A question for those of you here: what is the absolute minimum staffing in your unit? Say, for example, you had only 1 or 2 patients in the unit. Would you have an RN and an aide? Two RNs? Is there ever a time you have only an RN (as in, that is THE only stuff member) in the unit? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nov 30, 2018 by Checkers08 I'm not involved in staffing in any way, but I wouldn't think it would be wise to only have one staff member present in case of a resuscitation event. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dec 3, 2018 by Okami_CCRN If there are only 1-2 patients in the ICU we are required to have at least 2 RN's present at all times. If an RN has to go off the unit another nurse must be present for relief. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dec 4, 2018 by pseudonym87 Generally speaking 2 nurses. The only time it was acceptable as 1 nurse 1 aide is a pre-op unit that hadn't been opened yet. But that's a no brained, lol. In the event of a code, 2 RN's for sure at minimum. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dec 4, 2018 by Seaofclouds, BSN, RN We are required to have 2 nurses in our ICU at all times as well, even if there is only 1 patient. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dec 4, 2018 by PeakRN We don't ever have few enough patients in our ICUs/NICUs/PICU to necessitate that low of staffing, but our general policy is that we must have at least two RNs on any unit at any given time. If for some reason a unit only has two RNs they cannot leave the floor unless there is another nurse there for relief. For critical care units that means that they wouldn't be able to go for rapids or codes, so I can't ever see us having less than three RNs on one of those units. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dec 5, 2018 by Ddestiny, BSN, RN We must have 3 ICU nurses assigned to the unit at all times because our charge nurse responds to codes, leaving 2 nurses in the unit while s/he's away. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dec 9, 2018 by jennylee321 Even without codes to consider, how about nurses being able to take the breaks they are legally entitled to. So yes minimum of 2. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites