[poonk]

If I were a patient I would be annoyed knowing that the hospital where I am is short staffed and my life is in increased danger. I support nurse patient ratios. It makes sense for the patient and it makes sense for the hospital. I believe it would create a better work environment, decrease turnover,and increase patient satisfaction. It would take all nurses including managers, educators, and administration to make it work in the beginning but what a goal and professional future.

[caregiver11]

It does sound like a very good idea however have you thought of the effects this would have overall? Such as hospitals closing floors because they can't meet the ratios, or having to release the support personal such as unit secretaries or CNA's to support having the lower nurse patient ratio. It sounds great but everyone needs to look at the effects it will have on your current job and the job of others in your facility.
The other side is we are already in a nurse shortage, where are the extra nurses going to come from?
Just food for thought and a different perspective.

[seanymph]

How about from the top heavy management areas? Alot of them in hospitals I have worked are nurses who have moved out of patient care into managerial positions.

[Noney]

Another question that would come up is how do you plan for admits?


Noney

[Paige Turner RN]

I work nights.....last night The hospital called my house at 7pm (I was napping) DH took the call, they wanted me to come in early......DH did not wake me up. I got up at my usual time and got ready to go to work. !?@ hour before I have to leave the phone rings and it is the hospital telling me I have to take mandatory low census.........................today is my regular day off (then I work four in a row) a few minutes ago the hospital called and wanted to know if iI would work tonight..........I said no cause I don't like working 5 nights in a row..............sheesh talk about frustrating!!!!!!! And of course it is all to save the hospital a buck!!!!

[poonk]

rethinking this I am concerned that ratios if not done in a positive way would undermine teamwork. You need all nurses to pull together to achieve goals on the units and yes I think ratios would send a positive message that we are on a mission to better the working environment.

[TeenyBabyRN]

Originally posted by Noney
Another question that would come up is how do you plan for admits?


Noney

I work NICU and we deal with this on a daily basis. With ratios of 1:2 and 1:3, you can imagine that a couple of admits or a set of multiples could throw the unit into a frenzy. Our solution is an on-call system, where call-back pays time & a half, regardless of whether or not it is actually OT, plus regular differentials (It is a voluntary system and these benefits encourage part timers and per diems to sign up.) It has worked well.

BTW, ORs also utilize this method to staff for emergency procedures.