New Job: Night Shift Float

[AKlink1234]

I just interviewed for and got my first job as an RN as a night float nurse. It is a small hospital in a community of about 1,500. My job duties would include registering patients, helping the ER nurse and helping the Med/Surg nurses. I'd also have the opportunity to orient to the OR which I'm excited about & my interviwers made it clear that I could switch to a floor position if I choose to do so.

My question is: Has anybody ever had a job with this type of description or anything like it? I guess I'm trying to gauge what to expect. Thanks!

P.S. if nurses are too overwhelmed & my help is required they have RT & CNAs available to register patients.

[Devon Rex, ADN, BSN]

Hello,

Everyone is different, but as for me... I could not be a brand new nurse and float at the same time. I'm one who needs to learn my bearing and knows the ins/outs of a unit in order to perform competently. Otherwise I feel like fish out of water not knowing where anything is and completely depending on others to accomplish most of my tasks. BUT, that's just me.

Many nurses like to float to get a different experience every time. They like the variety and very short term commitments floating offers. I can't work that way. But everyone is different.

As a new RN and floater... this will give you a taste of several areas and hopefully make you realize which ones you like best or least.

Good luck on your journey! :)