To tele or not to tele...

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 2, 2014

HEY! :)
I work on a busy telemetry unit, new... like 3-4 months new! oh my! I have seen that it gets pretty hectic and am starting to second guess....?? I am wanting to try and stick it out for about a year or so any maybe, maybe go somewhere else or another unit. I love the fast pace don't get me wrong, makes the day go by quicker. the thing that is kinda killing me is the nurse/patient ratio of 6:1.. is that even safe?? That's the main question that worries me. any suggestions y'all have?

Depends how much documentation your facility requires and how sick the tele patients are. I have two jobs right now, both Med surg with the same ratio and at one I seem too have more time..I think it's the amount of documentation and format of the charting system. So while the ratio probably is unsafe, there are also other factors to consider. I am happy I'm going to ED where it seems there is less documenting and much more doing on my 3 to 4 patients. :) p.s. 3 to 4 months is not enough time to judge. You are still very much in new grad mode and still learning how to organize and prioritize..You will see after 6 months to a year how much better it all is!

nurset4835 · Dec 2, 2014

I have been a nurse for 6-7 months on a med/surg unit. I feel like you do, but very depressed. I am not sure exactly the source of the depression, but I understand what you mean. I agree with the above poster...every week you will notice a difference in how you prioritize. (I am just about in the same boat.) So I guess we should give ourselves more time before we decide it's not for us?

Dgro11 · Dec 2, 2014

Thanks guys! Yeah I guess more time is needed, sometimes I feel like nurset4835. I'm hoping in time it will get better. It is overwhelming at times. Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize!!

Hope it gets better for you as well nurset4835!

Farawyn · Dec 3, 2014

6:1 doesn't sound too bad. Are you Step down or getting post caths? That would make a huge difference.