New Grad Float Pool or Home Floor?

[ageer1]

I am a new nurse and I am undergoing an 8 week orientation for a night med-surge float pool position at the hospital in my town. I have just one training shift left and I am both excited and incredibly nervous. My preceptor has been absolutely wonderful, I really couldn't have asked for someone more patient, kind and easy going. I have struggled with my organization to my night on some nights, but I have made good improvements and have received positive feedback from my preceptor. I am about to go solo and I am considering whether or not to continue staying in the float pool or if I should apply to 1 floor. I am enjoying the variety of pt populations the float pool offers but it is more challenging as a new to acute care RN. (My prior nursing experience is 1 year of home care with pediatric pts, mostly respiratory disorders). At my hospital the float pool works 10 different med/surg floors. The experiences have been great, but sometimes little things can become more difficult like finding supplies and meds (often they can be in 4 different places besides the pyxis). I also feel as though nurses who work one floor become something of a subject matter expert in that particular pt population and have a greater understanding of the treatments, cares, and outcomes for pts with that particular disorder/illness. As a new grad at my hospital the float pool is where a lot of nurses get their 1st job and then they move onto a floor. The core staff who stay in float pool seem to really like it but I am wondering how long it takes to feel more confident in a float pool position. My preceptor says it took her approximatley 18 months to feel more confident in the float pool. I am wondering if working a floor with one pt population would require less time to feel confident. Any thoughts welcome on new grads in float pools.

Thanks!

[RNperdiem, RN]

Until you work for a while, it is too early to tell.

I have worked float pool and like the variety, and I have had a home floor as well and liked working with the same groups of staff and types of patients.

Go in with the attitude of learning all you can. The decision to move to one floor isn't one you have to make right now.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

New grads should NOT start out in a float pool. You need the routine of a familiar unit during that all important first year. You need to know where things are, how your coworkers react, and form bonds with them.

I took a float pool position after 25 years in... still VERY difficult.

Best of luck whatever your choice.

[ageer1]

I think for me it is too soon to tell. I am going to stay in the float pool for now and see how it goes for me. I think it will become more clear to me if I am needing/wanting a floor or not. Thank you for the suggestions!