How to succeed as a float nurse

ArlyleRN · Sep 13, 2015

Yes, do not be "that" float-pool nurse that always complains about getting "pulled" when you do not get to work your favorite floor. Do not complain that you always get the "bad" team.

I was a prn, float, agency, and contract nurse for years. I always expected to have a rough team because every night I got a team for the first time. The nurses with the "easy" teams have had multiple days to get their team straightened out.

By a "few" years, I hope you mean at least 5 years. You really need to know what you are doing and should be a valuable resource.

Good luck to you. :up:

momof3lv · Sep 13, 2015

I just moved to the float pool this month and am loving it. If your someone who loves change and can roll with the punches you will be fine. It's been so much fun and i am loving getting to work on all the other units.

NightOwl0624 · Sep 14, 2015

My advise, not that it should be different from non-floating, but be absolutely diligent regarding orders and documentation. Since I started floating, I've taken care of patients that I hadn't had a lot of experience with (such as post-op patients), so you need to stay on top of things. I have also found that different floors have different expectations and priorities, so don't hesitate to ask the charge nurses for guidance. I have been floating for a few months now and really like it!

Jules A, MSN · Sep 14, 2015

I did it at and loved it. Its sort of like being a new grad all over, you need to be charming, inquisitive, thankful for any assistance and quick to learn. I tried to be upbeat, friendly and willing to do whatever was asked of me. It was a good gig, I made a lot more money, interacted with many different wonderful physicians, nurses, techs and learned so much. Good luck!