Float Nursing

Hello :)!

I am an RN who recently graduated and accepted a position as a float nurse. I really wanted to get in to this specific facility and this was the full time job I was offered. Originally I was going for medsurg. The facility has 150 beds and I will begin on the med-surg, internal medicine, ortho, and surgical inpatient units. On other days I will also be assisting with admits, blood draws, etc. I am really excited to see new things everyday as I love to learn but I am nervous being a new nurse and a float nurse. What advice do you have for me?

Thanks!!

My first RN job in a hospital was as a float and I still work in that position. Best advice is to try not to be too overwhelmed and ASK QUESTIONS!!! Every unit will be different just take it one day at time. Yes there will be tears but you will survive....we all dom Good LUCK!

First of all, congratulations on your position. It would be a challenge for a seasoned nurse. They must see something special in you.

What is your orientation going to consist of ? You will need at least one month of hospital orientation and two weeks on each unit you will float to. The units you described will basically have the same population, with the same nursing observations and interventions.

However, you will be required to learn different surroundings, doctors and co-workers.

Adding another layer of admissions nurse, assisting when needed.. etc. .. I feel is simply way too much for a new nurse.

I don't want to see you set up for failure. I've been a nurse for 30 years and I personally, would think hard and long about that position.

Good luck, keep us posted. I am sincerely concerned for you.

I am a new grad and just started working a few weeks ago as a float nurse as well! I just finished my first rotation on a medicine floor and let me tell you - it IS hard. I've posted a couple of times on the boards in the past couple of weeks because I have been a bit of a mess. My advice to you is to stay your ground and be confident in what knowledge you do have. The rest will come with time, as I am slowly beginning to realize! Also, as stated by others above - do NOT be afraid to ask questions, or to take a little extra time doing something to ensure you're doing it right. Research and continue to educate yourself as you work - nursing school barely scratches the surface in the knowledge department!

Lastly, as I have been told by others on here...give yourself a break and go easy on yourself. Make sure you make time to do fun things to de-stress!

Congratulations on the new gig :)

Hey, I just wanted to leave an update. Orientation has been going pretty well. As a new grad there is a lot to learn plus working on time management but it's definitely manageable. I am having about 11 weeks of orientation overall and more if I feel like I need it. It's nerve wracking being a new nurse but exciting at the same time!