RN newly license:job interview for a float nurse

Nienna Celebrindal · Nov 7, 2015

I work on a float team. We have our own manager so I only interviewed with the director and a supervisor of that team.

I started as an RN on a float team. A lot of people will tell you it's not doable. It is but it's tough. I was fired with 21 other new grads. There were 16 left on the team after 7 months. A few more after the first year. I still love it but it's definitely not for everyone.

Questions you need to ask is how long is your orientation, how many days on each unit, how many units will you go too? (I got 18 on one unit then 3 on each of my other 4. I started only going to neuro, icu stepdown, med surgery and tele. I did occasionally go outside those units but I got more training when I picked up more units). What kind of training will they provide (I had soooo many classes it was fantastic ). What are the holiday and weekend requirements. How do they make the schedule. How are assignments made (at my hospital it's off accuity, and if I go to a unit is haven't trained for it get the most basic list on the unit. Make sure that they treat you like an employee and not someone to screw over like registry.) How will they evaluate you? How will you be scheduled. What happens if a unit needs to downsize?

Make sure you have support when you float. You need someone who looks out for you and who stands up for you. Some units and staff will but you will sometimes need backup. Make sure your hospital provides it.

Good luck, I love floating. Every day is different. I get to see and learn so many different things. I think I have learned so much more in the same amount of time compared to nurses who only work one unit.

luv17 · Nov 8, 2015

Nienna Celebrindal, BSN, LVN, RN thanks for the info..

i mean what are the common possible question interview they will ask about you...

luv17 · Nov 8, 2015

what are the common possible question interview they will ask about you...?

thanks..

ontnursec · Nov 8, 2015

I'm in the same boat as you. I've had 1 interview with a HH agency. They asked classic interview questions (what was a conflict you experienced, and how did you handle it, etc), as well as giving various pt scenarios and asking what I would do. They asked about the nursing process, pt teaching, safety, infection control.

I worked in nursing resource as a health care assistant during nursing school, and as there is a LOT of floating involved, they asked about how I adapt to new environments, etc.

I hope this helps!

Alicia777, MSN, NP · Nov 8, 2015

What would your co-workers say about you?

Why do you want to work here?

Tell me about a conflict and how you handled it

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Tell me about the accomplishment you are most proud of

martymoose, BSN, RN · Nov 8, 2015

do you have any prior nursing experience?

Mavrick, BSN, RN · Nov 8, 2015

....... what are the common possible question interview they will ask about you...

They should ask: Are you crazy? (Floating is not a job for a new grad.)

luv17 · Nov 8, 2015

jrwest I will have my interview with the same hospital, where I I use to work as a nursing aid float too..

joanna73, BSN, RN · Nov 8, 2015

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Name and discuss how you incorporate the corporate values into your work.

Possibly a scenario will be given and you will be expected to discuss how you prioritize your tasks.

missamelissy8 · Nov 8, 2015

Always have a time in mind that you made an error and how you handled it.

martymoose, BSN, RN · Nov 8, 2015

jrwest I will have my interview with the same hospital, where I I use to work as a nursing aid float too..

Oh, ok, that should help-Best wishes to you :)

Will they be offering you a good orientation ?