Switchboard Operator how-to

How to Take a Message an On-Call Doctor Can Act On

Good messages save callbacks.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Good messages save callbacks. In short: get; get; ask, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Get the caller’s name and spelling.

  2. Get the callback number.

  3. Ask the reason.

  4. Note urgency.

  5. Read it back.

  6. Deliver promptly.

Safety reminders for switchboard operators

  • Follow emergency code procedures
  • Protect patient and caller privacy
  • Use ergonomic headsets
  • Take breaks

PBX · Transfer · Hold · Page · Code blue · On-call schedule: see the full switchboard operator glossary.

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