Floating

miss scarlet · Nov 20, 2003

I recently became a perdiem nurse for the first time. I use to work full time nights, which meant every other holiday and weekends as well. The difference for me is that I no longer qualify for benefits; however, my husband carries us on his insurance. AND if I don't work, I don't get paid. There are no paid holidays or earned time off for me. AND advancement is usually given to full timers. Now for the positives: I work when I want to, don't have to work weekends, holidays, can take long stretches of time off if I want to, the pay rate is higher per hour, basically, I feel more free. I seem to enjoy my job more when I know I have chosen to work that day. If my husband takes time off, so do I. I can fly home to see my family whenever I want and stay longer without the anxiety of deadlines. For the record, I like being a nurse. Although I am perdiem I chose to work M-F and sometimes take call on the weekend. I currently work in ambulatory services and PACU. I work 8 hour shifts as opposed to the 12 hour shifts I use to hate. I have a great job in a great hospital. Hope this information helps.

lsyorke, RN · Nov 20, 2003

I started working in the Float Pool about 6 months ago and a new hospital. I love it!!! I work 3 days a week(I book about a month in advance) No benefits, no vacation time, but the flexibility is wonderful.

The best part is I don't get involved in the "floor politics" anymore. Much less stressful. We do have to work two weekend days a month, which I don't mind and RN's don't have to work holidays.

purplemania, BSN, RN · Nov 20, 2003

our float pool is made up of full-time and part-time employees who get benefits (if eligible). They like to work all over to learn different skills, meet new people and feel comfortable in several places. Most have been in the float pool for years, so I guess they like it. I have floated within my service line, when census fluctuated, and was really nervous until I learned enough about the other unit to be comfortable. Documentation was different on each maternal child unit (pedi, nursery, LD, post-partum) but that was the biggest problem. Made friends all over.

mattsmom81 · Nov 22, 2003

It is really a great solution if we don't need benes...keeps me in the nursing field actually...if I had to feel under the thumb of a unit director I don't think I could cope. :chuckle

Being able to say "no" and put some limits on my involvement with the facility/politics/ etc is imperative for me.

Some need the comfort of that guaranteed fulltime schedule with benefits. Not me. :roll

mario_ragucci · Nov 23, 2003

Lol, after a scoobie snak I float like Shaggy :-)

I like to float to different places because you can learn new things and feel challenged. I love to float. Why should you feel under anyones thumb? You make nursing sound like a mob with your gang slang :-)