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Float Nurse Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

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Float Nurse information

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$14

$41

$71

How much do float nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for float nurse in Wisconsin is $41.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.06 and $49.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a float nurse?

A float nurse is a registered nurse who is assigned to work in different units or departments within a hospital or healthcare facility as needed. They provide care wherever there is a staffing shortage or increased patient demand, which means they must be adaptable and knowledgeable about various patient populations and procedures. Float nurses play a critical role in ensuring that all units are adequately staffed and that patient care is not compromised. Their flexibility and broad skill set make them valuable members of the healthcare team.

How does a float nurse effectively adapt to working in different departments or units within a healthcare facility?

Float Nurses regularly move between various departments, such as medical-surgical, ICU, or emergency, depending on staffing needs. To adapt quickly, they maintain a strong foundation in general nursing skills, remain flexible, and are proactive in learning each unit's protocols and routines. Building rapport with team members and asking clarifying questions helps them integrate smoothly and provide high-quality patient care. Successful Float Nurses also stay organized and communicate effectively to manage the unique challenges of unfamiliar environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a float nurse, and why are they important?

Float Nurses need a solid nursing education, an active RN license, and broad clinical experience to adapt to diverse healthcare units. Familiarity with multiple electronic health record (EHR) systems and common medical equipment across specialties is critical. Strong adaptability, quick learning, and effective communication skills distinguish exceptional Float Nurses. These competencies ensure seamless patient care and support team dynamics when moving between departments with varying protocols and patient needs.

What is the difference between Float Nurse vs Staff Nurse?

AspectFloat NurseStaff Nurse
CertificationsRN license, possibly specialized certificationsRN license, may have specialty certifications
Work EnvironmentMultiple units or departments, adaptableSpecific unit or department, consistent setting
Employer UsageHospitals, healthcare facilities needing flexibilityHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities
Work FlexibilityHigh, shifts between unitsLess flexible, fixed unit assignment

Float Nurses are versatile RNs who work across various departments, providing flexibility to healthcare facilities. Staff Nurses typically work in a specific unit, gaining specialized experience. Both roles require RN licensure and may involve similar certifications, but their work environments and flexibility differ significantly.

Do float nurses get paid extra to float?

Float nurses typically receive additional pay or a float differential for working outside their regular unit or specialty, as floating requires adaptability and additional skills. The extra compensation varies by employer and region but is common in many healthcare facilities to incentivize flexibility and cover staffing needs.

How do you become a float nurse?

To become a float nurse, you typically need to be a registered nurse (RN) with a valid license and have experience in various clinical areas. Gaining skills in multiple specialties, obtaining certifications such as BLS or ACLS, and demonstrating adaptability are important, as float nurses work across different departments based on staffing needs.

How much do float nurses make?

Float nurses typically earn between $30 and $50 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $60,000 to $100,000 depending on experience, location, and shift differentials. They often work in multiple departments, requiring adaptability and relevant certifications such as BLS and ACLS.

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Float Nurse jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Float Nurse job openings:

Float Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Float Nurse job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,021 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

RN Float Nurse - .75 FTE Evening/Night shift

Dodgeville, WI • On-site

Upland Hills Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Upland Hills Healthexternal

Full-time, Part-time, Other

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Upland Hills Health rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Position Title: Float Nurse
Location: Upland Hills Health - Dodgeville Hospital Campus
Role amp; Department: Registered Nurse as a Float Nurse in the Nursing Administration Department
Hours amp; Shift: Part-time (.75 or a .9 FTE) evening/night shift position, 6 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Role Responsibilities:
  • The Float Registered Nurse is versatile and competent to staff on multiple units
  • The Float Registered Nurse is responsible for assessing the needs of each patient in the unit assigned, planning the nursing care needed to meet these needs and providing that care
  • This position is often assigned to accompany inter-facility patient transfers
  • This RN will “float” to the unit with the greatest need as determined by the House Supervisor, Department Directors or Vice President for Nursing
  • Competency is required for Medical/Surgical, ICU, Emergency Department, and PACU patient care
  • The Float RN is also trained to be a second RN at an uncomplicated birth (labor management not required), with more in-depth training in Postpartum and Newborn nursing care
  • The Float RN will fill-in vacant shifts on these units as assigned, during their scheduled shift
  • The Float RN will be trained to fill-in for House Supervisor duties
  • Additional training for Float Registered Nurses hired into the evening/night position will include basic early labor along with limited Birth Center outpatient assessment skills, as will be determined by the Birth Center Director and the VP of Nursing
  • All staff who work on the acute care nursing units are hired with the expectation that they will work every other weekend (8 hour shifts) or every third weekend (12 hour shifts)
  • This weekend schedule may change at times due to weekend staffing programs, but will revert back to this commitment as needed
  • All nursing staff on these units are hired with an expectation to fulfill holiday staffing requirements as designated by their home departments.
Qualifications:
  • Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
  • License and current registration as a professional nurse in the state of Wisconsin
  • A minimum of one year acute care nursing required
  • Current BLS certification
  • NRP certification or obtained within one year of hire
  • ACLS certification or obtained within one year of hire
  • PALS certification or obtained within two years of hire
  • TNCC training or obtained within two years of hire
  • Basic electronic fetal monitor training
  • Continued interest in professional growth through attendance of continuing education, in-services, participation in professional organizations, and involvement in health promotional activities
  • Ability to communicate extremely well both verbally and written
  • Ability to plan, direct, implement, and evaluate the nursing care delivered to a variety of patients
Employee Benefits:
• Comprehensive benefits packages available for both part and full-time employees!
• Paid Time Off (PTO) benefits begin to accrue on day one!
• Retirement Plan with matching dollars available!
• Two wellness center facilities that employees are eligible to use free of charge amp; a minimal fee for spouses!
• Many Employer Sponsored Events held throughout the year to celebrate our employees!
Employment Bonus: This position is eligible for “up to a $5,000.00 Employment Bonus” which is prorated based on the FTE. Bonus payments will be made based on the FTE schedule below:
1.0 FTE $5,000
.9 FTE $4,500
.8 FTE $4,000
.7 FTE $3,500
.6 FTE $3,000
.5 FTE $2,500
The Employment Bonus will be paid out at set times during the first 3 years of employment in 6 separate equal installments. Those respective bonus payments will be made at the following periods: after completion of 6 months, 1 year, 18 months, 2 years, 30 months and a final payment at the 3 year anniversary. This Employment Bonus will be paid for this position who are hired at a .5 FTE employment status or greater. Registered Nurse must continue to be employed at a .5 FTE status or greater at the time each of the bonus payment to be eligible to receive it.
Why Upland Hills Health: Upland Hills Health (UHH) consistently ranks as a very high performing health care institution in Southwestern Wisconsin. Located just 40 minutes from Madison, WI and as well from Dubuque, IA, the area is surrounded by wonderful communities and beautiful scenery. For over 100 years, Upland Hills Health has been dedicated to the promise of offering the highest standard of healthcare. Our community-minded staff emphasizes providing quality, comprehensive healthcare while offering a comfortable, neighborly welcome to everyone who walks through our doors. Here, neighbors care for neighbors!
Posting date: June 5, 2025

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