Med/Surg or M/S Float? What is better for a new grad?

gogatsby · Oct 9, 2009

As a new graduate, I hate floating. At my hospital, you can be floated after working there for three months. (Two months spent on orientation) The first day I could be floated, I was sent off the floor for almost a week! I really don't like being floated...there's a comfort with being on the same floor with the same nurses around you. I didn't know who to go to for help, didn't know where anything was, didn't know how the floor did things differently than my usual floor. Being new, I'm already a little overwhelmed with everything to begin with, let alone being thrown into a brand new environment. Although getting the experience in a wide variety of units would be good, I would rather stay on one unit to develop time management and everything without going crazy. Just my opinion!

cn2007rn · Oct 10, 2009

I think you would be better off starting on one unit. Most hospitals do not hire floats until they have some experience. Get use to one unit and the way it's run rather then jumping all over, you will have a lot on your plate, going to different units is not something you want to deal with as a new nurse! good luck!

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 10, 2009

one unit is best. i floated as a new grad too. i hated the inconsistencies between the floors. every time you float to a new floor you have to follow new rules, new co-workers, and deal with new power players (cnas and charge nurses) ...! it is not a good idea to be a new grad and to float. just my :twocents: .

Ms. BSNRN · Nov 8, 2009

I am also a new grad who was offered a Float positions but just between the med surg floors no other specialty. I am not sure if this a great opportunity for me.....I know that many here are saying is not good for a new grad but the Unit manager told me that its wonderful experience for a new grad because of the wide range of nursing experiences. I get 3 months orientation and longer if needed. Please let me know your input.

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Nov 14, 2009

I am also a new grad who was offered a Float positions but just between the med surg floors no other specialty. I am not sure if this a great opportunity for me.....I know that many here are saying is not good for a new grad but the Unit manager told me that its wonderful experience for a new grad because of the wide range of nursing experiences. I get 3 months orientation and longer if needed. Please let me know your input.

Of course the manager will pump sunshine....they have an opening that they need to fill. I am a fairly new grad (with 4 whoooole months experience under my belt).

Yes, floating allows you to see different units & different patient populations. That's the plus side. I suspect that the negative side is that you don't have the time to establish your own routine (pt assessment, med passes,...). Every floor does something differently, which can make it difficult as a newbie.

If there was no other option in terms of jobs, I'd go with the float pool approach. If your orientation is spent in a single department, that should give you enough time to get the basics down. If, however, the 3 months is spent bouncing from dept to dept, that might make it difficult.

Aniroc · Nov 14, 2009

I echo the reponses that it may very well indeed be best to stick to one unit rather than float. When I interviewed for my position, I talked to my manager about this. We talked about some of the issues New Grads have such as the shock phase in their transition from student to fully operational nurse. No one can make that decision for you, but personally I decided to stay on the one floor and not apply elsewhere so that I could get used to working on one floor, know their paperwork and routines inside and out. I've committed myself to at least 6mths to really consolidate my practice and ease comfortably into my profession. Do whats right for you.

elkpark · Nov 14, 2009

If you end up having the choice, I would strongly encourage you to take the steady, one-unit position. You may well get floated some anyway, but at least you'll have a "home" unit. Frankly, I would be suspicious of a facility that would hire new grads into the float pool ...

mzjennx, BSN, RN · Nov 14, 2009

im a new grad that works call in and rotating shifts in med surg. i work between an oncology and peritoneal dialysis unit. i was originally hired for the PD side, but trained in the oncology side so my manager wanted to me to be able to work both sides and learn how to do both PD and chemo. i dont like it much since i gotta get use to everyone, the floor, the workflow for each shift. but im slowly getting use to it all.

they say the new grads should float to other units till after 6 months to 1 year experience, but i got floated once to another floor and it was nuts. i wouldnt recommend it but sometimes staffing doesnt care if your a new grad or not they just need you to cover shifts. on the flip side floating allows you to see other units, people, patients... something different which can make you appreciate and or respect your home unit.

stick to one if u can and if u ever feel uncomfortable i hope you have a great support staff or charge who can help you out.

OrthoRN09 · Nov 14, 2009

I would suggest the 1 unit. I was hired as a new grad to an ortho/trauma floor. After being off orientation for 3 months, I was eligible to float to other units when our census is low. So far I have floated to 3 different units and really hated 2 of the 3. There were some new grads in my orientation group that were hired to the float pool. They were given an extensive orientation. But personally, I wouldn't like it. Not knowing where I would be working on a day to day basis would cause even more stress than just being a new grad. It's best (for me) to stick to one unit and develope a routine.

Sewbusy~RN · Nov 14, 2009

One unit. Its hard enough when you do have a "home" unit! Get your rhythm and skills developed and then you'll feel more secure floating.