Floating to another floor occurs when another unit needs to borrow a nurse. I worked less than a year the first time I was floated. It was a slightly higher acuity than Medical-Surgical. A glimpse to another floor gives you an opportunity to view the working of another unit.
#1 Understand your certification and your training.
Different units have different patients with different individual needs. I am not certified in any branch of nursing, being on a Medical Surgical unit specific drips and medications, we are not trained to administer some medications. So before floating to another unit, especially one with higher acuity, know what you are unable to do as a nurse. If you find yourself unsure, reach out to your supervisor both on your floor as well as the nurse supervisor on the unit you have been floated. If you don’t feel comfortable saying something, remember this is about the safety of the patient.
#2 Double check you are doing the proper documentation.
At the time I floated our documentation on my own floor included a certain number of notes and an assessment. The new unit may have different documentation requirements. For instance, floated floor required a nursing note every two hours in addition to the full assessment as well as a reassessment. It’s your responsibility to make sure that the necessary documentation is complete, for the safety of the patient and completeness of the chart.
#3 Codes, locations, oh my
When working on a different unit one thing to ask includes any security codes or passwords to doors, supply rooms, break rooms, bathrooms, medications and anything else you might need. The location of all these places would be of great help as well. It is much easier to give medicine when you can access it. In addition to this topic, double check your access to get into medications, anything that includes an individual code the hospital or clinic might have a security clearance; if you are usually not assigned to work a floor or unit, it may need an override from a supervisor. The most secure unit will more than likely be the labor and delivery. If possible, take a moment to enter the supply closet, to see where things are or if they have some items in different cabinets.
Even though it’s not your floor, you need to play by their rules. Make yourself-familiar with the layout of the unit, know where supplies are located and who the supervisors are for the shift. Nursing in a different unit, at least for the first time, since I so used to work on my floor felt like nursing for the first time. Everything seemed familiar but different. Ask questions, and if you feel uncomfortable reach out and say something.