Nursing in Minnesota

Float Nursing

The float personnel are a diversified group of nurses who provide care, both general and specific, to patients on patient care units on any shift at either hospital. This is done to maximize the patient care unit's potential to provide safe, quality patient care. Floats are oriented to and able to provide nursing care and/or unit support on medical, surgical, and specialty units. All care/functions are carried out as applicable to their job descriptions and their patient care unit assignments.

RNs from the float staff are assigned the responsibility of the resource RN for a shift. The resource RN provides assistance to patient care units based on short-term needs. Resource RNs provide assistance for patient care as unit needs indicate and when unplanned needs arise. Resource RNs are available on all three shifts, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Shift coverage of these roles is determined according to specific workload and site needs.

Schedule options:

• 8-hour rotating, every other weekend
• 8/12 combination; work 8-hour shifts weekdays, with 12-hour shifts every third weekend
• 12-hour rotating shifts, with every third weekend