Hi all, I was wondering what your facility policy on floating is.
In my hospital, it seems like they just float nurses around even if they're not float nurses. Ideally, in my hospital float nurses are paid way more than others.
I ask this because, I had started off at the ER in my hospital but moved to medsurg because the schedule in medsurg was better for me. However, lately, the house sup always wants me to float to ER when they're slammed. And Im like, am I supposed to float ER. Because I did not sign up as a float staff. Yes. I have good ER background. But, then shouldn't I be at least asked if I can go... and not just commanded to go to ER with non options asked or something.
I think this is not right. Even though I want to speak up, but I feel that they may want to 'get rid' of me if I confront them on their policy.
Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.
We have a union and there are rules about floating. First rule, you can only be floated to certain units. In general you can be floated to units where there is crossover knowledge, like labor delivery to mother baby. Icu to step down.
Next rule, per diems are floated first. Then anyone on an extra shift or accruing overtime. After that both part time and full time nurses are in a rotation. If it's your turn you float.
In my hospital unit I feel that the floating policy is unfair because not everyone is required to float and therefore I am sent to other units more than anyone else. We float between medicine/surgical/oncology and I am in a unit where we don't practice many of the treatments found in these units. New nurses don't float, a handful of 'grandfathered' nurses don't float, not everyone has been oriented to other units etc. despite the fact that they have been there for some time. Last time I floated my case load was such that I worked 15+ hours without a break...concerns professionally voiced to management fall on deaf ears. There is not one RN in my unit who is not concerned. Thoughts?
I love to float. But I still empathize with your situation.
All I can offer is vote with your feet, i.e. look for a new job. OR, get some facts. Who is floating, how often? How many nurses does this affect. How many nurses, grandfathered or new, never float? Maybe a large group of nurses going to management with some facts AND some so solutions may get management's attention.
FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN
2,322 Posts
We have a union and there are rules about floating. First rule, you can only be floated to certain units. In general you can be floated to units where there is crossover knowledge, like labor delivery to mother baby. Icu to step down.
Next rule, per diems are floated first. Then anyone on an extra shift or accruing overtime. After that both part time and full time nurses are in a rotation. If it's your turn you float.