What is nurse floating?
Nurse floating is a form of resource sharing used by hospitals to remedy staffing shortages. This means that a nurse is sent to work in a unit other than their “home unit” where there are not enough nurses to cover the needs of the patients in that unit. This can happen due to call-ins, short-staffing, and fluctuation in patient flow.
What do I need to know about the situation?
Floating can impact the nurse’s ability to perform safe and competent care.
- Even simple tasks can become time-consuming
- Prioritizing care is challenging
- Nurses often focus and are consumed with the concern about making a mistake
The physical demands on the nurse would be similar from unit to unit, but floating can be mentally draining.
Where can a nurse float to?
A nurse can float to any unit within the hospital that is similar to their own unit.
If they are floated to a unit that is different from their assigned unit:
- They should only be caring for patients of similar acuity level
- Or working in a different capacity, such as a tech.
Some specialties are considered “closed units” and do not float to other areas in the hospital. Those can include Emergency Room, Psych, Labor & Delivery, Pediatrics, and Surgery. However, nurses from other units can sometimes be floated to these units to help. Note — each hospital’s policy on floating varies, and this does not mean that if you are placed in one of these units, you would not be required to float.
How Interstaff will support you:
- We will help advocate for fair treatment if you feel you are being floated more often than core staff in the unit.
- We will provide additional education and resources for you.
- Our Wellness Team will support you one-on-one as you navigate the situation at your hospital.
If you have any questions about nurses floating or would like to connect with someone about it, please email clinicalservices@interstaffinc.com.