What is a Float Nurse?

One day you’re caring for patients in Med-Surg, the next you are jumping into the fast paced environment of the ER. That is the beauty of being a float nurse: you get to be a true jack-of-all-trades. It's a good opportunity for nurses to see and experience how different units operate. 

Wondering if you have what it takes to join the float pool? Let’s take a closer look at what the role demands and figure out if it's the right fit for you.

The versatile world of floating

A float nurse is a registered nurse who works across multiple different units or departments in a hospital to bridge staffing needs. Because healthcare environments are highly unpredictable, these nurses are necessary. When a facility needs to manage fluctuating patient numbers, balance high patient acuity, cover sudden absences, or prevent core staff burnout, float nurses act as a safety net. For travel nurses who thrive on constant change and continuous learning, stepping into a float nurse role might just be the perfect fit.

How does float nursing actually work?

Think of a float pool, or a resource pool, as a hospital's internal emergency staffing team. It is a dedicated team of nurses who cover unit shortages across a healthcare system. Rather than being anchored to one department, these nurses are dispatched to the areas of highest demand. This means you may be assigned to the ICU today, then work on med-surg tomorrow. On particularly busy days, you might even switch floors every four hours during a single 12-hour shift!

The pros and cons of being a float nurse

Some nurses love floating, while others would much rather stay in their home unit. Here are the pros and cons to consider if you’re thinking about becoming a float nurse:

The Pros

Receiving higher hourly pay - Want a raise without leaving your facility? Join the float pool. Hospitals value the ability to move staff where they’re needed most, and they’re willing to pay a premium for it. Many float nurses enjoy higher hourly rates, shift differentials, and seasonal bonuses that aren't available to staff on a single unit.

Gaining a lot of experience - Being a float nurse presents a lot of opportunities to broaden your skillset. You get to meet different kinds of patients and learn about different medical conditions. It’s a great way for your brain to stay sharp by exposing you to a little bit of everything.

Avoiding unit drama or politics - Since float nurses often move from one unit to another, there’s no time to be absorbed in your coworkers’ issues. If you find that you don’t like a certain unit, you’ve got the peace of mind knowing you don’t have to stay permanently.

Meeting a lot of people - Moving from one unit to another allows you to work with a lot of people you can learn from. You’re constantly picking up new tips from different nurses and colleagues, all while treating a wide range of patients.

The Cons

Feeling anxiety from not knowing - As a float nurse, you are constantly learning new workflows and policies. This also means not being able to find things quickly in the supply room or being unsure who to ask for questions. 

Having no routine - If you’re the type of person who likes sticking to a routine, then floating might be a challenging role. You wake up every morning not knowing what assignment or unit you’ll be assigned to.

Having lack of control over assignments - Since float nurses fill positions wherever it is needed, you don’t always get a say in what specialty, location, or unit you’ll be assigned to. However, if you’re floated to a unit where you truly don't feel competent to practice, don't be afraid to push back. Protecting your patient’s safety and your own nursing license is much more important than just being a 'team player' in a unit.

Difficulty with building relationships - Constantly hopping from one unit to another means always being the new face. It can be challenging to build lasting relationships with your coworkers when you’re only with them for a few hours during your shift. But hey, who knows? You might find yourself a new work bestie!

Is float nursing right for you?

Do you crave variety or do you like knowing where the extra blankets are kept?

If you crave change or find “home unit” politics draining, then the float life can be a refreshing escape. Trust that your knowledge won’t rust in float nursing. You will learn to be flexible, adaptable, and open to new experiences every day. However, if you find comfort in having a routine, being familiar with your coworkers, and knowing which drawer holds the saline flushes, then float nursing might feel more challenging than rewarding.

Start a travel nursing career with Nomad

Ready to take your travel nursing career a step further? Build your profile now and apply for jobs that match your financial, personal, and professional goals. A Nomad Navigator will then be available to answer your questions regarding floating opportunities. Treat them as your go-to persons who will assist you along the way.