New Graduate RN Float pool

U.S.A. Massachusetts

Published

I have an interview for a float pool 7p-7a at one the of the Steward Healthcare companies and wanted to know if anyone got hired as a new grad in the float pool. I've seen equally both good/bad comments and wanted to just get the feel from previous people in similar experiences.

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

I think it woukd be very difficukt to be a new grad and float. I hesitate to hire new grads for per diem positions for the same reason. As a new grad you need to have a routine to feel comfortable. How can you whenyou don't work on the same unit consistently or only work every now and then?

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Specializes in Pedi.

I have to agree with CapeCodMermaid. When I worked in the hospital, experience was required for nurses in the float pool. Everyone I knew who worked in the float pool loved it... but you have to be independent and comfortable working oncology one day, cardiac the next and neuro the day after that.

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How long did you have to wait until you heard back from Steward?

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I work float pool and I wouldn't recommend it. I'm sent everywhere and am expected to hit the ground running. You need experience and though there is a chance you will get hired you need to learn how to be a nurse first. And you won't being in the float pool. Sorry to be harsh but trust me it will be EXTREMELY difficult for you as a brand new nurse with no experience. I even get overwhelmed at times on certain floors.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

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I got a reply about a month after I applied to Steward Health Care. The thing I don't understand is EVERY hospital in Boston that I spoke with said with no experience, the only position we have available is New Grad Float pool. So if it was that bad why would they allow new graduate Nurses to even be a candidate for Float Pool positions? I've heard both sides, people say NOO stay away and than I hear from nurses who have done it and say They love it, of course they get units that are horrible because no one wants to help the new nurse, but for the most part they love it. If no one will hire what would you do, I mean my loans aren't going away anytime soon?

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Specializes in Pedi.
I got a reply about a month after I applied to Steward Health Care. The thing I don't understand is EVERY hospital in Boston that I spoke with said with no experience, the only position we have available is New Grad Float pool. So if it was that bad why would they allow new graduate Nurses to even be a candidate for Float Pool positions? I've heard both sides, people say NOO stay away and than I hear from nurses who have done it and say They love it, of course they get units that are horrible because no one wants to help the new nurse, but for the most part they love it. If no one will hire what would you do, I mean my loans aren't going away anytime soon

What hospitals did you speak with? I worked in a Boston hospital for several years and, not only did they only hire experienced nurses for the float pool.... they only hired experienced nurses from within the hospital. I think you need to be comfortable as an independent nurse and be familiar with the organization before you work in the float pool... if you go to a new floor, nurses are willing to help you and say "this is where we keep things" or "this is when this medical team rounds"... but they don't have time to teach you how the hospital works, as in "when an order goes in for an XRay, that means you yourself need to call Radiology, schedule the exam and physically bring the patient there."

As for why they would allow new grads to be candidates... to be frank, you're a body with a nursing license and you're cheaper than an experienced nurse. Steward is a for-profit system, they're running a business and they want to make a profit. Their goal is not to give you a good learning experience or grow you into a good nurse but to use you to their benefit.

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Thank you KelRN, it does make sense. It's just very disappointing. I have been a CNA for 10 years and I can't take it anymore! I need to work as an RN and its just stressful and wearing on me. I got a job at an Assisted Living but let's me serious Im a "Pill Pusher." If I keep forbearance my loans Im going to end my paying my loans in my grave! Thanx and sorry about the rant. I don't want to lose my license over a company making money and pointing fingers. It's my ass and I don't plan on losing my license. Thanks Again!

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Hi Chapo84,

I'm not sure if this is helpful to you, or not, but I just saw that Boston Medical Center are advertising Grad Nurse positions for a rotational program.

Here is the link:

Boston Registered Nurse jobs - Registered Nurse New Grad Float Pool Seiu (32hrs Rotating D\n) at Boston Medical Center

Wishing you all the best on your job hunt.

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Thanks Tik1985, I applied to several of the BMC New Grad Float Pools, I got an email saying I wasn't considered because there were more qualified employees there for 1 of the positions. Let's hope I get something. Thanks for suggesting that though;). I use Indeed.com and lately there's been A LOT of float pool stuff.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Sometimes you just have to take anything you can get and hope for the best.

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I'm sorry to hear that Chapo84. I'm so frustrated for you - how are there "more qualified" applicants, it's a grad position!?

Keep at it thought, your persistence will eventually pay off! Sign up to Boston Medical Center job alerts, because they often have grad positions coming through.

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