Tag Archives: nurses

Tips for Floating to Another Unit

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From the patients to the treatments to the actual unit, nearly every part of your job as a registered nurse can change on a daily basis. Shifting constantly can be intimidating as a newcomer to nursing but having some professional tools and techniques can make any transition easier to face. To prepare for your first day floating or to minimize your overall anxiety about switching units, keep the following tips in mind.

Start Your Shift Right  

Some units can seem more intimidating than others, but the staff on each floor undoubtedly appreciate a warm introduction. Introduce yourself to the other nurses on duty, let them know if you’re feeling a little nervous or are new to floating, and offer yourself to be of assistance. A simple conversation like this can make you feel immediately more comfortable in any unit and help you to make connections that will boost your confidence when needing to ask for extra guidance.

Likewise, you must make a point to meet with your resource nurse or the unit charge nurse to ask any questions you have about your daily tasks and understand if they have any beneficial information to give out. Once you’ve made your introductions, get ready to officially gear up for the rest of your shift.

Become Familiar with the Area

Floating to a new unit is intimidating largely because the surroundings are a bit different than what you normally work in. So, once you get to know your fellow nurses, get to know your unit. Whether you can receive a guided tour from someone on staff or have to personally make it your mission to scan the hall yourself, track and memorize locations of key areas. Know these areas ahead of time so you won’t have to struggle to find or guide visitors to them during the busier hours of your shift.

Make the Most of Your Day

Regardless of how intimidating a unit might seem, you are prepared to handle whatever the day throws your way. View the opportunity in another unit as a chance to learn, grow, and gain new skills. Let your education and on-the-job experience guide your decisions and maximize your time on the clock. If you have any questions or concerns, approach the other nurses in your hall and kindly request a helping hand. Since you’ve already made the right introduction, they’ll have no problem understanding your situation and offering their assistance.

End Your Shift with a Smile

To end your day on a high note, give thanks to the nurses and other employees who lent their support. If you end up floating to the unit again in the future, you’ll already have rapport with the stationed staff members. Talk with the charge nurse to gain feedback on your performance and learn what you can do to enhance your time in their unit in the future. When it comes to floating to another unit, practice really can make your experience perfect.

Industry Tips from Healthcare Recruiters

If floating to another unit isn’t the only thing that intimidates you about being a registered nurse, contact the healthcare recruiters at HealthCare Support. Our team will equip you with the tools to feel confident in each shift. And, we’ll provide you with expert industry advice to guide you to the healthcare facility that fits your professional style. To receive more information on our services or join our healthcare talent network, call us today at 407-478-0332.

Tips for New Nurses

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You’ve finally earned your nursing degree, passed the licensing test and landed your first nursing job. Congratulations! That’s no small achievement. However, as you are likely aware, the real working world can be somewhat different from the classroom. Below are just a few tips that will help you make that transition from student nurse to working nurse.

  1. Nurture your passion

    . Many nursing educators agree that having a passion for nursing is what sets the truly gifted nurses apart from the rest. As you develop your career never stop learning and seeking new ways to be your best. Be willing to put in the time and extra hours to excel.

  2. Learn critical thinking skills.

    No day is ever like another in nursing, and the best nurses are those who can adapt easily and “think outside the box.” Nurses need to be able to quickly evaluate a situation and see how it relates to the patient, his or her family and even to the community as a whole.

  3. Embrace new technology

    . Few industries have added more technology in the past decade as health care. Even as a brand new nurse, you’ll not likely be familiar with every way that new technology can make your job easier. From online training classes to apps that allow you to interact with patients, make sure to be open to these time-saving and beneficial new products as they are introduced.

  4. Develop mentoring relationships

    . The best way to learn about your new career is to tap into the hard-earned knowledge and experience of someone who has worked in your job for years. Look for more experienced nurses or nursing supervisors to take you under their wings. These people can be found at work as well as at networking events and within professional associations.

To learn more about succeeding in your new nursing position and to investigate other nursing employment opportunities, visit healthcaresupport.com.

Economic News Release: Employment Situation Summary

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October 2018

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate of 3.7% remained unchanged in the month of October. Hurricane Michael had made “no discernible effect on the national employment and unemployment estimates.” The unemployment rates showed little or no change for the major work groups: adult men (3.5%), adult women (3.4%), teenagers (11.9%), Whites (3.3%), Blacks (6.2%), Asians (3.2%), and Hispanics (4.4%).  However, job gains did occur in manufacturing, construction, transportation, warehousing, and health care.

The average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 5 cents to $27.50 for the month of October and it rose by 83 cents for the past year. In October, the average workweek for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls went up by 0.1 hour to 34.5 hours.

There were 36,000 added Health Care jobs including 13,000 in hospitals and 8,000 in nursing and residential care facilities. In ambulatory health care services went up by 14,000. The employment grew by 323,000 over the past twelve months.

Over the past three months, job gains have averaged 218,000.

Sarah Krufka

HSS Social Media Specialist