It seems like floaters are in high demand?

[jmeng]

So wherever I have applied though it has never been for floatpool position, I end up being referred to floatpool. One gave me a test, sort of like a personality test first then I end up in floatpool. Then the latest one, I got interveiwed for a part time position where I will be forced to float around because the position I am hired for may not have patients all the time. Ok...I dont mind being a floater. But why all the drama!!!

Another thing I have noticed is about the shortage issue...hospitals dont want to pay for benefits. Having full time employee mean they have to pay for health, paid time off, and so on...and plus they have to match taxes...Which I trully dont care for all these anyways. My plan is to continue schooling...i worry about benefits later on.

So if you are interested in getting a job, take the perdiems, floatpools, or part times without a benefit. You will get a job.

[lkwashington]

You have a good point. I have worked full time for 3 1/2 years. I decided to work in a float pool due to family illnesses. This move was one of the greatests because I work my obligation and if I decide to work more its okay with me. I fell like a free agent nurse. By me working different units I dont get bored, put up with the politics of each unit, and just listen to the other nurses complain about their unit. But there is downside. You will be the one to be called of first. I am also a nursing instructor, this is my backup. I would just say have a plan. Dont always put you eggs in one basket because you never know what is going to happen in the near future. You must learn how network and sell yourself.

[SCnurse2010]

So if you are interested in getting a job, take the perdiems, floatpools, or part times without a benefit. You will get a job.

This is true if you aren't a new grad. In my area pretty much ANY RN position requires a year of experience.

[MtBpsy9609]

This is true if you aren't a new grad. In my area pretty much ANY RN position requires a year of experience.

In my area floaters need at least one year of recent acute experience too.

[CloudySky]

Congrats. But I don't think floaters in in high demand. It sounds like you have a lot of experience 4 years in ICU and medical/surgical and step down so that's probably why they wanted you.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

It takes a special personality to be a good floater. Not everyone can handle constant change, working in a new unit each day, and disruption of the routine that develops when one works in the same spot every single day. Float nurses also need a wide range of skills to adapt to working in different specialties (ortho unit on Monday, telemetry unit on Tuesday, E.R. on Wednesday, etc.).

In other words, not everyone has the temperament or the skill set required of a successful float pool nurse.

[ocean waves]

Hello. You wrote that even though you "did not apply for a float pool position...ended up being referred to a float pool...". I agree that hospitals may be doing financial belt tightening to limit hiring full time nurses for whom they would have to pay a full benefit package. Maybe you could make a written and dated request to transfer to a full time position as soon as possible? Best wishes!

[GLB_68]

Congratulations on the float position. What's the drama that you refer to? Maybe you mean the personality test.

Here in Virginia hospitals don't even bother to interview new grads for any position let alone floater. It's very competitive.