Stay a float or specialize?

[Sand_Dollar, BSN]

A few months ago I got my first acute care job and was hired as a critical care float through my hospital's new grad residency program. My end goal is to be a traveler in critical care.

Here is the situation; My 'home' unit where most of my training has taken place is CVCU. I will also be orienting and working in ICU and Neuro-trauma ICU in the next month. I will be floating to all CC units, the ED and general floors when I'm done the orientations. I must work IMCU level for one year then can move up into ICU level care if I so choose.

I have great support and have received excellent training, which will continue to be provided as my level of competency progresses. My plans include obtaining my CCRN when I have met the hourly requirements.

My questions is this, should I keep with the float position, or take a specialized ICU position if one becomes available?

My concern is that when it comes time to travel, will other hospitals look at my work history as 'diluted'? I want to be as marketable as possible, but worry that I might actually be doing myself a disservice by not picking a specific unit to settle into.

Thoughts on this?

[NedRN]

I would continue as is - great training and you should be able to handle any ICU when you are done. A float ICU nurse is stronger by definition in my book. The exception might be fresh open hearts might be excluded from your experience and that is a valuable specialty. Query some of your managers, it is the hiring manager that counts, not us.

[PNW_NPstudent]

Stick with floating. You will be seen as a valuable, flexible asset for many, many travel positions.