PCT/CNA Patient Load in Hospital Setting Question - Page 2

we have rrt's and codes they are announced as the same thing over the speakers so basically some protocol as code blue, little less severe. However we've had a few code ice's come in and ICU be full and the code ice had to stay on our floor. which requires 2 nurses for that one patient let me tell you that night was horrible.

But yes legit code blues I've been there since june and seen 3. I work full time as well.

ICU CNA in a 30-bed unit. Up to 20 patients we have 1 CNA. Over 20, usually two. When there is 1 CNA, the focus is on helping with bed baths, turns/repositioning (although a dedicated turn team rounds Q2hrs), stocking room pass-throughs and desk duty (relieve unit clerk). Codes - compressions or runner. Of course, throw out garbage/dispose of soiled linen Q shift/as needed.

When there are 2 CNAs, ratios are 1:10-15. Add CBG checks to the above duties.

When I float to step-down or med-surg, 1:10 up to 1:15 ratio.

As with any health care job, start your shift with a good plan, know your resources, and fill down time (if there is any) with room preps, etc as it saves time to have this done before an admit comes rolling in.

You cant determine a workload solely on the number of patients alone. ICU Nurses often have one or two patients, does that mean they have an easy job?

Whether say 14 patients is unsafe depends on the patients themselves and their level of acuity. I can have 7 patients and never have a free minute if I have just one high fall risk bed jumper. I also might have a couple patients that are on the borderline to being sent to the ICU and require lots of attention.

Ive had shifts of say 11 patients that were a nightmare just because I had a combination of heavy turners who were incontinent, a patient who can barely stand that wants to go on the commode twice an hour, combative bed jumpers, post surgical patients who required constant vitals, and then demanding patients who lay on the call light all shift. So when people say oh I have so and so number of patients, implying they are some super PCT with superior time management skills, I pretty much dismiss their talk.

These people that talk about having 25 patients must work on some unit where everyone can pretty much do things themselves and the RNs do almost all the work, because there is no way on a busy med/surg/tele unit you are taking care of more than 20 patients and have it be remotely safe, no matter who you are. More than 15 is pretty much always unsafe in my opinion, unless your job as a PCT or aide is just to run around answering call lights all shift.

Great thoughts @futimes. Patient acuity would certainly influence a PCTs day and the level of difficulty. Sounds like hard work any way you slice it. Appreciate your thoughts.

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