Pregnant, Overloaded At Work

Nurses General Nursing

Published

  1. DOABLE Patient To Nurse Ratio for ICU/PCU

    • 4
      3:1
    • 0
      4:1
    • 1
      5:1
    • 0
      6:1

5 members have participated

Hi all, I moved to North Carolina a few months ago, thrilled because of all the *opportunity* that I heard I would have here. Well...I was kind of wrong. Luckily, I did land a job in a progressive care unit. However, I am extremely overwhelmed. We are essentially a mini ICU. I am also seven months pregnant. I try to go to work with a positive outlook, telling myself I can push through the funk and make it but I always end up crying when I leave work. I have gotten to the point where I have started to think that maybe nursing is not for me. People tell me a 5:1 ratio is too high for a PCU nurse but I'm not sure how accurate that is. Anyone having a similar experience? Does it ever get better? Should I quit being that I'm so far along?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

That ratio is too high.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

Appropriate PCU ratio is 3:1. 5:1 is appropriate for a floor.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardio-Pulmonary; Med-Surg; Private Duty.

Our PCU is 3:1. Similar for insulin or cardizem drips on the regular floor.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment