New graduate RNs in a float pool - An inner-city hospital experience

The Float Pool Program successfully met the goal of staffing the clinical areas with well-trained nurses with a wonderful diversity of cultures, backgrounds, races, and ethnic environments. The new graduate RNs were a delight to work with and they brought a joy and vitality to the division. New candidates came to the program stating, "My friend recommended this program and loves the opportunities this program offers in medical, surgical, and trauma areas." The Float Pool Program was so successful that nursing administration requested this training be available for all new RN graduates. We have redesigned the program to meet the broader needs of new graduate RNs throughout the institution, including critical care, medical, surgical, obstetrics, and pediatrics. We suggest other institutions consider this successful training program for new graduate RNs in a float pool, keeping in mind the need to select the candidates carefully. The program benefits have gone far beyond the float pool. The clinical units have a strong clinical float pool nurse force available that can staff their areas in times of need. The nurses in the float pool have the opportunity to practice in different settings and identify the type of nursing they want to practice. The clinical units work with the staff and relationships are made with float pool staff who then transfers to their clinical areas. Our nurse retention rate for this group of nurses is 96%. The overall benefits of nurse retention and nurse satisfaction make this a powerful recruitment tool with a "win-win" situation for all.