Float team nurses are the unsung heroes of the hospital: These nurses might be in the ICU on one shift, on medical-surgical the next, and outpatient the next. They serve over 20 different departments, going wherever nurses are needed. This is challenging because they must be proficient in many kinds of care, flexible, and able to jump into any situation. Knowing exactly how vital float nurses are, and how isolating the role can be, Ellan has devoted herself to ensuring that float nurses thrive—working entirely on her own initiative, she’s remade the float pool into a vibrant, supportive community.
Because float nurses must be ready for anything, Ellan created a special quick-reference guide for each department, including unit-specific protocols and tips for navigating the unique aspects of each one. She was informed by her own work, and wanted to help other float nurses find all the information they needed in one place.
Ellan mentors other float nurses and helps new staff feel comfortable in this unique role; she has a rare knack for communication, building rapport and group cohesion. She plans and participates in extra float team training, helping her colleagues feel confident and prepared. And because the float team doesn’t have its own physical space, Ellan has found virtual ways for her colleagues to connect and share photos and experiences with each other.
Ellan is also a researcher: she is the primary investigator on a study looking at the sense of belonging in float pool staff. The goal is to understand how to best foster belonging and then bring those findings to other float pools in hospitals around the country. Ellan’s abstract has already been accepted for an oral presentation at a national conference, a remarkable achievement, and one that speaks to her dedication to her colleagues.