Weird Float position?

mac23 · May 31, 2005

i had a job like this. my "home" base was picu but i could be floated anywhere in childrens hospital---at least that's what they said at first. they also said they wouldn't throw me to the wolves and i'd be oriented to each unit. so i oriented to picu for 8 weeks (i wasn't a new grad) and got 2 days on every other unit. it was a great job until i was required to float to the adult units. no orientation, no training just that speech about a nurse is a nurse and this is basic nursing blah blah blah.

i couldn't imagine doing it as a new grad... i had 4 years worth of experience and still had tons to learn. many places promise you orientation and never really give it to you so be careful (ie the 2 shifts on the other units). you do not want to be caught up in a situation like i was....it's wayyyyyyyy to stressful. you don't want that to be your first experience as a nurse.

mydesygn · May 31, 2005

I just graduated (gulp!) and was offered a NICU/PICU/Peds Float. Well, I see how PICU and Peds would go together, but NICU? Does that mean I have a lot more to learn? Anyone ever heard of such a position?
Any advice much appreciated. I love the idea of being a float, but I'm imagining that it would be really challenging, as I have three patient types to learn. I looked through the threads, but didn't seem to be something anyone else was doing. I haven't asked them how long the training would take, but ideally how long before a new grad would be able to comfortably take over independently?

DON"T DO THIS I have been a pediatrics nurse for over 14 years, initially, starting on the floor, then working in the PICU and being floated to the NICU. There is no way in HELL, I would ever advise a new grad to take on that kind of an assignment. You would need at least 6 months to a year of PICU experience before I would advise you to float to NICU or peds. Each area is very different. Do not beleive that the "floor" is easy, I have seen many a PICU nurse crash and burn having become unaccoustamed to the pace and NICU has very specialized care that is very particular. Any facility that would expect that of a new grad is crazy. The manager should be hiring ONLY experienced PICU nurses into that type of position. Look out for your sanity and your license -- Do not get caught up in that.

nurseiam · Jul 28, 2005

I have to agree with most of the others. This is a horrible position for a new grad. At my hopital you have to have at least 2 years experience before you will be considered.

After almost 6 years in the NICU last year I took a float pool position. I work med-surg, ED, IVT and just started my last orientation into the PICU.

It has been culture shock! The meds are different, the scope is much broader in the PICU. The emotions are different. There is a difference between a 23 weeker and taking care of a non accidental trama.

This is my take on it..

It is like revisiting your favorite resturaunt but now it has new owners. Things seem the same on the outside but it is all different!

My advice would be try one areafor at least two year to get a good foundation and organization. Then try a different area.