Can I take a float job as a new grad?

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 30, 2015

Investigate the float option. I once worked for a hospital that regularly put new grads into a float pool, provided them with a decent orientation, and then used them to assist on units that needed the help -- with assignments that were appropriate for new grads. Also, the float pool was organized into different focus areas so that the nurses there didn't have to learn the routines of all the units -- just the ones in their focus area. Their idea was that these new grads would "find a home" in this process and eventually either choose a unit that they really liked and fit well into ... or they would stay floats and become excellent sources of flexible labor. A position such as this would be very appropriate for a new grad.

However, the hospital I work for now expects its float pool to be very competent nurses from the start -- and provided very minimal orientation.

So ... find out the expectations of the float nurses where you have been offered a job. Are they reasonable for a new grad? Do they provide a good orientation? etc. before you make a decision. That should have been covered in your interview, but if it wasn't, you need to contact them and get your questions answered.

Ruger8mm · Jul 30, 2015

A new grad buddy took a job as an ICU float. I'm very jealous. It seems to be an unreal opportunity.

brownbook · Jul 30, 2015

Days shift it a lot busier than nights that's for sure. (Don't hate me night nurses, I did nights 17 years.) Yeah nights can be busy, patients are just as sick on nights as they are on days;).

Days just has more Dr's making rounds, more trips to x-ray, CT, etc. more visitors, etc.

I always floated and loved it, but again it was on the night shift.

You will have to decide for yourself. I hope with either choice, if it doesn't work out, (after several months) you could transfer to a different unit or shift. It is not impossible that you work IMCU nights for a while and can transfer to the day shift.

opy73 · Jul 31, 2015

Thanks a lot nurses. Llg your comment was very helpful. I called to inquire further about the position and their explanation sounds very much like what you just described. I think it makes me feel better knowing what I'm walking into. Thank you so much for the insight. I think i'm gonna go with that offer and decline the imcu. Thanks so much for the feedback guys.

opy73 · Jul 31, 2015

Thanks for your very helpful comment. I called and they explained just what you described. So I'm going with the float position plus I like day shift.

m0lasses · Aug 3, 2015

I had several friends who started as floats and still love it. They got great orientation, have experience in many specialties if they want to transition, and have opportunity to get extra hours house wide! One floats to the ED regularly and another is now getting certified as an uv nurse (still floating).

I just started floating and love it. I applied to two float float pools for a year before I got in. I think it is a great way to "find your niche" or to have variety, if you are into that.

AJJKRN · Aug 4, 2015

In general, float pools pay a nice differential when the float staff being utilized are experienced. Mine does anyways, but the point of our float pool is to provide a short staffed floor with a nurse that can just show up and blend right in. Good luck, I wouldn't want to work doing anything else but floating! :inlove:

Farawyn · Aug 4, 2015

I wouldn't.

I was a float for 10 years and they really push the boundaries of where you should be. Yes, I learned a lot, but I also had experience and confidence going in. Being a float can shake that. Most floors will give the float the crappiest assignment, if they can. As a new nurse you may not be as inclined to speak up.

Good luck!

roser13, ASN, RN · Aug 4, 2015

Can you? Sure.

Should you? The jury is out on that one. I really do hope that your facility is as you believe it to be. God help you if it's not.

If there are units that expect a seasoned nurse to show up and competently deal with the worst assignment on the floor, it will be a long, hard haul for a new grad. Just a word of warning. There is a reason that floating has such a bad rap in most facilities.

Again, just a caution to keep your eyes open. I hope I am wrong.