title: Floating: sink or swim.
abstract: Budget restrictions, fewer human resources and fluctuating patient populations have combined to increase the practice of floating general duty nurses. Floating occurs when a nurse from an overstaffed unit, based on patient load, is required to work in another unit that is understaffed. Floating is not a new practice, but it has always been an emotionally charged issue. Today, with more float pool nurses seeking the security of a permanent position in a home unit, the issue has increased in intensity.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pronger
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D009738:Nursing Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling