Force to change unit in the middle of shift

I have no idea. But this would be a time for me to pass out. I was feeling fine a few minutes ago, now I'm dizzy. I can't practice safely if I am dizzy. Then, it will be a minor ear infection. But, how could I know this?

oh heck yeah they can do it. You are hired for the facility, not a specific unit. I once was sent to 3 different units in the first 1/2 of my shift before they sent back to my usual unit. A write up- yep. Could also fire you for insubordination if you refuse. SNFs and NF are very much difficult to survive in.

That happens in acute care, too. It's fairly common. I don't know about write-ups because I've never seen anyone refuse.

Every job in the entire world has "and other duties as assigned" in the job description. Unless it's out of your scope or you have some specific, written agreement about not floating, you're probably stuck.

In short, yes they can and no you can't sue for being floated to another unit for heaven's sake. You can vote with your feet and find another job but being shuffled around happens a lot in beside work no matter where you are.

Legal action?? Lol. I don't think our legislators have made a law about floating to other units.

They can't legislate safe staffing ratios, so no there's nothing on the books about floating.

If another unit needs help, you should be willing to go. Nobody likes floating but it's a necessity some times.

Well, if you're essentially doing more than a shift's work (double amount of charting, etc.) I'd be sure to not break my back to finish at my usual time and then insist on overtime. Denial of OT would be a legal issue...

Floating? Yes, that does happen. If your unit is overstaffed and another is running short, a nurse can get floated mid-shift.

This has happened to nurses before on my unit, but definitely not mid-shift. Usually in the first 2 hours. That sucks. I know I would be upset, but like everyone said it is implied in the job description and not much you can do to fight it.

Yes, they can do it mid-shift. The only way you have a way out of it is refusing to take patients you're not trained to. Like if a med/surg nurse got floated to the ICU and was expected to take ICU patients, not just help out or take care of floor-boarders. We have some rules, too, like if an ICU nurse gets floated to telemetry or med/surg we can technically refuse to take more than 4 patients. But that's a hospital policy. You should read your facility's policy so you know if there are any restrictions. Likely it essentially says they can do what they want.

I've been sent to 3 units in 12 hours on multiple occasions. And I'm not a float nurse. Hasn't happened often, once every few years, but they certainly can do it if they want to/need to.