Float nursing: For some, it is a thrilling opportunity, and for others, it might be chaos and a stressful job. Whether you like it or not, float nursing is one of the most misunderstood roles in healthcare. Float nurses, instead of being tied to one unit they are assigned to different units or departments depending on where they are needed. Whether you are a new grad or a seasoned nurse and considering becoming a float nurse, here are some things you should know before saying yes to float nursing. In this blog, we will dive deep into what float nursing is and what you should know before considering it as a career option.
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What is float nursing?
Float nurses are the registered nurses (RNs) who are not permanently assigned to one unit or department instead rotates or floats among different departments. Floating nurses adapt quickly to the environment where they are needed such as ICU, ER etc. these staffing needs can vary daily, weekly or even in a single shift.
We know that hospitals or healthcare facilities might face staffing shortages due to call-outs or sick leaves, and to fill the gaps, floating nurses come to the rescue to maintain a safe nurse-to-patient ratio.
Pros and cons of being a floating nurse
Float nursing is not for everyone, but if you are choosing it to be your career, then it is important to know the challenges and rewards of this career. Here is the list of pros and cons of becoming a floating nurse:
Pros:
Here are some of the perks if you choose float nursing as your career:
- Float nurses learn a lot when they get exposed to different patient populations and care techniques.
- No drama, no politics, only hands-on care. Float nurses stay out of the drama and internal politics of a specific department because they tend to spend less time there.
- Your role as a floating nurse will also boost your resume as it will show your adaptation skills and experience in different departments. You can apply for roles such as travel nursing, leadership roles, etc.
- Float nurses get more pay and bonuses because their job is tough, but if you are up for a challenge, then you can make more than you think.
Cons:
Here are some of the challenges that you might face as a float nurse:
- As a float nurse, you will always be the new person and might feel like an outsider.
- Less orientation and support because sometimes the healthcare facilities want float nurses just to figure it out.
- You might be given the heaviest patient load and can be sent to unfamiliar or high-acuity units.
Strategies and tips to survive as a float nurse
Here are some tips and strategies to survive as a float nurse in a unit.
- If you think that the unit assigned to you is out of your scope or comfort level, then speak up.
- Always carry extra essentials such as alcohol wipes, a mini notebook, a stethoscope, a cheat sheet for different departments, etc.
- Arrive early to understand each unit’s culture and ask questions if you have any.
- Be kind and stay friendly.
- Use this opportunity to sharpen your skills and expand your knowledge as it will give you a strong resume.
What skills are needed to be a successful float nurse?
- Strong clinical skills
- Effective communication skills
- Time management and multitasking skills.
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Understands and respects different cultures of hospital units.
What are the key characteristics of float nurses?
The key characteristics of float nurses are as follows:
- Adaptability
- Resilience
- Confidence
- Staying calm under pressure
- Willingness to learn new skills, technologies, and procedures.
- Maintain professionalism and stay positive.
What are the different types of float nurses?
There are different types of float nurses. Here is the breakdown:
- Unit-based float nurses: They work within one unit or department, eg, ICU, med surg, etc.
- Hospital-based float pool nurses: These nurses work in multiple departments or units and are hired by hospitals directly.
- System-wide float nurses: they work across multiple facilities within the same health system.
- Per diem float nurses: These nurses work in any units across multiple hospitals when they are needed and are hired by a staffing agency.
- Travel float nurses: These are contract nurses who typically work for 8-13 weeks and float within the facility or across units.
- Specialty float nurses: These nurses float within specific specialty areas, including all critical care units, etc.
Is float nursing the right career option for you?
If you are a nurse who thrives in a challenging environment, enjoys schedule flexibility, loves to learn, and wants to avoid workplace drama and politics, then float nursing might be the right career choice for you.
Is floating common in travel nursing contracts?
Yes, floating is common in travel nursing contracts.
What are the essentials that a floating nurse should always carry?
Floating nurses float or rotate from one unit to another; therefore, it is important that they have the following essentials:
- Stethoscope
- Penlight
- Trauma shears
- Notebook and pen
- Pocket guide
- watch
What is a float pool in a hospital?
Float pool nurses are not assigned to one unit but are trained to work in multiple units and act as a backup team to recover if there is a shortage of staff.
Conclusion
Float nursing isn’t for everyone, but for some nurses, it is the ultimate career freedom. Before choosing it as a career, it is important that you know the pros and cons of float nursing. If you do it right, float nursing can shape you into a well-rounded clinician and open opportunities for you in the nursing world. To become a successful floating nurse, it is important to have communicative skills, be adaptive, stay calm under pressure, etc. If you love challenges, always want to learn new things, and want to avoid drama and politics, then yes, float nursing is the best career option for you. Join SkillGigs now and become part of our travel nursing world, where you get the opportunity to work in top healthcare facilities. Download our app and bid on the jobs that you want the most.
