[CarVsTree]

Who works on a Trauma Floor? What is yours like? Ratio/types of patients, etc.

Ours is 28 beds ratio is 6:1 and we have a 4 bed room called the Observation Room (affectionately known as the Spit Pit) mostly CHI's; Trachs/PEG's. But it is occasionally abused as an alternative to a 1:1. We try to fight that though.

My favorite patients are the live wires... I know I'm a bit whackadoo. It just adds a little spice to the night. However, not every night. Usually makes for a night with overtime too.

Some nights 6:1 is no problem and other nights it is nearly impossible. We do get a lot of Chest tubes and frequent PE's relative to a regular med/surg floor. Also, pain meds, pain meds. I was so nervous giving pain meds when I started and now after only 5 months, its like giving out candy.

Our trauma center is right next to Interstate 78 so we get a lot of blunt force trauma. However the wonderful city of Allentown PA is increasing our penetrating force trauma. We now seem to have at least one GSW or Stabbing on the floor at any given time. This is an increase in the 1.5 years I've worked there (started off as tech).

I feel very spoiled on Trauma as our attendings take very good care of us and listen to what we as nurses have to say. In addition, we have Trauma PA's until about 8-8:30 at night and then a trauma resident. The trauma attending is on call and on site 24/7 and we can always page the attending if we're not getting anywhere with the resident. We also have a Rapid Response team which is very helpful if a patient is going bad and they have a lot of traumas coming in.

Anyway, I'm very interested to hear how things are on other trauma floors. Please tell all....

Thanks!