What is a float pool nurse?

Float pool nurses are registered nurses who are not assigned to a specific unit within a hospital, but instead move between different departments as needed. They fill staffing gaps and provide support wherever patient volume is highest, such as in emergency rooms, intensive care units, or medical-surgical floors. Float pool nurses must be adaptable, have strong clinical skills, and quickly adjust to new environments and teams. Their flexibility helps hospitals maintain high-quality patient care even during staffing shortages or surges in patient admissions.