[Harry]

I work in a 10 bed CCU/ICU unit at a community hospital. Due to short staffing in other areas we often float. When we have an increased pt load in the CCU we d not have the staff to cover our own unit because everyone has worked in other areas. We would like to try a closed unit. Does anyone have any suggestions.

[Oldtimer]

Sounds good in theory, but been there - done that. Yes, I hate to float also. Bottom Line: The hospital has to be accountable for safe staffing levels everywhere. When push comes to shove they will resort to floating a closed unit when no other option is available. If you become closed, what happens if you have 2 or more staff members out on emergency leave and someone is on vacation. Strange things happen once in awhile and it is nice to be able to ask for a float nurse.