Average number of patients for RNs in Montana?

I work at a critical access hospital (25 beds). It can be anywhere from 3-8. Depends on what is going on in the hospital. If we have our ICU open, OB's, busy ER, you may end up with more than that. If you can't find someone to come in and help, you are just up the creek. Things are very disorganized here so it makes your job more difficult. Most of us stick together here which helps keep the management from dumping 8 pt's on us (8 pt's here would not work at all).

3-8! i thought we as nurses were past this...that is crazy to have 8 pts per 1 nurse! i feel as though i am a very organized and good nurse but that number makes me a little nervous. my hat is off to ya'll! after all you gotta do what you gotta do. does the hospital just need to hire more nurses or is that ok with administration? hang in there!!!!!

Where I am, if administration had there way - we nurses would get paid less and have more pt's. Our new interim DON made it known that she was going to change things and we would have 1:8 as a ratio. A Few of the doc's raised as much hell as they could for us and it got put on the back burner for now. It will happen though, just a matter of time. I pretty much let them know that I would not do it - it would be too unsafe. It's part of the reason that I am moving - to Arizona that is.

wiking,
good for you! that is just madness....i wonder if your DON has ever worked as a floor nurse and had a 8:1 ratio? it is a wonder that the hospital still has staff.

I have taken care of 12 in a med surg unit on the night shift. Interesting and the shift goes by fast. I'm in CA now on a DOU floor with 1:4 day and night. Pretty cool.

that is awesome! good for you!