Thoughts of being a float nurse?

cali31 · Feb 28, 2014

I have been seeing job posting for Resource RN float pool. What are your thoughts on it? For those who have or currently is a float nurse, do you like it? What do you like and dislike about it? Any info would be very helpful...Thanks guys!

guest2210 · Mar 1, 2014

I was a float nurse for 6 months when my regular floor closed due to low census. I LOVED it!!!

It gave me the opportunity to work in every department from ED to L&D, ICU, CCU, etc. It gave me the freedom to learn so much, and re-enforce skills I hadn't used for awhile. It also freed me up from getting involved with the unit's politics. Sometimes I would get assigned the unit's most troublesome patients, but I looked at it as a chance for respite for the regular unit's staff. Thirty years ago, there were more chances for LPNs to work in hospitals as float nurses than there are today. But I would encourage any nurse, especially a new nurse, to work in this position for the experience it affords you.

yginay · Mar 2, 2014

Being a float nurse keeps things interesting and sometimes it's nice to avoid certain drama that can come when you "belong" to a unit. Most important though, if you are ever floated to an area where you have not been oriented first or feel out of your depth, speak up! Always good to let the charge nurse know, when you get there, if aspects of care are unfamiliar or weak so you can get proper assistance and care remains safe for all invoved.

cali31 · Mar 2, 2014

thank you for the responses :) ... I'm glad to hear some positive feedbacks. I guess its expected to get the heavier or troublesome patients when you are a floater. But seems like overall, being a float nurse can be very interesting as well ..thanks!