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Discussion

Float pool as a new grad?

So a little BG: Just graduated in January with my BSN (have an undergrad in biology as well), worked at a small community hospital as a student nurse intern in the float pool. Graduated, got my license, and no job. No job prospects. After two months, I accepted a position at a LTC facility on the dementia unit. I've been there about a month. I like it *okay*, not what I want long term but a job was a job and I took it. It's flexible, the people are nice and they pay decently for LTC.

Today, I get a call from my old boss at the hospital. She wants me to interview for a float pool position. I'm going to interview and see what she says.

There are two 30-bed med surg floors (one is tele), a 10- bed birthing center, 10-bed ICU, 12-bed ED, 6-bed sub-acute inpatient rehabilitation and 10-bed psych/mental health unit. As a student nurse, I worked in all but the birthing center, so i'm fairly familiar with the staff, flow of the floors, documentation, etc. My duties as a student nurse were primarily CNA work, but of course being in school I did pay attention to more of the nursing side of things.

It's a small hospital, but i'm worried about jumping in float pool as a new grad nurse. Even though i've worked on many of the floors, I haven't as an RN. Will I be over my head? It's a 24 hour position (which is perfect as I have a 4 month old) but I obviously want to be competent and orient enough. Also, for those who have resigned/quit jobs, is there a good way to do that, because that is what I'm really freaking out about...Thanks!

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    Generally most places like the float pool RN to have 1-2 years in acute care because they want you to hit the ground running. BUT if you got a phone call directly from an old manager, it would be crazy not to interview. Just be prepared with questions like how much orientation you will receive and will you be expected to float everywhere. A new grad may require more support than a lightly seasoned nurse.

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    Float Pool as a new grad is extremely rare but i am ecxited for you and hope you get the job.

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    Within my hospital system, new grads who weren't directly hired to a floor but hired within the organization was placed in a float pool. Which meant they floated everywhere. I've spoken to a GN float nurse who didn't like to be in float pool because there were units she didn't like and the unit she loved, there was no guarantee she would be needed there again. However, it was only temporary and you'll eventually find your "home."

    It's helpful that you know unit protocols and dynamics, but I would take the job as long as they provided a great learning environment to GNs. As far as resigning, write a letter thanking them for the opportunity and what you have learned there. You can always google samples. Good luck.

    Sent from iPink's phone via allnurses app

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    Make sure you are clear on the exact date you will be resigning. I would take a float pool job just for the experience. You get to work ER, icu, peds, etc. You can't beat that experience and if you ever want to go somewhere else you will have a solid foundation.

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    I know this post is a few years old, but I just wanted to say thank you, for being so positive.

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    Hi - just curious - did you end up in the float pool and if so - how did you like it? I am about to graduate in a few weeks and provided I pass my boards I have a job lined up in the float pool.

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    I'm currently in the same boat as you are, I have an interview for the Float Pool Internship Program in Wilmington. I've just seen a lot of pro's and con's, but all in all, I'm willing to give it a try and get all the experience I can. Best of luck to you. Let me know it goes.

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    Best of luck to you as well!

    I am currently working in the float pool as an aide, and I think staying in the float pool will give me an opportunity to learn as much as possible. Fingers crossed!!

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    I took a job in the float pool a year ago. It has given me tons of experience but it has been a challenge. I may give blood once in 6 months or hang TPN 3 times in a week and then not again for months. It has its advantages I don't have to deal with floor politics. If I don't like someone I may not see them again for months. i am glad I took the job but it has been very stressful more so than being on one floor.

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