CNA/patient ratios and Help me keep the RNs happy!

[fairdinkum]

Can anyone tell me what they think a good CNA/patient ratio would be on the 1900-0700 shift on a post-op floor? I'm worried that I suck, because I just had one of the worst shifts I've ever had as the only CNA with 23 patients (nurse/patient ratio was 1:4 or 1:5). I actually left the hospital in tears because the nurses were so impatient and the day shift got angry I didn't finish weights, but there was no way to be everywhere at once and on this unit the RN's will not touch anything that's CNA work (vitals, answering call lights, etc.). This unit's policy is that there is only 1 CNA unless the census passes 24.

I'm agency, so I realize I'm never going to be exceptional because I'm always new, but how can you handle 23 patients and keep the nurses happy? I know most of the CNAs cut corners on vitals (fake the respirs, etc.) or just don't talk to the patients, but I'd love to hear real advice from CNAs who manage to handle this kind of unit without the RNs looking at you like you're crap. I know they have a stressful job and they're busy, but how do you keep them happy when 5 of them call at once while you're supposed to be taking vitals on 23 people?

I don't mean this post as a complaint, I really need some ideas as to how to leave the hospital each morning not so completely burnt out on this job - it's going to be awhile before I can find another.

[sistrmoon, BSN, RN]

Sorry, but that unit sounds like it sucks! Nurses don't answer call lights?! And we always have at least 2 CNAs on our 27 bed floor and that is considered bare bones. Days has as many as 4. Evenings and nights is usually 2-3.

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

I think 10 should be the max ...maybe less than 10 if they're all heavy patients. There is no good way for a CNA to take good care of 23 patients when the nurses are unable or unwilling to help (and help A LOT, for that matter).

You shouldn't have been made to feel bad and you have every right to complain.