At my hospital, we have a Float pool and a Unit- Based pool; with Float pay being higher than Unit-Based. Float pool is (subtly) divided into medical and critical care areas (generally, you want an RN whose specialty certification is in Critical Care/EM to go to those units when they float and not medical, if it can be helped -- and vice-verse). Most floats I know are per-diem or part-timers -- hence, more $$$ and flexibility, but no benefits.
As always, check with the hospital you are interested in regarding their P&P for Floats.
Kat
