Floating but not hire-able

[Morainey, BSN, RN]

I won't bore everyone with a zillion details, but what the HELL with floating to ICU, but them not hiring me in ICU?? Would you agree that if you wouldn't hire the person to that unit, you probably should not also float them there?

[RunninOnCoffee]

I work ICU and we have on occasion had to have a float nurse from CVSD or a PCU unit. That nurse was always given floor level patients that were basically just pending a room assignment. Only other type pts I have seen them been assigned was someone on an insulin drip. They were never given what could be considered a "critical" level pt. if you are interested in ICU I hope you enjoyed your time and get to transfer soon!

[Morainey, BSN, RN]

I adore ICU! I'm just bummed out from rejection. I felt like since they float me there, I must have a fair shot I totally understand why they would want someone to have more experience though.

[RNewbie]

Maybe it's not in the budget to hire and train you right now.

[chorkle]

Seems to me, to be an available warm breathing body (OK--RN, if you like), to float to a unit in need, does not equate to qualification as a permanent member of such a unit.

Or, maybe it's just me.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

In addition, the ICU may not have the need to hire you: the fact that they may need a floated RN from time to time doesn't necessarily mean they have major staffing issues that require hiring another nurse.

Frustrating? Yes. Are they in the wrong? No.

IMO, if you really want into the ICU, keep taking advantage of any chance you get to be floated there. Build up your skills and experience. Make your face known among the staff. When a job/transfer opportunity is posted, apply for it.

And--MOST importantly--put any "why don't you hire me?" on low to no volume. Let your job application, skill set and reputation speak for you, because it'll be taken far more seriously than your pleading for them to hire you. Plus--and I'm not saying you're doing this, I'm just mentioning it as a cautionary tale--pestering them about a job could turn them off to you because it can quickly get annoying.

And if applying doesn't work the first time, gain more ICU experience and exposure and try again.

Best of luck!

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

It's also remotely possible that they see all they want to see of you-- they have to take you as a float (and give you the out-the-door-soon patients) but they don't want you full time. Not saying this is the case but it's not impossible.

I agree c Meriwhen-- keep your verbal output more on the, "I really like coming here, I can learn so much and the staff is great" and totally lose the "Why don't you just hire me?" whine. If you do well and fit in, you might be the first one they think of when the budget allows a vacancy to occur. You'll find out eventually.

[Morainey, BSN, RN]

Thanks for the replies! I save my "why don't you just hire me!" whine for AN, of course. I just wanted to express my frustration in a more anonymous forum than FB.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

I understand your feelings as I also have had the opportunity to float to many units throughout the hospital and I fell in love with the ER. I applied to a job in the ER and was shocked that I was turned down even for an interview. Well you know what I did, I did not let that discourage me. I got my certifications. As I continued to float to ER I would make it clear to some of the management that I enjoyed floating down there and would like to be a part of their team. Every time I floated I was a team player who was ready to jump in. The result was a year later when I reapplied for an ER position I was accepted for a position and I am starting next month!

[Morainey, BSN, RN]

Congratulations on your new position!