What would you do

Katnip, RN · Dec 2, 2003

Only you can answer that question for yourself.

When you think of working in peds, how does it make you feel?

Same with float pool. Which ones makes you feel most satisfied?

nowplayingEDRN · Dec 2, 2003

Also keep in mind that being in a float pool, you are going to be exposed to more than peds....you could be sent to a med/surg floor or a critical care unit or peds or oncology (if the hospital has a unit), psych or detox........but like cyberkat said, only you can decide which one is best for you....Good luck and keep us posted.

Nurse Ratched, RN · Dec 2, 2003

Either position is going to be quite a change from LTC. If you have only worked in that setting, make sure you are clear on the orientation for the float pool particularly. As the others indicated, you can wind up anywhere when you are "the float nurse" and that can be bad or wonderful, depending on what you want and what your skills and interests are.

lanilpn · Dec 2, 2003

I haven't worked in either, but just went to an interview for pool. the great thing about it is the experience, also a challenge. But as the others stated- it is your decision on how you feel about these areas. think of the pros and cons and go from there. it will come to you-remeber to keep yourself in mind when making the final decision. take care

-manda

CCU NRS · Dec 2, 2003

I am going on the supposition that you are looking for input regarding the difference from those of a LTC position

Two words "Time Management" This is your main concern. I would suppose that in LTC you are somewhat used to a very continuous rhythm and constant fluid movement?

Float pool: You will be expected to float anywhere in the hospital (depending on your facility policy Mine operates in caps cardiac etc.)and could even if needed be moved in 4/hr increments from place to place, you will have a greater variety of Pts but most of them will be closer to your ? comfort age from LTC as average admission age is like 50-63 y/o you see a variety of conditions and be expected to perform in all fields competemtly.

Peds: You will be expected to perform care for any age level Ped Pt and will be in close contact parents that concerned about their children for large periods of time and they will expect you to be able to either answer their questions or get them the information. Depending on census you may or may not have to float frequently ( my facility has a weak Peds unit and no real census Located near OMH and Childens Med Cnt.)So while you may have to float you would be originally assigned to the Ped Unit which would be expected if needed.

The question is Time management and Preference You will be busy in either you definately float in one position but have a home in the other. Maybe you could ask if you start as a Float Nurse to assess the situation and be floated to Peds a few times to see if you prefer it.

If your facility has a good Peds unit that carries a constant census you may be better off with position, ask about their census and how often they float.

Floating may be for you if you have a good time management technique and can transtion from place to place without having to take a lot of time to re-orient to each new place.

You may find that a certain floor is always short and that will always be flaoted to this place all the time ytou might want to ask where the most frequent floats are to and ask about if you are hospital wide or if you float with a cap like Cardiac or med-surg.

I was an agency nurse for 6 years and I had to go from place to place and work with different people everyday. I had good time management and was able to that ok.

I could not work Peds because I could not deal with frantic parents well and I am slao very large and tend to frighten children ( I am the guy your mother warned you about LOL)

So in closing this is truly a very personal decision buit perhaps I have been able to shed a little lite or at least offer good questions for you to ask on your follow up.

Good Luck Keep us informed