Doctoring Done Well

Rob Orman, MD

October 11, 2024

Key takeaway: Belief drives performance

What you'll learn: How one badass nocturnist turned my night shift freakouts into “I got this” — and how you can do the same.

On the Hunt

Alice was the senior doctor in our group. She was a dedicated nocturnist who owned the night shift. As you might imagine, she was a bit rough around the edges and moved straight from point A to point B with no frills.

When Alice walked into the hospital for her night shift, she wasted no time.

She'd immediately sign up for any patients who hadn’t seen a doctor and hunt down the day shift team to take their sign-outs.

Seeing her on the night shift schedule was like finding an unexpected $100 bill in your pocket.

A Belief That Changed Everything

Alice had something I didn’t when taking night shift sign-outs: belief. She believed she could handle whatever came her way.

I took sign-outs because I had to; Alice sought them out. I was reticent to take on the extra load when I was already getting hammered, but she seemed to relish it. That belief made all the difference.

Finding My Inner Alice

So, I made it my mission to “Be Like Alice.”

Taking sign-out became a role to play—a shift in mindset where I became the shield for my colleagues so they could get home to their families.

When it was time to take sign-out from the off-going doc, I’d pause, summon my inner Alice, and quietly say: “It’s coming either way. Might as well do it like a badass.”

Those first two hours of my night shifts transformed from drowning and dread to aggressive efficiency.

Belief Overhaul

What was different? Belief.

My system for handling sign-outs didn’t change; it was already functional. But believing in my ability to handle the load felt like wings. I had decided I was up to the task.

Belief alone doesn’t solve everything, but it's a potent elixir.

Legendary social scientist Albert Bandura found that self-efficacy, or the belief in one’s ability to execute tasks, predicts success. Those with high self-efficacy view tough tasks not as insurmountable challenges but as opportunities to conquer (1, 2, 3).

The 3 Things I Learned from Night Shift Alice and Albert Bandura

Self-efficacy makes a difference: When I believed in my ability to perform better, I did, even under high pressure.
Act "As If" to change behavior: Adopting the role of someone who excelled in challenges changed my behavior and mindset.
Learn from masters: Observing an expert in action gave a blueprint to build skill and confidence.

Keep on rocking,

Robbie O

P.S. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this article—just hit reply, and your message will go straight to my inbox.

How do you feel about taking sign-outs?

I make a groaning noise.

Whatever, it's just part of the job.

I go full Alice mode and seek them out.

I hide in the bathroom until enough results come back, so I don’t have to deal with the mess.