Nurse to patient ratio's in Massachusetts

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

Does anyone know if there is any regulation in MA for nurse to patient ratio's? I am a LPN and I work for a company (long term care facility) who is basically losing all their staff due to poor working standards and poor management and as a result they are trying to put one nurse on the 11-7 shift with 57 residents, which include 4 G-tubes, a trach and other behavioral patients, and patients with high risk falls. We usually have two nurses on this unit and now they are trying to change it to benefit them...I need to know my rights and I don't know where to find this information. Anyone know where I can find out this information?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Does anyone know if there is any regulation in MA for nurse to patient ratio's?
California is the only state with legally mandated nurse/patient ratios, and they apply to hospitals (not LTC/SNF settings). The other 49 states have no specific nurse/patient ratios with legally binding limits on how many patients or residents a nurse can have.
Up Vote Up Vote ×

So they can basically just get away with what they are doing and theres nothing I can do personally but just do it or find another job? Does anyone care about the residents wellbeing anymore?? That is awful!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

But thankyou for your reply...now its just up to me in deciding what to do..

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Some states do have minimum staff ratios for LTC facilities. I live in Oklahoma and I know we have minimum staffing for LTC based on shift and patient type (LTC, Alzheimer's, SNF). See the link below for a breakdown of information by state

http://theconsumervoice.org/uploads/files/issues/Harrington-state-staffing-table-2010.pdf

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Some states do have minimum staff ratios for LTC facilities. I live in Oklahoma and I know we have minimum staffing for LTC based on shift and patient type (LTC, Alzheimer's, SNF). See the link below for a breakdown of information by state

http://theconsumervoice.org/uploads/files/issues/Harrington-state-staffing-table-2010.pdf

I'm also licensed in Oklahoma...the attached link proves nothing. The nurse/patient ratios are very general (e.g. 'sufficient' staff to meet residents' needs) and are worded in nursing hours per day (hprd).

A nurse could have 50+ residents on night shift in Oklahoma, as well as the original poster's state of Massachusetts, and it will be perfectly legal due to the utter lack of nurse/patient ratios.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I understand that the lack of clear cut nurse to patient ratios is frustrating.

The rules for minimum STAFF include the rules for minimum nursing coverage...they are just woefully inadequate. As you noted, under the current laws, it IS legal in LTC for 1 nurse to be responsible for 57 residents in both MA and OK.

I recently worked in a facility (in OK) that when I first started working there staffed only 1 nurse overnight (along with an Advanced Med Aide) and our census ranged from 52-75. The facility did change a few months ago to 2 nurses, no med aide on Sun-Thur. overnights. It was doable for 1 nurse with an Advanced Med Aide but I was grateful I never had an emergency or code the few times I covered a night shift.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PCCN.

SMH:facepalm: why anyone would want to be a nurse , when these are the working conditions/ extreme liability one has to endure

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Contact the state to finds out the laws in the state you work in, you have a right to refuse assignment on proper documentation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The unions out there and nurses have to have the laws changed. I will do forty on night shift. Everyone does not have med school and u can an pace yourself safely. Me I wouldn'the do it. It impossible to give quality care with a large ratio of patients.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment