California Nurse-patient ratio at SNF/Rehab/Post Acute. What's being done?

[styx876]

The last posted topic that I could find about CA state regulations regarding Nurse-patient ratio in SNF/Rehab/Sub-Acute was about 6yrs old. Anyone has any updates about what's being done by our policymakers to improve a safer nurse-patient ratio in SNF/Rehab/Sub Acute facilities?

I'm a new grad RN and have been sending out job applications for the past few months. I have been interviewed probably 4x for SNF/Rehab/ Sub Acute positions in the SF Bay Area. The average nurse-patient ratio range from 1:17 to 1:30. Orientation time range from 7days to 1month. But I've talked to nurses that this does not happen because of short staffing. One DON who interviewed me was very proud that their patients have the same acuity as the hospitals nearby. Although this may sound very enticing (because I would learn a lot from different disease process), I don't think handling 20 + patients with high acuity is safe at all.

I have worked in a different career for over 10yrs and I don't normally complain about work. But now that I'm a nurse, and we're talking about risking my license and the health of the patients, I couldn't help but speak up.

Isn't it ironic?

1. They give you overwhelmingly number of patients to pass meds, do treatment, and carry out orders in a short period of 8 hours. But, you can get written up if you do Over Time for finishing your work. What happens is you end up staying, UNPAID for up to 1-2hrs. Isn't it ironic?
   

1. You try your best to finish all your work (medpass, treatment, etc) as much as you can, as safely as you can in a period of 8 hours. But when the State Surveyors come to inspect, they want you to slow down… I'm pretty sure they know that this is not what's happening daily. What do they really expect from the nurses? Provide safe and compassionate care only when the State Surveyors are present? Isn't it ironic?
   

Some nurses out there will probably just say, Just suck it up.”, It will get easier.”, You're lucky to have this job in this economy.”, There's nothing you can do.” But there's something we can do. There's gotta be something.

I know this topic has been discussed over and over. But something needs to be done. I don't know what or how. If anything, I would like to be a part of this change. Not only for the hardworking nurses that are constantly being exploited, but also the patients who deserve the best quality care.

I would really appreciate all of you sharing your thoughts about this.

Thank you

[SkyDrift]

I agree, but it's always been like that with the nurse/patient ratio. Plus I haven't heard of a SNF being part of a union since most SNF I know are "hire at will" and can terminate anyone at any time for certain reasons. I do know some people who stay overtime "unpaid"...it's just sad to them finish their work at the end of their shift without getting paid. It's almost impossible to finish your entire work plus documentation within an 8 hour shift. Safe, quality, and cost effective care cannot ALL belong together in SNF/LTC. There's always a catch. It's basically like a business...or like any business in America; the most important thing is maximizing profit by having a certain amount of employees caring for their residents.