Level 2 Ratios

vintage_RN, BSN, RN · May 30, 2017

I'm in a large level III (in Canada, equivalent to a level IV) but we have a level 2 section around the corner that we all are assigned to at times. It's generally 3:1 but oftentimes we are 4:1 which is barely manageable. Everyone hates being assigned to level 2!

BrandNewBabyNurse · May 30, 2017

I work in a very large level IV unit that has a semi-separate level II area. It generally has a group of devotees who mainly staff it, but anyone is fair game to get sent over there if need be. It's 3:1 assignments mostly, or 4:1 if you have a tech working with you to help with feeds/vitals.

prmenrs, RN · May 31, 2017

IMO--the problem w/Level 2 ratios is that they never take into account the amount of time needed for d/c teaching, breastfeeding support, helping parents recover from their Level III post-traumatic stress, beginning feeders who take forever to feed, keeping an eye out for kids getting NEC, A's&B's and sepsis.

"It's just an easy Level 2 baby!!" Rrriigghtt. Thank you, Level 4 Prima Donna.

Rant over. The nightmares [of blank charts @ 1800] continue.

jennylee321 · May 31, 2017

Yaaaas prmenrs! My thoughts exactly, or "don't worry your 4th kid is going home today, so you'll only have 3 later on", P.S no discharge paperwork or teaching has been done" ahah

essT · May 31, 2017

On our intermediate/level II side, we have between 3 and 5, but most often 4. No techs or helpers. A night with just 3 babies is like heaven!

KKEGS, MSN, RN · May 31, 2017

We're 3 to 1 unless we're understaffed and then it's 4 to 1.

KKEGS, MSN, RN · May 31, 2017

IMO--the problem w/Level 2 ratios is that they never take into account the amount of time needed for d/c teaching, breastfeeding support, helping parents recover from their Level III post-traumatic stress, beginning feeders who take forever to feed, keeping an eye out for kids getting NEC, A's&B's and sepsis.
"It's just an easy Level 2 baby!!" Rrriigghtt. Thank you, Level 4 Prima Donna.
Rant over. The nightmares [of blank charts @ 1800] continue.

YES! So. much. this! Level II babies can be way busier than Level III babies!