Floating to other Departments or Units:
In the event a facility requests that you float to a different department or unit, you may accept the assignment if it aligns with your clinical experience, skills, demonstrated competency, and you hold the necessary credentials for that area. These aspects are essential to ensure the delivery of safe and effective patient care.
Competency and Orientation:
Before floating to other specialty areas, it is essential to demonstrate the appropriate level of competency. Additionally, the facility should provide a unit-specific orientation to ensure safe and effective practice. This orientation should be documented (e.g. float orientation checklist) and retained as part of your professional record.
In the event you aren’t competent or comfortable to provide care in a certain area, ask to have a conversation with the Supervisor or facility Chain of Command. This conversation should take place in a non-patient care area. Center the conversation around patient safety. Use the TeamStepps ‘CUS’ words (see link). Avoid words like ‘refuse,’ or threatening to leave as this can be perceived as insubordination. If the conversation with the charge nurse doesn’t go as planned, escalate concerns to the Supervisor/Director or designee.
CUS Tool:
Watch this video from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Contact us
If you have questions related to this article or about Nomad Health in general, please contact us in one of the following ways:
- Call or text us at 866-OK-NOMAD (866-656-6623)
- Navigate to Nomadhealth.com and use the Help Chat Box at the bottom right-hand corner.
- Email us at Support@Nomadhealth.com.
We’re here to support you in whatever way suits you best!