Night float
Formal Definition
A residency scheduling model where a designated resident covers overnight hospital duties (admissions, cross-coverage, pages) on a rotating basis, replacing the traditional 24-hour call system.
How It's Used on the Ward
"On night float this week" — means covering overnight admissions and pages, typically 7pm–7am for a block of days.
Example
""First-year on night float: 11 admits between 9pm and 5am, phone ringing constantly. Survived on coffee and the fact that daytime team shows up at 6:30.""
Clinical Context
Night float was largely implemented to comply with ACGME 80-hour work week rules. Continuity is the tradeoff — the night team admits patients the day team has never met. Sign-out quality becomes critical. As a student, following night float can show you the unfiltered chaos of overnight admissions that daytime rounds sanitize.
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