Refusing to float

[NurseKC123]

I wanted to get ya lls opinion on refusing to float. The reason for the floating is because other units aren't properly staffed. Example: full time and prns ask off on the same day and everyone gets it, therefore no one is covering the floor. I work in OB/pediatrics and have never refused a float but currently it has been happening all the time! Our floor is ALWAYS staffed appropriately therefore we feel like sitting ducks when we notice other floors aren't covered. The floors needing to be covered most are medsurg and swingbed. Both of which are completely opposite of OB and pediatrics. What would the consequences be if one refuses to float??

[Atl-Murse]

Get fired. Employment paperwork has that catch all phrase "all assigned duties"

[loriangel14, RN]

Where I work you cannot refuse.

[Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN]

When you are asked to float to another unit, you only perform duties you are comfortable with and have knowledge of, you must make that explicitly clear to the nursing supervisor on paper and retain a copy for yourself; but as others have said you are not allowed to refuse a float assignment.

For example, if you are not telemetry certified you wouldn't be pushing lopressor or titrating cardizem.

[JaxJax5423]

I float but refuse certain assignments. I've done safe harbor once too.

[NurseKC123]

everytime I have been pulled I ve had no say-so in regards to what pts I take. As soon as I get down there the pts are already split up and I am forced to take whatever which in my opinion isn't fair at all..

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

When I had to float to telemetry as a med/surg new grad, I sometimes rejected complicated cardiac patients. I'd literally stop report, locate the charge, and get the assignment changed to one I could safely handle. Sometimes that meant I got a cardiac-stable patient with c-diff, bad diarrhea, giant wounds with dressings that needed frequent changing and soft wrist restraints instead- but that's the way it goes.

[NOADLS]

If you refuse to float, you get fired and someone will replace you that is willing to float.

[NuGuyNurse2b]

Also, the onus is on your manager to speak up for your floor. I worked on Oncology, low census but high acuity (which the house supervisors obviously didn't care about), and on weekends, one of our nurses would always get pulled to one of the busier medsurg floors. it was like we were just being used as coverage for other floors. it's not fair to that unit's nurses when other units know they are busier and don't staff appropriately to save on their budget and instead have an unofficial policy to pull from our floor, which was exactly what was happening. It was borrowing from Peter to pay for Paul, except Paul was constantly borrowing and never paying back.

[dream'n, BSN, RN]

You can't refuse without risking your job. That said, I have seen certain units always be short (usually because it stinks and no one wants to work there or the hospital is purposely not hiring to save money) and the nicer unit nurses always being floated to fill the holes. That is one reason I left hospital nursing.

[NurseKC123]

Exactly!!

[guest769224]

I float but refuse certain assignments. I've done safe harbor once too.

Safe Harbor is only utilized in the state of Texas.