Just a debate we were having last night - thoght I would get some of your opinions on it. Would you rather have a larger group of pts with some CNAs to help, or a smaller group of pts and no CNAs?
CNAs/PCAs/Techs, etc - please don't be offended! I love you!!!!! We were just discussing what would be the best setup. You see, we have some WONDERFUL techs, and then we have the ones we never see. You know what I mean. So the question is, would you rather have a smaller group of pts where you are responsible for everything, or would you rather have someone to delegate to?
I would like to try doing a primary approach (with my own tech). Right now we are modified primary - the nurse has 5-8 pts but the tech has 10-16 (depends on the shift). The tech may be split between 3 or 4 nurses. I don't like that - too hard to find them when they have that many pts. I don't think I would like the team approach either - too confusing. Just looking for your input - not like anything is going to change, lol!
How many pts per RN (for each different shift)? What kind of unit? Thanks!
4-5 pts for each RN or RPN ( I am an RPN) on days 6-7 on evenings and Just 2 RNs in the building on midnights.(26 pts at full cencus). Complex continuing care hospital, so we have a mixed bag of pts. Some rehab, some palliative, some medical and a few seniors waiting for nursing home placement. We are merged with a larger hospital about a half hour away.
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
I prefer team nursing. I believe that the RN would have more time to do assessments and paperwork as well as update the LPN on med orders once she has started already. The LPN can administer the majority of meds, treatments and procedures, reporting changes to the RN as needed and the RN can do the skills that does not fall into the scope of practice for the PN. The aides can do the ADLs and specimen collection for that particular team. I think that the patient would be assured that more than one person is available to address needs or contact the person that can.
Of course, though, this is the perfect fantasy, because there would always be a broken spoke in the wheel. Personally, I feel this way because I really feel that there is enough at the table for all to eat, so to speak.
loriangel14, RN
6,933 Posts
4-5 pts for each RN or RPN ( I am an RPN) on days 6-7 on evenings and Just 2 RNs in the building on midnights.(26 pts at full cencus). Complex continuing care hospital, so we have a mixed bag of pts. Some rehab, some palliative, some medical and a few seniors waiting for nursing home placement. We are merged with a larger hospital about a half hour away.