Do Per Diem nurses float first?

I want to know if Per Diem nurses are always the first to float as I'm looking into working as a Per Diem nurse after my maternity leave. I'd like to do it for the flexability and pay, however where I am currently employeed Per Diems are always the first to float. I'm more comfortable in a familiar setting and don't enjoy floating, so I just wanted to see what I may be getting myself into! Of course as it approaches I will ask the individual facilities that interest me, I just wanted to get a better idea of what being a Per Diem nurse may be like where you work.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

It depends on the facility and their policies, there is no general rule.

In my experience, contracted agency agency/travelers floated first, followed by PRN staff.

[RNperdiem, RN]

I work in ICU, per diem, and can float to all ICU, stepdown units and the Burn center.

Where I work, per diem staff are the first to float.

Floating is better than being called off, which per diems are called off if the census is low.

You will need to ask about exactly where you will be required to float, places vary in their policies.

[RNnik07]

I work in ICU, per diem, and can float to all ICU, stepdown units and the Burn center.

Where I work, per diem staff are the first to float.

Floating is better than being called off, which per diems are called off if the census is low.

You will need to ask about exactly where you will be required to float, places vary in their policies.

Thanks, I didn't think of it like that. I'd rather float then get called off :) However I get very anxious when I have to float...

Thanks everyone.

[meandragonbrett]

We go by "Whoever is making the most money" floats. Agency/Travel, then OT, then PRN, the regular scheduled staff.

[kcochrane]

In our facility it depends on the unit. On our unit it is whomever is next.