptop, chargers, and the usual stuff you take to work. I’m talking about little things that’ll actually make your shift more pleasant.
If you’re also someone who’d rather not be sleeping on dirty sheets and waking up the next day looking like you haven’t washed yourself in months, then here’s everything that’s in my on call bag for a 24+ hour shift.
Table of Contents
What’s in My On Call Bag?
personal blanket and pillow cover
I’m a total germ freak, so I refuse to sleep on hospital bedding. Whenever I’m on call, I always change the sheets and use my own pillowcase and blanket. It just helps me sleep so much better — and honestly, I feel safer and more comfortable wrapped in something that’s actually mine. When you’re trying to rest in a noisy, unfamiliar on-call room, any tiny bit of comfort you can give yourself really makes a bigger difference than you’d think.
steaming eye mask
I started using steaming eye masks last year when I was preparing for my board exams, and they honestly made a world of difference for my tired, overworked eyes. When you’re on call, you’re usually stuck in front of a computer for hours dealing with orders and charts, and all that strain really adds up.
Having not just an eye mask, but a steaming one, helps your eyes relax and makes it so much easier to wind down at night. I’ve found that it not only improves the quality of my sleep, but also helps me fall asleep faster, which is priceless when every minute of rest counts. And it’s a really easy way to add in a bit of self care even whilst you’re working!
These eye masks are the ones I use, they come in different smells and makes winding down even more pleasant.
‘everything’ hygiene pouch
Most of the times, spending a lot of time for self care and personal hygiene is the one thing that on call doctors don’t have the time for. So here’s what I pack in my ‘everything’ hygiene pouch to keep myself fresh with minimal time after a day of working away in the hospital.
Most people like to use dry shampoo but I personally prefer just putting on a headband because I find that it covers the oilier parts of my head fine and it also helps me look a lot more put together on the next day. So for all the girls reading this post, I strongly recommend using a head band!
And of course, a cute make up bag to put all this in.
warm heat pack
I discovered this trick once when I brought in one while I was on call during my period. It usually helps with the cramps. But I discovered that on colder nights, or if you’re someone who gets cold easily like me (the hospital is always freezing), it is a life saver. It warms your core up really fast, and when you’re warm, it’s much easier to get out of bed in the middle of the night to deal with patient complaints.
I first discovered this trick when I brought one with me on call during my period to help with cramps. But I quickly realized it’s useful for so much more than that. On colder nights, or if you’re someone who gets cold easily like me (and it’s always so cold in the hospital!), this thing is an absolute lifesaver. It warms your core up really quickly, and when you’re warm, it’s so much easier to crawl out of bed in the middle of the night to deal with calls.
oversized cardigan
Last but not least is something really simple, but I’m always glad I have it with me- an oversized cardigan. Sometimes I get woken up in the middle of the night just to deal with orders. When everything can be handled from the computer, I like to throw on my cardigan to stay warm and comfortable.
But if you need to see a patient, then wear whatever it is that your hospital requires of you. For me, that would be a white coat.
It really doesn’t take a lot to make your shift a little more comfortable, but it does take some thought and experience.
What are some of the things in your on call bag that you would recommend to your fellow doctors? Let us know!
Until next time,
Emily
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