Advice for SNF/Vent Unit

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Specializes in acutecarefloatpool. BSN/RN/CMSRN. i dabble in pedi.

I've been a charge nurse for about 11 months now at a skilled nursing facility of a 23-bed unit. In the near future, we are becoming a vent unit where 8-10 of those 23 beds will be ventilator patients. As of right now, I manage OK with 23 skilled patients with one, sometimes two CNAs but on most nights I can't even keep my head on straight it is so busy!

Is this staffing ratio typical for a vent unit? How much "busier" will my shift be as opposed to how it is now? Any advice on how to be successful in this new role? I will also be working with a respiratory therapist as well, but I am getting nervous with the changes in acuity with no increase to nursing staff - I don't want to lose my license! Thanks for reading.

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Will the RT be there with you all shift? Its been years since I worked in a facility with vents so I really don't remember much. What are the other skilled residents like? High acuity? Is this 11-7? or 3-11?

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