Float pool, would I be in over my head?

[uRNmyway]

Hey all, would like some advice from all of you!

I was recently visiting one of the university hospitals and while trying to get directions to HR, was sent in the direction of the float pool nursing recruiter. She was helping get me to HR but then started asking me what kind of position I was looking for, what experience I have, my shift preference, etc. When I mentioned I prefer night shift, and want full time work, she got almost giddy, grabbed my arm, and insisted on giving me her card, saying things like 'I'll still send you over to HR, I don't want to steal you from them if you want to work directly for a floor.'

She described the position as full time night shift, 12 hour shifts, one weekend per month. Full benefits. 10 shift orientation for each department they want to send me to. And although she didn't mention it, since this is a university hospital, and I do plan on going back to school for RN to Masters, I feel I would probably get some financial assistance for continued education.

My issue is this: the departments she mentioned were like hemato-onco, transplant, telemetry and others (those are just the ones I remember off the top of my head). Now my experience is more with general med-surg and mother-baby. On one side, I know it would be an amazing opportunity to learn new things, get experience in different settings, basically boost up my resume at the very least. On top of networking within an amazing facility. On the other side, would I be in over my head having no experience in these specialties, only med-surg, with 10 shift orientations for each department?

I am so conflicted right now. It seems like such a wonderful opportunity, especially given how my current work situation is. I am just afraid I wouldn't thrive or might even mess up. Thanks to all!

[JerseyGirl2010]

Hey there uRNmyway,

I'm loving this post. I was recently offered an interview for a Float Pool position. I am a new grad. I have 5 years experience as a Tele technician and I did a Student nurse externship at Bellevue hospital in NYC. Do you think I would be able to manage a position like this? I really like the idea of gaining experience in different areas and to be honest I get bored easily so this might just be a blessing in disguise...Thoughts?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[ChristinaRNBSN]

I took a float pool position right out of nursing school. I've been a float for 2.5 years now. Looking back, it was the best position to take as a new grad because I gained massive amounts of experience in a short period of time. One of the best parts about being in the float pool is that, because of the different sitautions that you have come into contact with, you become a resource to other floors which may have not handeled a certain situation before. Floating teaches you how to be a leader and a resource. At our hospital, floats cover ER , Mother Baby, Geriatric psych, med-surg, and burn unit. We also help with admissions and discharges. Being well versed in all of these areas also prepares you to be a competent teacher down the road. Our hospital is a teaching hospital, and floating prepares you very well to orient new RNs or work with providers who may not be familiar with certain department protocols. You should go for it ! :)