1

Icu Float Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Float pool role covering intensive care unit needs Requirements * Active RN license (NC or Compact) required * Minimum 1 year of recent ICU experience required * Current BLS certification (AHA or ARC ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

ICU Float information

See salary details

$13

$41

$70

How much do icu float jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for icu float in the United States is $41.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.77 and $48.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an ICU float nurse?

An ICU Float nurse is a registered nurse who is trained to work in multiple intensive care units (ICUs) within a hospital. Instead of being assigned to a single unit, ICU Float nurses move between different ICUs as needed, providing skilled care to critically ill patients wherever staffing shortages arise. This role requires adaptability, strong clinical skills, and the ability to quickly adjust to different team dynamics and patient needs. ICU Float nurses play a vital role in ensuring consistent and high-quality care across various specialized ICU departments.

How does the ICU float role differ from a traditional ICU nurse position in terms of daily responsibilities and team collaboration?

ICU Float nurses have the unique responsibility of working across multiple intensive care units, adapting quickly to different teams, patient populations, and protocols. Unlike traditional ICU nurses, who typically remain in one unit, float nurses must be highly flexible and skilled at building rapport with various staff members. Their daily tasks involve assessing and caring for critically ill patients, often jumping in to support areas experiencing high demand or staffing shortages. This role requires excellent communication and adaptability, as float nurses frequently collaborate with new colleagues and must stay updated on diverse clinical procedures and unit-specific workflows.

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

To excel as an ICU Float Nurse, you need advanced clinical skills in critical care, a current RN license, and often certifications like ACLS and CCRN. Familiarity with intensive care equipment, electronic health records (EHRs), and various hospital protocols is essential. Strong adaptability, quick decision-making, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing rapidly changing patient needs across different ICU units. These skills ensure the nurse can deliver high-quality care, respond to emergencies, and seamlessly integrate into diverse ICU teams.

What is the difference between Icu Float vs Icu Nurse?

AspectIcu FloatIcu Nurse
CertificationsRN, ACLS, BLSRN, ACLS, BLS
Work EnvironmentMultiple ICU units, flexible assignmentsSpecific ICU unit, specialized environment
Employer UsageHospitals, staffing agenciesHospitals, ICU departments
Search IntentFlexible ICU staffing, float pool rolesICU-specific nursing roles

In summary, an Icu Float is a versatile nurse working across multiple ICU units, often with broader scheduling flexibility, while an Icu Nurse typically specializes in a specific ICU unit. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in work environment and scope of practice.

Do ICU Float positions get paid more?

ICU Float positions often offer higher pay rates compared to regular ICU roles due to the need for adaptability, quick decision-making, and experience in multiple units. Compensation can also vary based on location, shift differentials, and required certifications such as ACLS or BLS. However, pay differences are not uniform and depend on employer policies and regional market conditions.
More about ICU Float jobs

What cities are hiring for Icu Float jobs?

Cities with the most Icu Float job openings:

Infographic showing various Icu Float job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $86,215 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Travel ICU/CCU Float Pool RN

American Traveler

Salt Lake City, UT โ€ข On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

American Traveler is seeking a travel nurse RN Critical Care Float for a travel nursing job in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Critical Care Float
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 09/14/2026
  • Duration: 15 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, nights
  • Employment Type: Travel
Assignment Overview
  • Shift: Nights, 3x12hrs
  • Hours: 36 hrs/wk
  • Start Date: Sep 14, 2026
  • Length: 15 weeks
  • Openings: 3
Description

American Traveler is hiring an experienced ICU/CCU Float Pool RN for a night shift assignment requiring a UT or compact RN license and float flexibility across multiple acuity levels.

Details
  • Acute care hospital setting in the ICU/CCU Float Pool
  • Uses EPIC EMR
  • Night shift schedule, 6p-6a with every other weekend required
  • 12-hour shifts, 36 hours per week
  • 12 hours of orientation required, with in-state presence expected during orientation week even if initial modules are remote
  • Required to float within the assigned zone, which may include mid-shift transfers to another location with paid travel time
  • May float into other acuity levels including ICU, PCU/Stepdown, and MS-Tele, including CNA/Sitter roles during low census periods
Requirements
  • Active UT or Compact RN license required at time of consideration
  • Minimum 2 years of RN experience required
  • Required certifications: ACLS, BLS (AHA), and NIHSS
  • BSN not required for this position
  • Driver's license copy required for consideration
Additional Information
  • Provide direct patient care within the ICU/CCU Float Pool, adapting to varying acuity levels and units as needed
  • Responsible for securing housing that allows for float coverage throughout the entire 60-mile zone, regardless of personal housing location
  • Must reside at least 60 miles from the float zone's city center to be eligible for the travel positio n
  • Hiring process includes a candidate interview with the clinical team; no unit manager involvement
  • Hospital may cancel up to 4 shifts per 13-week assignment, or 3 shifts for shorter assignments

American Traveler Job ID #P-746846. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Travel RN - ICU Float

About American Traveler

With over 25 years of experience, American Traveler has established a reputation for outstanding customer service. Our team ensures a smooth, worry-free experience for those starting on or expanding their travel nursing and allied careers.

With thousands of travel nursing and allied jobs nationwide, our attentive and approachable recruiters find positions that align perfectly with your career aspirations and personal requirements.

American Traveler offers exceptional benefits, including premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment, generous 401(k) match, substantial housing stipends, and more. Additionally, with 24/7 support and access to our in-house clinicians, you are assured confidence and comfort throughout your assignment.

With our team behind you, you can relax and enjoy a rewarding travel career.


American Traveler logo

About American Traveler

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With over 20 years of success in healthcare staffing, American Traveler has established a reputation for outstanding customer service. Our full-service agency has earned top ratings from healthcare professionals in every specialty and setting. We offer travel assignments in the most sought-after locations and facilities in the country. We staff major medical centers, prestigious university teaching facilities, Magnet facilities, regional community hospitals, outpatient centers, rehab centers, skilled nursing facilities and more. With our expert team behind you every step of the way, you can enjoy a rewarding travel career that exceeds your expectations. With over 20 years of experience, American Traveler has established a reputation for outstanding customer service. With our team behind you, you can relax and enjoy a rewarding travel career.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Boca Raton, FL, US

Year founded

1999