Float pool med surg nursing

[NurseAN94]

hello everyone!

So I am a new graduate nurse graduated May 2019. As of right now I am in an out of hospital residency program that is visiting nursing (home health nursing). I have been doing this the past 3 months but I am feeling like the job is moving very slow and I am not learning the skills I want to learn. sure I raw blood in the home, I do tons of wound care, I drain chest tubes (Pleurx) I do wound vacs... so yes I am learning and I am pretty well for a new grad in home care. but it is slow paced though. I was interested in this because I thought I wanted to get into case management (which the job is case management) but I am realizing its slow and I think I want to do more.

So I got a job offer in a hospital doing med surg. It is also a residency program. but only thing is... Its going to be float pool. when I was getting interviewed my interviewer explained the position Is very tough and they don't usually hire new grads for it. so I am scared! but I really want to do it. ill be floating between 3 different floors, ortho-oncology-regular medsurg and later on may also be tele. i am wondering if this is a good idea to take this position. clearly I am getting used to nontraditional new grad positions lol but I just don't want to take on too much. I really do want to take the position bc Id want to get into a hospital based setting. what do you guys think about this? and if u can offer any tips!

[FutureNurseD, ADN, LPN, RN]

I am currently in a float pool that I have done through a residency program and it's been a great experience for me and I have learned so much. Being in the float pool people are usually very eager to help you and are understanding of the fact you need help. I can answer any specific questions you have and here if you want to ask!

[brownbook]

I loved floating.

You could not find a dumber (in basic nursing care, almost all A's in book learning), more inexperienced no idea what I was doing new grad ADN nurse than me.

My first job was two shifts in a med/surg unit and two shifts in the float pool. Every acute care hospital job I've had since then I always volunteered to float when census and staffing necessitated it.

When I was working my regular unit I felt I had to, should, know "everything". Policies, where all supplies were, etc. Felt dumb when I asked questions. But when I floated that pressure was off, I had no problem asking for help, saying I don't know that, (but I will find out), etc.

I ended my career working extra help. When census was low regular staff would be called off because they would not float and I was called in.

No "tips" just try to relax and "know" that you cannot know everything.