[medsurgrnco]

How many nursing staff do you consider reasonable for x # of patients on psych units? I was offered a job in psych and the manager was so rushed that I didn't get to ask all my usual questions. Won't take the job without getting this clarified along with other issues, but wondering what others consider reasonable for a 12-hour night shift. I've been working as a med/surg RN and I worked as a MHC on a psych unit before nursing school. I had the impression that psych nurses typically don't feel as overworked as med/surg nurses, but that would depend partly on the staffing.

[RN2begin]

In NH the nurseatient ratio is dependent upon the shift...most units have 24 beds...but we often run over this cap. On day shift, there are usually 3 RNs to about 24 patients...3 to 11, there are 2 nurses to the same ratio of patients...and on the 11 to 7, there is 1 nurse per unit. Granted, you do have techs that assist...sometimes more than others. Psych nurses are just as busy as a med surg nurse...but it is much more cerebral than tasky...and I assure you that when a patient becomes violent and/or dangerous...the process of restraining and medicating becomes increasingly more difficult as the shifts change. 11 to 7 could be smooth sailing...but when something does happen it is often made worse by the lack of staff available to help in a crisis...

[medsurgrnco]

Thanks for the response. I found more info on staffing levels from older threads in this forum.

[PsychRN03]

Originally Posted by RN2begin

and on the 11 to 7, there is 1 nurse per unit.

I'm almost certain this is in violation of some sort of Medicare standard or something. So if the nurse has to do a takedown, is that nurse supposed to lay on the patient until they fall asleep so the nurse can get up and go get a PRN? I mean, really...1 RN is totally unacceptable.

To OP: a safe ratio is 1:6, but if you are going to fudge around with safety, 1:10-12 should be the max for 11p-7a only; the others need to stay at 1:6

[RNKittyKat]

We're running 1:13 on days and evenings with 2 MTs, 1:27 nights with 2 PCAs. We have a complement of security officers who are available 24/7. I spend 5/8 hours on my feet. I work my butt off. It's unreasonable.

[medsurgrnco]

Sounds like I should take the job I was offered where the ratio is 1:8 on 12-hour night shifts.

[RN2begin]

Originally Posted by PsychRN03

I'm almost certain this is in violation of some sort of Medicare standard or something. So if the nurse has to do a takedown, is that nurse supposed to lay on the patient until they fall asleep so the nurse can get up and go get a PRN? I mean, really...1 RN is totally unacceptable.

To OP: a safe ratio is 1:6, but if you are going to fudge around with safety, 1:10-12 should be the max for 11p-7a only; the others need to stay at 1:6

I agree with you. I am sure there are multiple violations happening at my hospital. I question administration constantly...there is never any doubt about my distaste for the working conditions...but I feel a certain obligation to my patients.

To answer your other question...if you don't have enough techs to "lay on them" until you get the shot ready...you just hope that somebody shows up when the code is called...and go from there

[aloevera]

we have had up to 40 pts. with 2 RN's, 2 med nurses (LPN's) and 2 techs........very poor staffing in my opinion.....I think that ratio is absurd and we are meeting with management to discuss that very thing.....I have had 34 pts. and been the only RN with 1 med nurse and 1-2 techs....very unsafe conditions for the pt. and for the nurse in my book..............

[Ultra Violet]

Medsurgrnco - If you still review this thread, would you mind if I ask you a ?. How long did you do med surge before interviewing for a psych position? The reason I ask I that I've been in med surge for 4 months, and I'm considering a move to psych. I specifically have an interest in substance abuse and am trying to decide how long to stay in med surge before making a move. I don't think I want to wait one year.

[aloevera]

I just called to see where I am tomorrow and found out we have 49 pts. on the dual unit and will only have 2 RN's !!!!!! 2 med nurses (they stay busy with meds and taking off orders so they are no help to us)
I am almost afraid to go in tomorrow....but I could never call out and leave the other nurse by herself.....I am sorry, but I just had to vent about this to someone !!!! How unsafe can you get ????