Moving to larger facility, float pool LONG

Published

Specializes in Med/Surg; Critical Care/ ED.

Hi everyone,

It's been AGES since I've been here, life has been very hectic this year. I put off writing this because I didn't want to only be here when something was wrong, but I can't help it. I need to hear from anyone who has experienced what I am getting ready to experience.

I have worked my entire nursing career (about 3 years) at a small community hospital. I have become very comfortable there, know what I am supposed to do, all my coworkers, all the docs, the patients, etc. I know how to do my job and feel I do it well for my level of experience. I really love what I do, as well.

I have lately been feeling very dissatisfied with my place of employment. I haven't been feeling we have been getting the backing of upper management for one. I work a med/surg floor and we are constantly getting dumped on by other departments even though for the last season we have been constantly running on full capacity ourselves. I work nights and we are expected to run to the pharmacy for the ER because they can't leave the floor in case something comes in. And it's okay for me to leave MY pts?? Other departments transfer pts to us when they are too busy. When do WE get to do that? NEVER. Mgmt says they will "look into things." NOT. The last two snow storms we had, I packed and came in and stayed both times for three days because not only do I NOT drive in bad weather, I know other people don't either and I wanted to help out. I never got even a thank you, which is okay, but when I was sick after staying there and working for days, they were pretty ugly when I called in. And I think the closeness of my unit is getting to me, people think they can say anything they want to to me (and to each other) because everyone knows everyone else's business. Sounds like I'm pretty unhappy as I reread what I'm writing! Also for family reasons, I really need to work days.

I got so fed up that I went on an interview at another hospital, MUCH larger, a little farther away. It's a float pool position and the base rate is a little higher than what I currently make. I have accepted the job and start in the middle of march after about a two week break. I've already worked the last day with my old employer.

I was so excited at first. I felt like I would get a lot of experience I would never get where I am now. And I felt that float pool would be perfect for me because I wouldn't have to get all involved in the politics.

Now I am starting to really be scared. I've left the only place I know, where I KNOW I can do my job well. I've never been involved in a code and am terrified. And I'll probably go months without seeing the same face twice. All the things that first appealed to me now are scaring me to death. What if I am in over my head?

So, I'd like to hear some experiences from anyone who's either moved to a much larger facility or works float pool. Both of these are new experiences for me. I'd like to have a little bit of an idea what to expect. I'm sure the mentality will be completely different there. I don't know. I'm just sick at the thought of it now. I'm even starting to think that my old job wasn't so bad and I should stay where I am. I feel comfortable there, anyway. Know what to expect. Maybe if I change my attitude, I can feel better about being there. ACK!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Changes in lattitudes eh? ...Working the float pool can be good experience and it can also be difficult. A positive attitude is a must because you will work with many different people. It is a great way to see various areas of a hospital and find one that is right for you. Unfortunately orientation is usually shorter and you may find yourself in over your head. Be vocal if you feel uncomfortable in a certain position, with patient assignments etc. It sounds like you were ready for a change and yes it is scary. I went from a tiny rural facility to a large facitlity in a different state. Consider it a challenge and a time to learn. If the float pool isnt what you had hoped for, at least your foot is in the door and if you have made a good impression you can probably find a "home" in a specific unit.

Good luck and go for it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just reread what you wrote.....DONT WORRY....you will learn so much more and find a completely different mentality...for the positive.....psych yourself back up for your new job and consider it an adventure!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Boy, ParrotHead, you sure hit the nail on the head for me. I read your post, and it sounds EXACTLY like me. I am interviewing at the moment, and feeling panicked if one of the interviews ends up with an offer. There's something to be said for familiarity. But, when I read your post I realized how unhappy I am where I am. All the same issues, and no hope of getting better (I am assertive and let the manager know when I feel we are working dangerously short, etc.). I have worked MANY extra shifts, but the one time I called in sick in three years they were ugly. So, I am off, and thanks for writing. It gives me a boost to continue the search!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You already have three years experience under your belt. I actually loved floating when I first started. You get to see so many different things and learn many new procedures. Never be afraid to ask if you have a question.

Personally, I loved seeing new faces all of the time. You normally don't have to deal with the politics of the unit, and that can be quite good most of the time.

Good luck. I am sure that you will do fine. Keep us posted after you begin your new LIFE.

:balloons: :p

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

I recently left to work in a new facility after working at the same place for 21 yr!!!! I was greatly encouraged to do so by just reading posts here on the BB, of nurses who had done it and had survived (after all, we all survived nursing school, eh?!! :D). It has been a very good thing for me, to have changed. I still work in the same area (cath lab) but it's a totally different "feel." I'm still getting used to it but I say try it, look at it as a growing experience, -- certainly an adventure, as nocode has said! Let us know what you decide and how it goes. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

After making a move to different city, I once took a job as a float nurse. It worked out really well for me.

The pluses were getting to know alot of the nurses and that made me feel more at home. I got experience in several different areas that I haven't gotten before. That's always a plus. It came in handy later on in my life too!

And you are right about it keeping you out of polictics. Another plus.

And I was well trained to do be floated to speciality areas. It could have been very bad if not for this.

In the end, after being in the float pool for awhile, it allowed to make a decision on what unit to work when positions opened up. I knew the all the floors and the nurses on each and was able to to pick the one that suited me best.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I loved floating.

I floated as an CNA in the hospital, where I took my first nursing job. It taught me what units to avoid; it also sealed my enthusiasm for emergency nursing.

I went to work, did my job, and left. No politics and backbiting for me! As it turned out, I stink at the politics thing! I have never been afraid of change, rather thrive on it, so the constant surprise of ED is right where I want to be!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I float in my job too, of course it's more limited because I float in the OR but I looooovvvvveee floating. I figure I can put up with anyone or anything for one hour or one day. Plus you get to do so much and see so much.

I know it's scary. I felt the same way when I walked away from a 54,000/year job in banking to become a nurse. I was in a panic several times, actually for several months. You're moving forward, it's a little terrifying but the way you describe the job you left, I think you've made a good move. Now take a deep breath.....everything always works out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg; Critical Care/ ED.

Thank you all so much for the support and encouragement. I feel better, although still nervous, after reading your messages. I KNOW if I went back to my old job, I would end up just as angry and disillusioned as I was before, and probably VERY quickly.

Hugs to all! :kiss

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It's nice to have different experiences to offset our familiar settings. I have always enjoyed having my 'regular' job plus PRN or agency work somewhere else for something different. Stretching ourselves a bit ...gaining a new perspective and outlook can be an eye opener.....follow your heart and go for it if it feels right!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You know, I am also scared to death about the same thing....I guess I need to listen to my own advice! I am giving notice this week to my employeer as I was totally fed up with the unit I worked on, bored, etc.... I accepted a postition in a large, teaching, well known trauma center that is going to be soooooo different! Back to night shift....how I will do it with kids and my older body I am not sure....oh well....no turning back now...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion