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Few studies have examined the personality traits of nurses, and none identified the personality traits of float pool nurses. Float pool nurses have specific personality traits that differ from unit-based nurses. Independence, Tough-Mindedness, Rule Consciousness, Social Boldness, Openness to Change, and Tension were six personality factors that were found to be statistically significantly different. As hospitals implement float pools or resource teams to meet staffing needs, gleaning insight into the specific personality traits of these individuals could assist in nurse recruitment and retention.
The major expenditure in health care organizations is human resources (Cavouras, 2002). Therefore, creative staffing solutions to meet nursing shortages and constrained hospital budgets are a top priority for hospitals. Float pools consisting of registered nurses (RNs) are one strategy hospitals use to meet these challenges. A float pool consists of supplemental RNs used to enhance permanent personnel to meet daily staffing demands. Float pool RNs are assigned each shift to specific clinical units depending on organizational need. Unit-based RNs work consistently on the same unit. Unlike the float pool RN, who must be prepared for various patient populations, the clinical skills of the unit-based RN are specialized to that unit's specific patient population.
Float pool RNs have no home unit and could be considered the "orphan children" of patient care. However, many thrive and enjoy the challenges of this position. Who are these float pool RNs, and what personality traits do they share? Answering these questions can help nursing administrators recruit and retain the right staff for the right nursing positions. Optimal occupational matches can result in a strong, viable float pool and strengthen an organization.
The worldwide nursing shortage, attrition rates of both students and new nurses, and an aging workforce demonstrate the importance of recruiting and retaining suitable candidates (McCallum, Donaldson, & Lafferty, 2006). Considering personality traits can be an important part of both recruitment and retention. Some organizations use personality tests to improve recruitment, selection, and development. The purpose of this research study is to determine if float pool RNs have specific personality traits that differentiate them from unit-based nurses.
BACKGROUND
The common motive for establishing a float pool is to make the most effective use of staff while providing quality patient care. As hospitals continue to...