do you cross train

Try getting a couple extra shifts on another unit here and there. I used to ask staffing to call me first when they needed someone...and I used to call them when at the hour I knew they would be crunching staff numbers also. ( I had to get a signed document from my manager though, before I could do this).

Floating is wonderful. I was never in an official float pool, I just always volunteered when the supervisor asked (or told) us that someone had to float if our census was low. A positive attitude on my part and a belief in the kindness of my fellow nurses when I floated to their units (they knew I was a float and there to help them) made floating a joy for me.

I am not sure how it would work out if you work full time in dialysis? Working 40 hours dialysis then working some other unit in your hospital? You might run into over time issues?

Speak to your charge nurse, let her know if census is low on your unit you would be happy to float. If nothing seems to come of that talk the the staffing coordinator for the hospital. Let them know you are interested in working other units. I have been a staffing coordinator, knowing which nurses don't mind being called in for extra shifts even if it is not their unit is priceless.

If it seems like floating might be a possibility you might be able to ask to come into a new unit 1 - 2 hours prior to your shift to learn a little of the routing, layout, etc.

thanks for the advice guys. This really gave me all the advice i needed to hear.

I DO! I DO!

I learn everything I can! I have turned into a sponge these days.....why wasn't I like this when I was younger? So weird

I worked for weeks in different areas. I covered for vacations, and sick calls. I was the first one to raise my hand, when other areas needed help.

I do! To PACU and surgical in patient. its no good to only know 1 thing...

you may consider talking to the manager of a nephrology type unit. you then learn how to handle day to day care of hands on nursing, in a patient population you are familiar with. These are some seriously sick people. You'll get to know them better.. as you see them 3 days a week for 4 hours anyway and can work on interpersonal skills to work on education and compliance issues with these folks.

The ER is an excellent per diem choice. You'll NEVER loose skills working in an ER and don't have to deal with the patients over and over again as you may need a break from these tough folks.

you WILL loose skills if you only do hemo for many years, you are right to worry about that and keep yourself marketable.

If you work in a hospital, contact your staffing office and let them know when you want to pick up extra shifts. Depending on your trainning and competencies , you may be able to work in certain units. If you have a specific unit in mind, contact the manager and let her/him know about your desire to cross train. I work in a neuro ICU unit and have several co-workers working in NICU and pediatric on their days off...go figures.