Tips, tricks or advice for new float pool RN

[newohiorn, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

I just accepted a job in our hospital float pool. I'm wondering if anybody has any advice about fitting in with a new group of nurses every day. For instance, one of the float pool staff at my hospital shows up with a basket of candy every time she works--this always endears her to the staff. Any other ideas? I know being a team player will go a long way toward being accepted but I'm guessing I'll often be scrambling to get my work done since I'm likely to float to different units in 4-hour blocks. I would also appreciate any other tips or tricks about how to become comfortable/oriented in a new unit all the time. I'm sure this will all come with time but I'm a little nervous and would welcome any advice.

[JB2007, ASN, RN]

I was in the float pool as a nurse extern while I was in nursing school. I would show up with a positive attitude and a smile. The regular staff was glad to see me because if I was not there they would have even more work to do. When I had a few extra minutes I would ask if there was anything that I could do to help out. You will begin to learn how the different floors run soon and the staff on the different units will begin to know you soon.

Personally, I loved working in the float pool. You get to see different things and you get to know the different staff members on different floors. The added benifit is you do not get mixed up in the politics on the unit because you are not there long enough. I hope you like being in the float pool.

[kns7474]

I work a float pool, I love it, you don't have to put up with the drama and politics of a unit. Also I get paid over double what the staff nurses make. You really need to be an independant nurse. Over time you get to know all the nurses and how they do things. You learn where things are and you become comfortable in each unit you float to. I travel around 3 different hospitals within my company, and each hospital does things differently. Quick tip, if you have to ask more then twice, write it down!

[Babs0512]

On the flip side to all this positive talk, there is a down side. When I worked the float pool, I was sent to different units nearly every day. It was nice not to be involved in the petty problems of the unit, but at the same time, because I didn't "belong" anywhere, the floor nurses didn't have the "I'll watch your back" attitude. I was on my own. I quickly noticed, I was given the group of patients no one else wanted. Whether it was because they were the bell ringers, the sickest patients or the isolation patients - didn't matter. I always knew which group I would have and why.

This taught me to take report with a grain of salt, I did my own head to toe assessments, and I often (very often) found things that many shifts of nurses before me didn't. Bowels obstructions, DVT, skin breakdown, etc... Floating taught me that I must have great organizational and time management skills, AND great assessment skills.

I wouldn't choose to be a float nurse again, but I must admit, the four years I floated, I learned mountains of information. I wouldn't trade the experience for the world.

Blessings

[stpchc]

I love working in the float team. As the units get to know you, they will eventually be glad to see you come because otherwise, they'd be working short. Try to pair up with another float team nurse if they get sent to the same unit with you..............we support each other all the time. Also, it helps if you pipe up and are willing to assist the unit nurses with cares if you have a free moment....answer call lites, phones, do some orders, etc. I never mind not going to the same unit in the same week.........that's why I joined the float team. And if there are problems with feeling like the float staff is getting the "dump" on patient assignments, then let your nurse manager/unit council/charge nurse or someone above the bedside staff know that this is becoming a habit..........be sure to have the documentation to back it up. Good luck!

[Overland1, RN]

My first Nursing job was as a "float nurse", and I really liked it because it was a great learning experience; I was able to actually work different units and decide which I preferred should I decide to settle in on one particular area. When our Nurse Manager retired, the float pool was absorbed into other units and I went to the ICU... a move I will never regret.

[newohiorn, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Thanks folks. I appreciate your thoughts. I'm really looking forward to this job!

[Otessa, BSN, RN]

I worked in a hsopital float pool for seven years. The willingness to work with a different team every day is a plus. Asking questions like "what do we normally do for these patients?" and "can I help you with that?" go a looong way. I had staff every day ask if I would take a job on their unit because I was such a team player. positive attitude is so important as well.

otessa