Top 9 Reasons to Love Being a Direct Care Float
What direct care position offers a $5,000 bonus for 3 months’ work? That would be the Emergency Direct Care Float position at ACR during the months of September to November. The main objective of the E-Float position is to fill in wherever needed to assist the people we support with medical needs, personal care, and activities.
We asked E-Float extraordinaire Liz Pickett to give us some of her best reasons for why she loves being a float at ACR. Here’s her list:
1) The Pay!
The pay is one of the best perks to being a direct care float! It pays more per hour than being a regular direct care staff, with plenty of overtime opportunities. Bonuses are a frequent perk, too, such as the $5000 bonus for working during the months of September to November–the busiest season of the year. So far I’ve used my bonuses to pay off school loans and debts, afford my new car, go to Spain, buy myself Cards Against Humanity, attend the motorcycle show, and splurge a bit at the Renaissance Fair. 😊
2) Direct Care Skill Set
ACR provides direct care for a wide spectrum of residents. I love that I can learn new skills with each new resident and stay proficient in the skills I know.
3) Something new EVERY SINGLE SHIFT!
No two days are the same, no two residents are alike, and you rarely work with the same coworkers. I love this for multiple reasons. It’s exciting. I enjoy the uniqueness of the residents. I enjoy getting to meet different people every day. If I rub someone the wrong way, or a resident isn’t comfortable working with a float, I know that tomorrow is a new day. I can look in the mirror every morning and say, “YOU’VE GOT THIS!” 😎
4) Challenging
I Love that I’m always challenged. I get to learn patience with some of the more challenging residents, and I get to challenge myself to do better with each shift. Even when I’m working a laid back shift and there isn’t much to do, I can take the time to get to know the residents better or start on a project. There is ALWAYS something to do. 😊
5) Flexible schedule
The nature of the E-float schedule makes it hard to plan something on a consistent weekly basis, but I love that if I have an important event I don’t want to miss or need to see the doctor, I can usually just work around it. On occasion I can also work doubles and take three days off! Being a Float works SUPER well with my schedule. 😁
6) Location, location, location!
Since I’ve moved to Minnesota, this job has helped me to familiarize myself with the layout of the Twin Cities metro area. I’ve learned about different neighborhoods and which expressways go where. (Spaghetti Junction?!?) I love that my travel times are so different to each house. It keeps me on my toes and keeps the commute from becoming mundane. 😊
7) Ability to meet like-minded individuals
I LOVE meeting new people and I find that I have an instant connection with a lot of ACR employees. There is something about working towards a common goal that brings people closer together!
8) The most SUPER supervisor ever!
Erin the ACR float supervisor is an amazing woman. I don’t know how she juggles everything, but on top of taking into consideration the hours you’ve worked and where each float lives, she’ll even send you a smiley face or a big “Thx!” after every confirmed shift. 😁
9) Appreciation with each shift
People are always so happy to have a direct care shift filled by a float! You’ll bask in gratitude from supervisors and coworkers, and maybe even get a smile from the residents (the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! 😉) I am always amazed at how helpful staff are and how much grace they show floats from the moment they walk in the door. It really is a team effort at ACR. 😊
Not to mention the fun I have telling jokes, singing and dancing with the residents. Honestly, I have so much fun it’s almost a crime. 😉
You can learn more about the Emergency Float position and other positions at ACR right here.