Float Pool Nurses: Job Description & Salary
Float Pool Nurses: Roles & Compensation
A float pool nurse acts as a flexible asset, ready to take on varied roles within healthcare systems. This adaptable group is often utilized to cover understaffed shifts and offer relief to other nurses during breaks and meals.
Float pools are typically composed of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Temporary Nurse Aides (TNAs), excluding student nurses from their ranks.
This article will explore:
Reasons for float pools Advantages and disadvantages Typical pay rates Duties involved Path to becoming a float nurse Locating float nursing positions
Discover job opportunities in your vicinity and get answers to all your nursing career inquiries.
Let’s delve in What is your current position?
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Why are float pools essential?
Hospitals and clinics employ float pool nurses on a full-time, part-time, hourly, or per diem basis to ensure uninterrupted patient care. These nurses assist in addressing staffing shortages across various units, both critical and non-critical, such as emergency departments, maternity wards, and pediatric units. Typically, float nurses have 2-4 years of experience.
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
Float nursing can involve demanding schedules. They are often the first to face job cuts during healthcare downsizing.
However, demanding roles often come with significant benefits.
Pros | Cons Flexible schedules | Unpredictable hours Higher pay rates | Potential dissatisfaction leading to turnover Enhanced employment prospects | Job uncertainty due to temporary nature Opportunity to learn new fields | Reduced specialization Meet new colleagues and varied routines | Limited long-term relationships with colleagues and patients
What is the typical hourly rate?
Healthcare facilities generally offer higher hourly wages to float pool nurses. These nurses often receive compensation for unpredictable shifts, night duties, weekends, and overtime.
On average, hospitals pay between $75,887 and $96,465 annually, according to Salary.com. However, salaries for relief nurses vary greatly by state across the U.S.
Float pool nurse salary by state Arizona California Colorado Florida Georgia Illinois Indiana Massachusetts Maine Michigan Minnesota Missouri North Carolina New York Ohio Oklahoma Pennsylvania Tennessee Texas Virginia Washington Wisconsin
What responsibilities do they have?
Given the job's flexible nature, nurses need to be skilled in multiple specialties. They must work across various hospital units, handling different patient types daily.
Relief nurses temporarily take over patient care when regular staff are on breaks. They may handle full shifts in a regular nurse's absence.
Pool nurses assist on-duty staff when patient numbers exceed the unit’s capacity. They may also work with outpatients.
How to become a float pool nurse?
Becoming a float pool nurse requires the same basic steps as any RN. Earn a nursing degree, pass the NCLEX exam, and obtain RN licensure in your practicing state.
Many facilities prefer nurses with specific experience and certifications for float pools, due to the varied unit work.
Common certifications include Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Experience in medical, surgical, pediatric, post-anesthesia, and intensive care is beneficial for securing a float pool nurse position.
Where to find float pool nursing positions?
Hospitals often hire float nurses on a permanent basis, providing opportunities to explore new specialties regularly. Choosing a float pool nursing career might involve working in various new environments.
Keep your RN resume updated due to the dynamic nature of relief nursing roles. Registering with a reputable nurse staffing agency is a good way to find float pool positions in your area.
Top float pool jobs: 🏥 Float Pool RN | Covington, LA | $56,000 to $88,000 /year 🏥 Registered Nurse – Oncology Float Pool | Dallas, TX | $54,000 to $100,000 /year 🏥 Registered Nurse – PCU Float Pool | San Diego, CA | $75,000 to $150,000 /year 🏥 Registered Nurse – Pediatric Float Pool | Portland, OR | $77,450 to $129,350 /year 🏥 Registered Nurse – Trauma Float Pool | Gloucester, MA | $75,000 to $150,000 /year
Sources
“Benefits of Being a Float Nurse.” magoosh.com. “Float Pool Nurse Salary in the United States.” salary.com. “NCLEX and Other Exams.” ncsbn.org. “What are the Effects of Floating to Nurses and Patient Care.” rn-journal.com
