AKlink1234

Yes I am an RN & my title is RN float. I'm cross-training to surgery so I hope that helps with the skills. I'm definitely going to ask about switching to a floor position & if they decline I will be looking for employment elsewhere.

I accepted a position as a night float nurse in a rural hospital. I was told it would be a great way for me to learn without being fed to the wolves. However, I feel like I'm not even using my nursing skills or learning new skills at all. I register after hour ED patients, put surgical instruments in the wash, let people in the building, stock fluids, & make sure surgery bays are stocked for the next day. Then after i do that I'm supposed to go to the floor & help the nurses there, but they never need help. To top it off on my last night of orientation they had a CNA doing the same job. This job is not at all what I expected nor does it fit the job description I was given. I feel underutilized, feel like I'm a housekeeper & quite frankly want to quit after only just completing my 2 week orientation. (I expect to do some housekeeping duties at any job, but want to use my license & nursing skills too & be able to learn new skills) My question is should I stick it out and see if I get to do more nursing skills as time passes or should i cut my losses, go elsewhere and learn the skills I need and want.

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.