CNA ratio to patient

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 29, 2006

I have no knowledge of legally-mandated ratios for CNAs. However, I can tell you that I work at a nursing home. There are 80 patients on my particular unit, split between 6 CNAs. It adds up to about 13-14 patients per CNA.

bethin · Dec 29, 2006

I have no knowledge of legally-mandated ratios for CNAs. However, I can tell you that I work at a nursing home. There are 80 patients on my particular unit, split between 6 CNAs. It adds up to about 13-14 patients per CNA.

Neither do I, but 13-14 pts per aide??? I don't work in LTC, but on med/surg and the thought of bathing 13 pts, answering lights, turning, passing trays, feeding, accuchecks, vitals, etc is mind boggling. How do they get it all done? You alone do not have 80 pts, right?

I've had 13 pts on med surg before and pts did not get good care. But, we are expected to change every pts linens everyday regardless. I don't think that's the case in LTC. And I think working LTC is more grueling - more residents to get up, more time consuming.

God bless those who do LTC.

dansamy · Dec 29, 2006

Can anyone tell me in a SNIF unit what the ratio of CNA's to patients is? Does 21 seem too many? Where can I find this information?

21 seems pretty heavy to me. When working med-surg as an assistant, day shift had 3-4 per 22 patients, evening 2-3, nights 2. The highest number I ever took care of was when I was pulled to another floor and was given 12 patients.

Calzonan RN · Dec 29, 2006

I worked one night as a CNA for med/surg and had 30 patients. It was my first night as a CNA, working for a registry, and it was overwhelming. Most of the nurses ended up taking their own patients, but it still left me with 15 pt's, most of whom were CBR. I thought that working at night I wouldn't be as busy, boy was I wrong. No, I didn't have to do baths or anything, but people go to the bathroom all night long, they eat at various times during the night, it was pretty busy. I'm pretty sure that 15 patients on nights was the norm though, 'cause there were supposed to be two CNA's, I was the only one who showed up though.

Keli

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 29, 2006

Neither do I, but 13-14 pts per aide??? I don't work in LTC, but on med/surg and the thought of bathing 13 pts, answering lights, turning, passing trays, feeding, accuchecks, vitals, etc is mind boggling. How do they get it all done? You alone do not have 80 pts, right?

I must admit that our aides work extremely hard and should be paid more money than $9 per hour.

Our elderly residents do not receive baths every day. Some residents receive baths on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the 6-2pm shift, while others receive baths on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the 2-10pm shift. Some residents receive baths on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during the 6-2pm shift, while others receive baths on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during the 2-10pm shift. Therefore, our bath schedule is spread out.

Our CNAs do not do accuchecks, as that is the responsibility of the licensed nurse at my workplace. Also, our CNAs do not obtain vitals.

I do not care for 80 patients by myself. The 80 patients are split between 4 nurses, and I happen to be one of the 4 nurses.

OrlandoPat · Dec 29, 2006

jAN 2007 THE LAW CHANGED , SEARCH KEY WORDS ARE

MEDICAID/ MEDICARE NURSING HOME STAFFING, MINIMUM DIRECT CARE

yOU COUNT AS DIRECT NURSING CARE

GOES LIKE THIS

30 PATIENTS DIVIDED BY DIRECT CARE WORKERS HOURS IN A 24 HOUR PERIOD MEANING IF 3 NURSES ON UNIT FOR 24 HOURS AND 3 CNA=6x8=48 HOURS DIVIDED BY 30=1.6 THIS IS POSTED hprd 1.6 which is absolutely illegal. But I believe starting Jan 1st all states have a minimum from 11pm-7am of no more than 20 pts per CNA

Check you states Health Care Administration

ps- CMS=medicaid reimbursement monitoring only tracks the payroll hours and believes that is adequate to prove direct care

Administrative duties can NOT Count!!!

May have someone illegally on the clock

OrlandoPat · Dec 29, 2006

CMS=Medicaid/Medicare Bill stated minimum diect care hours

CMS gave this responsibility to Heathcare Administration

The Healthcare Administration is taking tax payers money to instruct the State Surveyors to check Minimum direct care

I phoned Florida State, they said They have no such instructions

they determine if adequate staffing by measuring "initiatives" Such as.....

Did all residents get their Flu Vacinations

Million spent on Goverment study from 1990-2004 to prove there were not enough staff and still Goverment agencies are collecting

So sad! Just spend the money on CNA's and Nurses and it would have been resolved now and well into the future

I hope CNA's All Get toether an join ONE UNION!!!!!

linda8532 · Dec 30, 2006

I work in a facility that accepts no medicaid patients, it is strictly medicare/private insurance/private pay. I work the skilled side which means they are only there until their medicare/insurance runs out. Most are hips, fractured bones, strokes, mainly rehab patients. I work the night shift and total capcity for my side is 22. This includes IV's, central lines, tube feeds, accu checks, extensive dressing changes, to include admits after 6pm. I have one aide with me from 6pm-6am. It just seems an awful lot for her to do and that is why I asked if anyone knew the patient ratio. Most are fresh surgicals that are two people transfers. I try to help as much as I can but often go home feeling guilty that I didn't do more.