Float or Dock? Consider These Factors if You Want to Be a Float Pool Nurse

• In recent years, nurse residence programs have added a float pool nurse track.  
• A float pool nurse is hired to aid with staffing shortages on multiple units, and the unit assignment varies from shift to shift. 
• Certifications and pay rate are among the considerations when deciding if this is the right fit for your new nurse graduate career. 

If you are a new nurse graduate, you may have heard about the different tracks available in nurse residency programs. Historically, nurse residency program tracks were limited to inpatient units (medical-surgical, surgical, progressive care, critical care, etc.). The addition of critical care to nursing residency programs was a huge step, as nurses were recommended to have at least two years of experience in a medical-surgical or surgical unit beforehand.  

Over time, nurse residency programs have evolved to include emergency departments, labor and delivery, post-partum, and even home health. In recent years, a significant change was the addition of a float pool track. With the nursing shortages for permanent employees reaching an all-time high, training new nurses to thrive as supplemental resources seems to be a promising, strategic move.  

Some of you may be well-versed in what a float pool nurse is. Others may be asking, “What on earth is that?” Well, I’m glad you asked.  

A float pool nurse assists with staffing shortages on multiple units. The unit assignment varies from shift to shift. For example, the staffing need may be on a medical-surgical unit today and on the stepdown unit tomorrow. As you embark in unchartered waters, you may be deciding whether to be a nurse who floats or a nurse who “docks” on a unit permanently.  

I cannot say there are general pros or cons to being a float nurse. It really is a matter of preference and what works best for you. One person’s pro may be another person’s con. If you’re a new graduate considering the float pool track, consider these factors to make the best decision.

Constant Change as a Float Pool Nurse

Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “The only constant in life is change” (or some variation of that). As a float nurse, you will be in a constant state of change. If change excites you, this is the place for you. If you are more of a routine person and like to be prepared for the day, not knowing where you will work each shift may be a challenge. 

Certifications for a Float Pool Nurse

 Being floated to a variety of units requires a variety of skill sets. For this reason, a float pool nurse will need to obtain and maintain various life support certifications. For instance, floating from a medical-surgical unit to a critical care unit would require Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), in addition to the standard Basic Life Support (BLS). If your reach expands into the emergency department and pediatric units, you will need to maintain Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program® (NRP) certification.  

Specialized Areas of Certification 

Some people may call a float nurse a “jack of all trades and a master of none.” This means a float pool nurse has the ability to work anywhere proficiently but may not gain a high level of expertise in any specific area. When you perform the same tasks consistently over time, it can create a feeling of being an expert at something. Some nurses prefer a permanent position because they want to specialize in a specific area. Some may want to accumulate a certain number of hours in a specific area to become eligible to gain certification. These certifications may include, but are not limited to, Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN®), Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN ®), and Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN).   

Critical Care Float Pools 

If certification is not a concern, general float pool nursing may be for you. For some float pool nurses, performing the same tasks or taking care of the same types of patients over and over can feel mundane. Keep in mind that some organizations actually have critical care float pools that float nurses through strictly critical care areas.  

As a critical care float pool nurse, you may be able to experience various ICUs, such as medical, surgical, cardiovascular, and neurological. In this case, you may accumulate enough hours to qualify to complete the CCRN® exam. Other organizations incorporate emergency departments and post-anesthesia care units (PACU) into their critical care float pools as well. Just be sure to research which units your hospital of choice includes in their float pools. 

Pay Rate

Money is certainly not everything; however, some institutions pay float pool nurses a higher rate than nurses on a permanent unit. Others offer certain incentives as a means of retention. As this is not always the case, be sure to ask pertinent questions during your interview or while learning about the institution in which you work beforehand. 

Patient and Collegaue Relationships

Some people like to work on one unit for continuity of care. Others like the feeling of only having to receive updates after the initial shift, instead of a full report. They feel like the subsequent shifts after the initial shift of the week run smoother, because they have a rapport with the patient and family. This would make a float pool assignment a challenge; however, if receiving full report and not being prepared for an assignment is not a dealbreaker, float pool nursing may be for you. 

Working on one unit permanently affords the opportunity to create solid and meaningful working relationships. Some people take a while to warm up to their colleagues. If you tend to warm up to people quickly, float pool may be for you. If you leave a great impression, the staff may actually request you to return to the unit, and you can pick up your relationships where you left off. 

Some permanent staff members trust their other permanent peers more than they trust a float pool nurse, as the relationship has not been established yet. However, some permanent staff members have a high regard for float pool nurses. They know float nurses tend to adapt quickly. The amount of exposure to different units that float pool nurses receive creates a sense of trust that the practitioner is highly skilled and adaptable.  

Marketability

The ability to thrive as a float pool nurse on multiple units and diverse environments shows the ability to adapt to change and a diverse skill set. Working as a float pool nurse can increase your marketability if you want to pursue a future permanent position on one unit.  

The Bottom Line

As stated before, there are no general pros and cons of float pools. The decision to become a float nurse is based on perspective and the best fit for an individual’s work style, personality, skill set, adaptability, and personal goals. Take careful thought before applying. I wish you all the best! 

Read More