The unit is a 32-bed inpatient locked unit in a small community hospital. On days (the position I'm interviewing for) there are 4 RNs and 4 techs, 7-8 pts/RN. I have never worked with primary nursing before-- either team nursing or on unlocked voluntary crisis units as the 1 RN for 6 non acute pts, sometimes there are pts detoxing.

How does 8 pts sound to you? I know it depends on acuity-- they get a mix of dual, mood DO/suicidal, schizophrenia. Sounds like a good amt of dual dx pts. The hospital psych unit where I work now as a case manager has ~4 pts to an RN, but they take med-psych pts and they are generally more acute.

This is the same, if not better ratio that I have where I work. We run at 4 pt/staff, but I can be the only nurse for up to 12 pts. At 12 I can be the nurse with 2 techs. They usually give us the other nurse at 10 pts, but by the matrix doesnt always happen.

Considering that I have been in a situation in which I was the only licensed nurse on an 18-bed unit, I would say that it is very good.

1:8 is a pretty good ratio, IMO.

While I no longer work "psych," it sounds like a dream in comparison to my experiences! 1st psych job: NOC shift, 18 beds, 1 RN, 1 non-licensed staff; up to 2 (I think my record was 4) admissions, covering non-licensed staff during breaks and lunch, i.e., Q 15 minute Pt. safety checks while passing PRN meds and admitting Pt.'s, crisis assessments for potential admissions, preparing for early morning discharges and med passes. As I was the only male RN, I had to be the "first in" for psychiatric emergencies for 4 units of 18 beds each. It was a nightmare. 2nd psych job: day shift, 1 RN, 1 LPT, 2 non-licensed staff for 14 beds; no replacement likely for "sick calls" from staff; 2 administrators almost always "too busy" or "off" the unit to assist. Up to 3 admissions and 4 discharges (or more) per shift.

I don't thing it's a bad ratio. The ratio in my first psych nursing job on evening shift was one staff member for up to 12 patients. That meant the RN was often the only staff person there--no tech, no unit clerk.

1:8 ratio is ok -- I have worked 10-12 when we were short staffed & it is very difficult to give good care. Just know & keep an eye on your possible critical ones (withdrawl from ETOH & drugs).

That sounds pretty decent. I work at a 43 bed free standing facility. A 20 bed adult unit and a 23 bed c&a unit. At capacity it's 4 nurses and 7 staff for the whole hospital. 2 nurses per unit. It can get pretty hectic at times.

honestly 8 patients sounds great to me. my staffing is/was 2 RNs and 2MHAs for 25 patients (most of them committed- psychotic, manic, aggressive, suicidal - you name it) we only get the 3rd RN when there is 26 and up.