[Gompers]

In a nutshell, we usually have half as many nurses as we do patients. If our census is 40, we've probably got 20 nurses on. This is just like a ballpark figure. Depending on acuity, we could need more or less. Sometimes we'll only have 30 babies but will be working with 20 nurses because we could have a dozen 1:1 critical assignments at that time. Other times we'll have almost 45 or 50 kids but only need 20 nurses because there are many more grower-feeders. But yeah, overall it's pretty safe to say that our normal ratio is 1 nurse to 2 babies. The most babies we'll ever have is 6 grower-feeders per nurse, but that's only on shifts were it's hitting the fan. Usually we'll only have 3 or maybe 4 grower-feeders, and usually a sick vent (pressors, transfusions, frequent labs, new admit or post-op, PPHN) is going to be 1:1. A stable vent will be paired with a non-intubated baby.

[lovemyjob]

Originally Posted by Gompers

In a nutshell, we usually have half as many nurses as we do patients. If our census is 40, we've probably got 20 nurses on. This is just like a ballpark figure. Depending on acuity, we could need more or less. Sometimes we'll only have 30 babies but will be working with 20 nurses because we could have a dozen 1:1 critical assignments at that time. Other times we'll have almost 45 or 50 kids but only need 20 nurses because there are many more grower-feeders. But yeah, overall it's pretty safe to say that our normal ratio is 1 nurse to 2 babies. The most babies we'll ever have is 6 grower-feeders per nurse, but that's only on shifts were it's hitting the fan. Usually we'll only have 3 or maybe 4 grower-feeders, and usually a sick vent (pressors, transfusions, frequent labs, new admit or post-op, PPHN) is going to be 1:1. A stable vent will be paired with a non-intubated baby.

we are working towards 1-2 baby assignments, with mostly 1:2 except for very very sick. but sometimes the nurse with ecmo will have a feeder grower with tube feedings. that is not the nurse running the pump, but the one caring for baby. we always are able to help each other while having the 2-3 bby assignmemts. when an admit comes everyone swarms the bedside taking on tasks and some one else is usually reAding everyone elses pumps.

either way, to me, 2 baby assignments are perfect, except my assignment last 2 nights where had a po feeder and a 24 weeker with sympomatic pda on dopa and insulin with frequent labs and q1hr accuchecks aqnd constant up and down on dopa and insulin, AND grew out some germies within 13 hours of his bld cx.......HORRIBLE 2 nights!!