Break staffing only one nurse

[Nanci Paul]

Our med-psych unit has 14 beds that are nearly always full. We have 2 nurses, 1 aide, and 1 patient safety attendant on the unit (plus a unit secretary and a camera observer). That leaves 1 nurse for 14 patients during lunch breaks. I contend this is unsafe - what if there's a code or rapid response or something happens to the one nurse? Administration says it's OK because we have "at least two BLS certified staff" on the unit at all times. Can anyone help with evidence that this is an unsafe practice? Thanks!

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Only California has specific staffing for hospital units with break coverage.  Unfortunately, many facilities provide no break coverage.  Anytime I heard a code/rapid response on my unit while off the floor, I'd return to the unit; not all staff did that.   Suspect Admin will not change their position until adverse event occurs.

[Nanci Paul]

Hi... I'm sure you're right... It will take a tragedy to show admin this is an unsafe situation. I cannot bring myself to leave the unit during my shift and frequently get up from lunch to respond to a bed alarm or call bell. Nurses floated to our unit don't necessarily feel this way. With its effects on patient and staff safety and satisfaction, I'm disappointed there haven't been more studies about the need for break coverage, however. Thank you for your reply.