Advice please!

KatieBell · Jan 29, 2008

I have been working as a CNA in the float pool for three years. I really enjoy floating and really would like to stay in the float pool when I graduate with my RN in May. I feel my experience may help, but am slightly anxious about continuing to float as a new grad. Please share advise or experiences with this.

I would not, repeat not, take a float job as a new Nurse. After one year, maybe, but not as a new nurse. I would even be wary if such a job is offerred. A permanent float nurse has to be very very strong clinically for a variety of reasons. And while I have met some wonderful new grads, I am not sure that any of them qualify as clinically experienced...

I was a CNA in a busy Emergency Room for years, I thought my experience would help when I became a nurse in a busy Emergency Room. It did, but not as much as I imagined. As a Nurse I found my responsibilities were so much more than when i was a CNA. As a CNA/Student I could often recognize a problem and what should be done about it, but I of course was not the one responsible for the difficulties that sometimes occur in implementing the solution...and thus I found that even with experience, I was much mroe tired and stressed at the end of a shift.

I think giving yourself a year on one of the floors you like the best (Thats whats neat about being a CNA in float pool, you know all the floors!). You can always volunteer to float, and then transition to the float pool after a year. I am not at all trying to be negative, but I think this will set you up for more success than the other way around.

wayunderpaid · Feb 10, 2008

How is the float pool managed at your hospital. We have what is called "flex nurse". They do take new grads, you get a full orientation in one unit, then you stay there for one 6 wk schedule. After that, you get assigned to another unit for 6-12 weeks and so on and so forth, until you are ready to take a full time position within the hospital. This program is rather safe and I love it!

servicewithasmile · Feb 13, 2008

The float pool nurses are required to float to 5 floors (medical, surgical, rehab, cardiovascular, and behavioral health). We receive orientation on each of these 5 floors and extended orientation if a new grad. I feel comfortable in these areas and will not have to float to ICU or ER If I do not want to.

labrador4122, RN · Feb 13, 2008

I have been working as a CNA in the float pool for three years. I really enjoy floating and really would like to stay in the float pool when I graduate with my RN in May. I feel my experience may help, but am slightly anxious about continuing to float as a new grad. Please share advise or experiences with this.

I worked PICU for 9 months and Float 3 years as a cna before becoming an RN.

And I know what you mean about floating. I love floating. but no new grads where I work for the float team.

I love going to a new place every time I work, I love seeing new faces, new types of patients.

I've been everywhere in that hospital, including transport, nursing hot-line, admitting, PACU.... you name it, I was a CA there.

as an RN I am in a whole different ball game, I have a lot to learn, and been at my job only a month. I need to feel comfortable where I am at now, before going else where.

anyways, pass your boards first, then decide where you want to go, get experience, then go to float

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Feb 13, 2008

The float pool nurses are required to float to 5 floors (medical, surgical, rehab, cardiovascular, and behavioral health). We receive orientation on each of these 5 floors and extended orientation if a new grad. I feel comfortable in these areas and will not have to float to ICU or ER If I do not want to.

I think it would be a fantastic opportunity for you!

If it were me I would orient/precept in one area for at least 3 months before floating. You'll need to work out how you'll pace yourself through the shift and become familar with charting, meds, how orders are processed, get comfortable calling docs etc....it may take you longer than 3 months but once you feel comfortable, floating would be a fantastic opportunity to learn alot and decide if maybe one area or another is a perfect fit.

I have worked agency in the past and it was awesome to be able to function to matter where the put me and puts you in demand.

Best of Luck and Congratulations! :yeah: