Nurse -Patient Staffing Ratio - page 2

Geez, I would think that if there is only one RN, that meetings should be brought in as opposed to going out for meetings. That would cut down on all the contraband and ceiling checks. If a patient wants to use drugs, he/she will find a way, and that person shouldn’t be taking up a bed for a more serious person that wants to stop. What about mandatory urine checks, the positive ones leave and the others stay? Treatment facilities should be for those that want help in arresting their illness. nancynurse57

i think the general accepted staffing ratio for acute detox patients is 1 rn to 12 patients maximum if not located within an acute care facility. the state board does not mandate this ation but this is the guideline from the sbn. we staff with one rn, one to three cna's and there is an apn on site during the hours of 10 am to 6pm. we are a free standing unit not located within an acute care facility.

We have 1 rn and 1 lpn at all times even if only 1pt on the unit, max 12 pts. At 7 pts and higher we get a care provider.

My current facility is in CA, so yay for state ratios This facility staffs RNs at 1:6; LVNs and techs get staffed somewhat less generously (1:8 or so).

Unfortunately, I've worked on detox units outside of CA where the staffing was less kind. The worst would--and I hear still does--often staff only 1 RN and 1 tech for 16 detoxing patients.