Ratio at first job

Nurse20481 · Mar 20, 2005

So the place is a LTC. I'm a new grad just like you that just got an interview and was hired by a LTC facility. They told me I will be working for 33-38 pts I'm not sure if that's normal though, but I don't think I'm going to take the job. Good luck to you.

LPN01112005 · Mar 21, 2005

I work 11-7 in LTC. We are full at 115 residents. We have two LPN's on my shift and we split the facility/residents. It seems like a lot, and it IS a lot to be responsible for, but what you have to consider is how many residents require skilled care on your shift or as in the case of many of our residents, do they sleep the entire shift? My two main med passes are at 1am and 6am. We have a total of 12 tube feeders, three residents with trach's, and numerous diabetics that require various interventions during the night, otherwise most of the residents sleep, and unless they have something going on, we don't have to do too much in the way of hands on care for them unless they have a change in condition. I have great CNA's that will alert me to any changes that need my attention. They are particularly good at picking up on a change in a resident's breathing status. I have one who I swear can hear breath sounds without a stethescope! I'd be lost without her. Last night was a particularly busy night for me, because I have several medicare residents right now, in addition to a few who have fallen or had a change in condition that I'm watching more closely, all of this requires more of my time, but on a "normal" night, I work a steady pace and I'm usually out of the facility by 7:30 every morning.

Mandylpn · Mar 21, 2005

I am a new grad also, orientating in LTC. Trust me, 38 residents is A LOT, even for an experienced nurse. I will have 20 once I am on my own. :thankya:

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Mar 22, 2005

Thank you for the input. I will be working 7-3 & 3-11. No nights, I thought I'd try it though. Don't know til you try. Plus the facility's half a block from where i live.

pediatriclpn · Mar 26, 2005

congratulations best of luck to you as you embark on your career. it does get easier as time goes on and you learn how to manage you time. i have worked ltc and have had 60 patients on day shift to pass meds to and do treatments, assessments, etc. i have also had as few as 6 in ltc. i have worked personal care and have had 120 on day and evening shift to do meds, assessments, treatments, etc. and then my last job (for the last 7 years) glorious wonderful home care, one patient!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yeah. best of luck, don't worry, have fun, do your best! :balloons: :balloons:

Silverhawk · Mar 27, 2005

I passed my NCLEX about a month ago, and though I'm waiting for actual license, I've already gotten a job. My question is the floor I'll be working on is 38 patients for 1 LVN, and they're trying to hire nurses to make it 2 LVN's a shift. Is that high? standard? I really don't want to start my first job at a LTC and be totally burned out in a month.
Any one have any advice? I do want to start that job as prepared as I can be.
Thank you

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You must remember that the good nurse/patient ratiois protect your license and give the patient better care because you actually have time to provide the care. IN LTC any more than 30 residents to one nurse is too much! I work a 50:1 ratio hall and a 20: 1 ratio hall. Guess which one raises my blood pressure the most. Your health is important too! Sure it depends on the acuity, but I'm speaking in general. Also, non-profits have the better ratios! Hint!