How can 1 LPN take on 60 patients in one shift?

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I am a new grad, LPN..And I heard that in a SNF, the ratio is 1 nurse to 60 patients..And in California, RNs get 1 nurse to 5 patients..I was wondering, how can this be and how do you deal with such a big patient load?

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My facility is a NON-skilled one, and I have had approximately 60 patients. Not everyone gets meds at any given time (which is a blessing). It is do-able, as I have been here for nearly 7 years.

Suebird3

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So, I believe the concentration is just on giving meds...I see..I mean, I assume you delegate like the bed baths and other stuff to the assistants then..

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We have a Vitals Sheet, which has a pre-determined list of what rooms get showers on what days. The "more independent" rezzies usually shower when they want, but the list helps alot. The aides usually get the Vitals, but we nurses do them, too.

Morning Med Pass is usually a bit "heavy", as we have rezzies heading out to Workshop (and quite a few get Lasix, Dig.....)

Suebird :)

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Hi I am a LPN of 28 years. I have working every possible situatiuon. I would recommend that you talk to your Director of Nurses and explain your need for a medication aide ( fulltime-days and partime- evening). You can handle the tube feeders.

Your CNAs are your answer. Treasure them as your side kick and use them to their full capacity. Get them on your side they are your ears, eyes and nose. They know the reisidents alot better than you. They work direct person to person with them everyday. Listen to your aides. Get them to trust you that you will respond when they need you. Work along side them.

Look at your facility some are very difficult to work in. Your backing by your administration is a big deal. That administration is aware of what is going on out on the floor. Will to assist when you feel you are crashing and burning. Sometimes it is impossible you have to assess the situation and do what you feel is best. Hope this helps

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Four months ago I worked at a small nursing home with a census of 66 residents, and the night nurse who worked the 11pm to 7am shift was responsible for all 66 residents. It really is not that bad because the LVN passes a few meds at midnight and 6am, and perhaps obtains the 6:30am blood sugars. The CNAs perform all the toileting and total care.

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Specializes in long term care.

i once worked at a facility on night shift where i was responsible for 120 residents! it had 36 residents in the residential care part and the rest were in the nursing home part, it was hard work,but i had 6 aides and a cmt that were great! it all depends on the staff you work with. i know most long term care facilities have just one lpn for 60 residents.

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:nono: I would never take care of 60 pts and jeopardize my license that I worked so hard for ! On a 60 bed unit we have 2 Lpns and sometimes we say we need a 3rd, but that will never happen. Im sure it is "doable" but to be responsible for 60 pts scares me
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Note I mentioned my Facility is NON skilled. Yes, we have some heavier-care patients, but that is d/t the natural decline. My biggest worry is the ones who "wander", but then again, we have door alarms, etc. The biggest help is the aides.

Suebird3

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I gradated in May 2006..I remember one time during clinical, I asked a CNA to help my patient with a shower..I asked the CNA if she needed me to stay with her to help my patient with the shower..She said no and that I could just leave to do other stuff..My unfair instructor wrote me up for that..:angryfire :angryfire In the real world, when I have to deal with such a heavy patient load and many other things to do, I stand by what I did..

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i gradated in may 2006..i remember one time during clinical, i asked a cna to help my patient with a shower..i asked the cna if she needed me to stay with her to help my patient with the shower..she said no and that i could just leave to do other stuff..my unfair instructor wrote me up for that..:angryfire :angryfire in the real world, when i have to deal with such a heavy patient load and many other things to do, i stand by what i did..

bala, thus is school. :uhoh3: in "the real world", we have to observe our rezzies getting showers.

suebird :)

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bala, thus is school. :uhoh3: in "the real world", we have to observe our rezzies getting showers.

suebird :)

the cna informed me that she does it usually by herself the showers anyway so what makes me different?

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