On occasion, a facility may ask an RN or LPN to perform CNA duties, or to float or down-resource into a CNA role. While this is not a common occurrence, it can happen and is permitted under ShiftMed guidelines.
At ShiftMed, we understand that floating between units or adjusting to down-resource assignments can feel challenging. These practices are not about undervaluing your work, but about ensuring safe, high-quality care while matching staffing levels to patient needs. Floating gives you opportunities to expand your skills and support different teams, while down-resourcing helps protect workload balance when census is lower. Most importantly, neither floating nor down-resourcing affects your pay—you will always be compensated as agreed, regardless of assignment adjustments. We are committed to providing the orientation, training, and support you need so that you feel prepared, valued, and respected—wherever you’re assigned.
Facility Expectations
Attendance
As a ShiftMed Employee, you are expected to adhere to all attendance policies and procedures outlined by our company. Please note that individual facility partners may also have their own attendance requirements and operational standards.
Because you have the flexibility to select your own schedule, it is important to support our facility partners by reliably meeting the commitments you choose. Attendance issues, including late arrivals, no shows, call outs, or cancellations, may result in a facility requesting that you no longer be scheduled for shifts at their location. These decisions are made at the sole discretion of the facility based on their operational needs.
If you have questions about a facility’s attendance expectations, please reach out for clarification before accepting shifts.
Floating & Assignment Expectations
HCPs may be assigned or floated to alternate care areas to meet patient care and operational needs. Assignments will be made in accordance with applicable licensure, scope of practice, and verified competencies, with consideration of patient acuity and unit requirements.
HCPs are expected to accept assignments that are within their scope and demonstrated competencies. If an HCP believes an assignment exceeds their scope or competency or presents a patient safety risk, the HCP must immediately notify and escalate the concern to unit leadership or clinical management so the assignment can be reviewed and adjusted.
Failure to communicate scope or safety concerns may compromise patient safety and is inconsistent with professional and organizational standards. Refusal to float may be considered a code of conduct violation and is subject to further disciplinary action.