1.

PURPOSE :
1. The purpose of this policy is to withdraw the nurses from their area of assignment, be assigned
to other unit with high census of patients and/or shortage of staff, in order to meet patient care
needs.
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2. DEFINITION:
1. Pulled-out/Float Nurse is a form of resource most healthcare institutions use to cover the
shortage in staff, it is an effective and efficient way for Nursing Care Services Section (NCSS) in
meeting patient’s care needs.

3. POLICY:

1. The Shift Supervisor on Duty is accountable in monitoring the different units of NCSS to check
the need of each units, most specially Nurse Staff.
2. Relocation of staff is possible, if other areas are understaffed or when emergency arises
3. The unit which a staff will be relocated should be skilled enough, clinically, and can perform the
task to be assigned to him/her effectively and efficiently.
4. Most of the time, pulled-out staff nurse does not possess all the unit’s specific competencies of a
regular staff nevertheless; she / he can still contribute positively to patient satisfaction.
5. When floating is necessary, a staffing decision will be based on patient needs, staff competency
and rotation
6. The 90-days probation period must be completed before a nurse will be expected to float out of
her / his unit.
7. Reliever/Floater nurse will be expected to perform all basic nursing functions, but will not be
required to perform tasks or procedure for which they are not currently qualified.
8. A nurse who does not accept the request to float for an alternative assignment on a
regular schedule shift without valid reason will be subjected to disciplinary action.
9. Nurses required to work an alternative assignment will receive an orientation. And a written
guideline to be followed on the unit she/he was relocated.

4. PROCEDURES:
1. RELIEVER (whole 8-12 hours duty)
1. Nurse Relievers, Float Nurses, Pulled-out Nurses of different unit must have a department
orientation including the policy and procedure of the unit.
2. The Nurse Reliever should be familiarized with the unit, before starting any task.
3. Most common task given to a Reliever
1. Gives direct nursing care
2. Identifies Plans, and evaluate the nursing needs of patients
3. Admits patients
4. Receives endorsement
5. Endorses to incoming staff
6. Performs such nursing activities such as:
 bathing and oral hygiene
 Skin preparation for procedure
 Preparation of unit to accept patient
  IV insertion, suctioning, CPR, NGT insertion, IFC insertion, blood
Transfusion, fleet/cleansing enema, monitoring, wound dressing,
abdominal girth and ECG)
7. Assists patient in moving, maintain proper alignment of patient’s body and utilizing good body
mechanics
8. Observes medical and Surgical Asepsis
9. Reports observations to the physician any patient concerns
10. Prepares patient for, and assist physicians with, diagnostic and procedure.
11. Helps medicating nurse on duty if only necessary or delegated to prevent mixed-up of function
and prevent confusion
12. Carries out doctor’s legal orders
13. Assists physicians when examining patient
14. Administers and chart medication and patients reaction to medication
15. Sees to it that equipment receive proper care, proper use, and maintenance
16. Discharges patient/ transfers patient to HOC when requested
17. Conducts patient
18. Helps Midwife/Nursing Aides on their duties
19. Performs post-mortem care
20. Receives and endorse ward equipment and supplies
21. Gives health teachings
22. Charts accurately medications and treatments given
23. All activities done (charting, administration of medication, procedures) should be reported, and
countersigned by the Charge Nurse
24. Follows the daily routines established by the unit.

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2. FLOAT NURSE (less than 8 hours)
1. Consults with the charge nurse or a senior staff to explain the protocol needed during the stay
of the Float Nurse.
2. Shows interest and willingness of being Pulled-out, Floater, Reliever.
3. Follows the policy and procedure of the unit where one is assigned in.
4. Documents carefully and completely in a legible way.
5. performs nursing activities such as:
1. Attends daily living activities for the patient (bathing and oral hygiene.
2. Performs Skin preparation for procedure
6. Attends to patient needs immediately
7. Helps Nursing aides in monitoring patients.
8. Makes rounds with the doctors
9. Performs procedures like; IV insertion, Suctioning, CPR, IFC insertion, Blood Transfusion,
fleet/cleansing enema, monitoring, wound dressing, abdominal girth, and ECG) and to be
reported to the Charge Nurse and to the Bedside Nurse What are the procedure been done to
the patient for documentation.
10. Serves as the Circulating Nurse for the Team, providse assistance to the Attending Physician,
Charge Nurse, Medicating Nurse, and the Nursing Aides