Long-term care/SNF

SquishyRN, BSN, RN · Aug 30, 2014

Welcome to LTC. That sounds normal. 20-30 is the norm. I've had up to 45 on a cart/station/unit.

guest2210 · Aug 31, 2014

My first job was in LTC and the nurse-patient ratio was 1:50 for 7p-7a shift.

Even when I did agency work at places I'd never been before, I had 25-30 pts with a new admission, and a transfer in from the hospital. So 30 pts. seems like a piece of cake.

bluegeegoo2, LPN · Aug 31, 2014

My unit census hovers around 66 (68 when full) with 2 nurses and anywhere from 4-7 CNA's and 1 med aide. On one hall the nurse passes all of the meds and does tx's. The other hall the nurse has a med aide, but has more MCR's to chart as well as more involved tx's, and also does all of the fingersticks for the whole unit. We do our own admits/dc's, orders, lab req's, etc. It's busy but doable. Most days.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 31, 2014

Is it norm for long term care/skilled nursing facilities to have a nurse to patient ratio 1:30??

This is a very normal ratio on day shift and evening shift. The ratio might double on night shift to more than 60 residents per nurse.

zieglarf, LVN · Aug 31, 2014

I'm on second shift [2-10] and have 25 residents, no med aide, 1.5 CNA's. I do my own meds, some wound care, my own admits, doctors calls, TO's, labs, deal with incidents, and family members.

wanderlustnurse88, RN · Aug 31, 2014

I work in two places. Place A is 30 residents with one nurse and two PSWs on days and evenings and 1 PSW on nights. Place B is 62 residents. Days and evenings there are two nurses and 5 PSWs and nights one nurse and 3 PSWs. It's all about time management.

Sbrewster · Sep 3, 2014

I have 40 residents. It's definitely not easy!

trillnurse7 · Sep 3, 2014

Thanks to everyone for all the reponses!!! Maybe I'll start off with PRN and seeing how I like it first before fully committing

libran1984, ASN, RN · Sep 5, 2014

zomg; stay in the doctor's office!!!!!!!!!!!

ccgirl12 · Sep 7, 2014

As the answers state, yes it's normal. I would love to have that. The other afternoon when I worked I was the only nurse for 58 patients and obly had 3 aides so I also helped with dinner.

shakoi · Sep 8, 2014

Hi everyone! Is it norm for long term care/skilled nursing facilities to have a nurse to patient ratio 1:30?? I've heard stories where nurses have 30 patients and have to do their own woundcare, admissions, orders, etc. Seems like A LOT. I currently work in a doctor office but looking to branch out to enhance my skills. Any input would be appreciated!

Yes, it is very true!!! It is stressful for a few weeks but you will get used to it. You can always ask for assistance from other nurses just in case you have a crazy shift.