Interviewer suggested float pool. . . thoughts?

[fissnoc]

I interviewed for the ED a few days ago and I was just told that they suggested me to the manager of the float pool. This will be my first job as a nurse. How should I interpret this? I hear float pool is tough so that must mean I did something right. But that also means they didn't see me fitting in at the ED. Or am I just overanalysing this?

[llg, PhD, RN]

It depends what kind of float pool it is. I once worked for a hospital that often hired new grads into its float pool. They got a decent orientation -- and they were not expected to take a "full assignment" on the various units. They were there as "helpers" to perform common elements of care. As they got a little experience with a few units ... it was expected that most would "find a home" on one of the units and transfer to that department.

However, I now work for a hospital that expects its float pool members to be very experienced and able to take a full assignment on any unit they are assigned. It's a department for well-rounded, expert nurses -- not beginners.

So ... you need to investigate the expectations, norms, and educational resources in that particular hospital's Float Pool to figure out whether or not it is a decent fit for you. They are not all alike.

[bekabsn]

The hospital i work for onboards new grad nurses through the staffing/float department. We get a very good orientation, stay on one unit for 6 months, and after that have opportunity to float. After 1 year, the staffing department assists new grads with finding a "home" to become part of. I think if the organization has a program to orient new grads through the floating role..then it would be a good fit.

[brownbook]

You may be over analyzing it. It is very hard for new grads with no EMT, paramedic, CNA, etc., experience to start out in an ER.

I loved floating but it can be hard also, you should feel good about yourself that they think you're a good fit for the float pool.

[Wolf at the Door, BSN]

sounds like the ED does not see you as a fit for the ED but, thinks you will be a good asset for the hospital.

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

Float pool for inexperienced nurses is an disaster in my experience. Float pool for experienced nurses is challenging. Best to get comfortable on one unit and know who your trustworthy resource go to people can be there when you're starting out.

[JadedCPN, BSN, RN]

It all depends on what type of orientation the facility is offering. I became a float pool nurse after being a nurse for around 9 years, and the transition for the most part was fairly easy because of my experience. I can see how being a brand new nurse in float pool would be a horrible idea IF the orientation wasn't adequate. At the facility that I started my career at, we had an amazing new grad residency program which included float pool nurses. The orientation was 6 months long and you went to every single unit in the hospital during orientation. I knew many new nurses who started in that program doing float pool and they were some of the best nurses compared to new grads on the floor because they were exposed to more things. Ultimately, again I just feel it depends on the orientation and programs your facility offers for new graduates in general.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Did you get a turn down for the ED job?