CNA Patient Ratios?

Aug 22, 2003 12:01 AM

by StacyC417

What do you all think is an appropriate patient ratio per CNA?
The facility I work at right now has one LPN and three CNAs for our 30 patient Alzheimer unit. It is a 180 bed facility, and there are many days where one of us is floated to another dept, and then there are only 2 1/2 CNA's for the 30 residents. Is 10-12 dementia patients per CNA the *average*? I work the day shift, so we have two meals to get out everyday...I think that it's too hectic, and that we can't spend enough time giving care to EACH individual, but is this how all nursing homes are? I am new to the field and just wanted some input.
Thanks,
Stacy

*Marie_LPN, RN* · Aug 22, 2003, 12:33 AM

The average that i've seen in LTC places are 7-8 pt. per CNA

francine79 · Aug 22, 2003, 12:34 AM

I worked in a nursing home about 7 years ago and they only had 2 aides for a 20 bed alzheimer unit. I wasn't a CNA, I worked in the kitchen, so I don't know how it was, but I know when we served meals over on that unit the place was a mess!

ChainedChaosRN · Aug 24, 2003, 02:33 PM

Depends on the type of resident being cared for. Totally dependent with all ADL's will require more staffing, more independent less. Care levels and layout of a facility are big factors in ratios.

AlixCoastRN · Aug 25, 2003, 01:36 PM

In Oregon the ratio by rule is 10:1 on day shift, 15:1 on eves, and 25:1 on nocs no matter the resident - this is state standards for minimum staffing res to CNA. The company I work for chooses to have more CNAs on during the day and evening shift, including restorative aide on days.

PROFETA548 · Aug 30, 2003, 10:58 AM

DOES ANYONE KNOW THE RATIO FOR NY STATE FOR LTC!!!!! THANKS!!! SOMEDAY WE HAVE 6 CNA'S FOR 40--- THEY HAVE TO ALSO DO OUT-TRIPS WITH THE RESIDENTS WITH APPOINTMENTS. LEAVING SOMETIMES ONLY 4 CNA'S ON A UNIT!!!! AND ON THE WEEKEND---------- ONLY 4 CNA'S ON A UNIT FOR 40 ON THE DAY SHIFT!!!!! IS THIS LEGAL -- SCAREY RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Catsrule16 · Sep 02, 2003, 09:26 PM

CNA Ratios

Staffing ratios in SC

1st shift 1 CNA to 9 residents
2nd shift 1 CNA to 13 residents
3rd shift 1 CNA to 22 residents

Nurses 1 - 44 residents

canada · Sep 09, 2003, 07:42 AM

ratio in ltc

I work LTC as RN. I have 80 residents I.am responsiable for. I have 2 RPNs and 8 HCAs. This for day shift with a heavy mix of residents. Several other floors have a different mix of staff but ideally its 1 RN with 2 RPNs and anywhere from 9 HCAs to 5 HCAs each floor. These floors are home to 80 residents per floor.

Evenings is different with 1 RN in facility. 2 RPNs per floor with 1 to 2 less HCAs per floor.
Nights 1 RN in facility, 1 RPN per floor , 2 HCAs per floor.
Of course this all changed with call-ins and floors work short, sometimes VERY SHORT.

MandyInMS · Sep 09, 2003, 07:48 AM

Originally posted by ChainedChaosRN
Depends on the type of resident being cared for. Totally dependent with all ADL's will require more staffing, more independent less. Care levels and layout of a facility are big factors in ratios.

I agree..that's the way they SHOULD staff, based on acuity..sadly it's all about numbers and money though :/

*Marie_LPN, RN* · Sep 09, 2003, 08:11 AM

My average for night shift me for every 30 pts. But this is ok in a hospital because most are self-sufficient, they just can't kick the IV pole to the bathroom and walk at the same time.

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