[clorinda]

At the long term care unit I work on we just went to 8 hour shifts. Since going to 8 hour shifts we are short 1 nurse for 3-11. We do have a med cma that does pass meds for 25 of the residents. however i still have to do the other 25 residents med pass plus charge nurse responsibilies for the whole 57 bed unit. We are down 7 beds at present. I just think it is too much. If a resdint falls or gets a skin tear or md makes rounds or some one goes bad, your in a mess. Does any one else think this is too much or am I just being to sensitve to change. This is how my DON put it when I voiced my opinion.

[sueQ]

Most of the nursing homes I have worked in have been about the same nurse/resident ratio that you stated. It is difficult at times when the unexpected happens. Change is also difficult at times. Keep a positve attitude. This will help you and your coworkers. I wish you the best.

[sjb2005]

I recently returned to long term care after several years in acute. I was very surprised to see the decreases in staffing. I think it's risky. I am considering returning to acute because of that. It sounds like your workload is a bit more strenous than here. Good luck.

[HONEYBEAR]

I work in a 63 bed facilty....1 floor has 30, and the other 33.....a nurse for each floor with 3 stna's. and then a nursing supervisor......who does the labs, rounds with the doc's, and falls, skin tears, tx's, admits, or send outs....I do not think this is bad at all.
I do think you being responsible for all those pt's is insane. What is the DON thinking?

[clorinda]

Hey thanks for your replys. The work load is insane and the DON's only concern is the $ numbers. I think I want to return to acute care also. At least I know I can give care that is deserved. I think it was said best on a previous thread:"I'm sick of it". Long term care use to be a joy to work.

[nrslizzy]

I work 3-11 in nursing home also. It is a 70 bed nursing home and we have a med nurse that passes all meds to all patients except the 6 pm meds. The charge nurse passes 6 pm meds to the table patients only. They stay in the dining room and pass those meds while watching patients. The med nurse does all the rest and believe me as I have done evening meds before also it is very possible for one person to pass all the meds in the building as long as that is all they do. We make out cards for each time pass and then set up and pass meds using those cards with a med cart. Maybe you all should switch to where your med nurse passes all meds.

[suebird3]

Did you ever consider being the one to make a difference? These people may have hired you, hoping that you would be "the one". I do not mean to get anyone mad, but here is my position:

I work LTC, and on 3-11, have 60 people. No acutes, but quite a few dementias, diabetics..... I have been at my facility for 6+ years; We are on 8 hour shifts, too. Yeah, it can be tough, but I also have a good administration.

ALL facilities have a budget: Medicaid here is severely cut. So.....

Suebird

[Harleygirl]

Clorinda-
I am sorry that it seems like a $ issue to you re:staffing. I have been a DON and am moving back to hospital work because I am so frustrated and burned out in LTC. But there are good facilities out there. God bless.
Harleygirl

[suebird3]

Harley....am sorry to hear that. The job does take alot outta ya. My boss has said so many a time; but she is an inspiration, and tries to get us up to our abilities. Doesn't ask for more than what we can handle.

Yes, LTC needs nurses. True, the pay is NOT always good. IMHO....the $$$ of meds, stay, etc. is what decreases the payscale some. Me....I am in it for the resident. I think, "What if it were MY family member?"

I plan on staying around, even though I have my "days".......I am a tough "Bird"!

Suebird