HELP! Where can I find patient/ratio standards?

[Pamelita]

Hello:

I know there is JCAHO standards for patient/ratio for nurses. I looked under the ANA website but couldn't find it.

I would really appreciate if somebody knew where to find it. I really want to know because my DON stated that there is not such a thing as a recommendation by JCAHO and I know there is.

Thanks guys!

[midwestnurse]

Patient caregiver ratios do not seem to exist, at least here in Illinois. My mother was in 3 different nursing homes, the last in which she choked to death. I sincerely believe had the nursing home been adequately staffed, this may not have happened.

This week I had to place my stepfather in a nursing home. Once again, I find myself frustrated with the lack of staffing. I have written to legislator after legislator, spoken with state ombudsmen, etc., and always come up with the same answer, "There are no patient caregiver ratios, but nursing homes must MEET A PATIENT'S BASIC NEEDS." Patients deserve more than just a generalized statement. We MUST come up with numbers in order to protect our loved ones!

Per Illinois 77 Administrative Code Chapter I, sec. 300.1230:

SKILLED NURSING CARE = AT LEAST 2.5 HOURS OF NURSING CARE EACH DAY, OF WHICH AT LEAST 20% MUST BE LICENSED NURSE TIME.

Now, I ask, HOW can that possibly be measured?

[nursemomruns]

Hello:

I know there is JCAHO standards for patient/ratio for nurses. I looked under the ANA website but couldn't find it.

I would really appreciate if somebody knew where to find it. I really want to know because my DON stated that there is not such a thing as a recommendation by JCAHO and I know there is.

Thanks guys!

The ENA has a recommendation for nurses in the ER. It's a number based on acuity, staff mix, etc. They don't come right out and say 3:1, 2:1, etc. There was an efficiency company that came to our hospital and gave a recommended ratio. Ha!