Float pool, ideas on making it better

[wjf00]

I would love input from anyone on how to make a float pool position more attractive to nurses. Currently our hospital has no float pool. It is hoped that we can make a 'float pool' position attractive enough to build a float pool. The ultimate goal is to end mandatory floating. Our union contract allows a 5% differential for float pool and requires a minumum of 2 'float areas'. Please share any ideas you have on building a good float pool.

[lsyorke, RN]

The float pool by contract would have regular staff, and per diems. The regular staff fall under the no cancellation clause in our contract, so work is guaranteed, as is a regular schedule that cannot be changed by management. Per Diems can only be cancelled 72 hours prior to thier shift. All float nurses would be assigned to only 1 shift, but per diems can work any shift if they so choose.

Thanks for everyones responses. The float pool at our hospital has never got off the ground, no one seems interested. By contract, once the float pool is established, no one would be floated involountarily, in THAT part, everyone seems interested. I am on a committee that is meeting with management to get the float pool up and running so I realy appreciate all the ideas.

Wow, with all those restrictions a float pool isn't doing much for you. Float pools fill in the gaps left by open positions, sick calls, vacations. If management has to give 72 hours notice that pretty much defeats the purpose of a pool.What are you trying to achieve with the float pool? Where are the gaps in staffing?

[nurseangel47]

How about attempting a different floatilla of nurses specializing in their own preferences? It would also provide more accurate and safer nursing care to the specialty units. Like a med/surg float pool, an ICU/ICCU float pool, a NBnursery, etc. You get the idea. Maybe a deal on holidays required, also.

And of course, the hireon bonus usually works wonders!

[ND76]

Our float pool consists of full-time and prn nurses. The full time pool nurses are guaranteed 36 hours per week, and are eligible for all benefits. The prn pool nurses earn more money, but are only eligible for 401K matching, and aren't guaranteed any hours, although you can schedule as much as you want.

Both sets have to work one weekend shift per four week schedule, and are self-scheduling. To be a pool nurse, you have to be able to work in at least two patient care areas (i.e. ICU, ED, medsurg, tele, L&D, etc) and be proficient. You cannot be floated outside your areas of expertise. For example, I'm an ED and Cardiac Emergency Center nurse, and those are the only two places I work, I cannot be pulled to any other area.

The full time pool nurses work two summer and two winter holidays, the prn pool nurses only have to work one summer and one winter holiday.

I love it...I am prn pool, I work at least 36 hours per week, and have only been cancelled once in two years. If you work a specialty area, you know where you are working when you show up. The tele or medsurg pool nurses get their unit assignment when they clock in.