LTC LPN's...how many patients do you have??

Nurses LPN/LVN

Updated:   Published

Hey,

I was reading some of the posts, and I remember my days as a CNA and the patient-load I had, yes after a while it did get easier, but I'm wondering how many patients you have at an LTC unit. I was reading another post where the lpn had almost 50 patients in a shift.

I know it takes time but how do you manage so many patients? Do they teach time-management skills in school or is it something you have to learn yourself, kinda like learn-as-you-go type of thing? Probably a dumb question, but what if you don't get everything done? Do you stay, or does it go to the nurse relieving you? How stressful is that? How do you deal with it?

Sorry, lot's of questions, but after reading these posts for a while I've wondered about it.

peacers.:nurse:

I have 30 residents on my 3-11 shift...2 wound vacs, 2 g tubes & one with a g tube & trach. Thankfully, I only have 6 diabetics & 4 habitual jumpers. The wing across from mine is much worse, so I go over there to help whenever I can.

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After reading all the responses along with the OP, I have to say, first, this is why in almost 13 years as an LPN, I've avoided LTC like the plague. Second, it's the reason I start my EMT Basic course next month and start working on my ADN in the fall.

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It varies, from 20-36 depending on the Hall. Its not always possible to get through the treatment book or chart on everyone.

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Specializes in OB/GYN/Neonatal/Office/Geriatric.
At my current facility, which is the only ltc I have worked at as an LPN, I have 16 residents (day and evening shift)32 at night under my care and I pass my own pills. Overall our resident aren't too heavy, no more than two g-tubes and/or one IV, no trachs, less than four diabetics. On a rare occassion that we are short a nurse on day or evening I may have a med aide instead then I have 32 resident and do just the treatments. There are three CNAs and a bath aide (day/evening) and two CNAs at night. I feel really blessed to be at this facility; it's really nice and they take care of us.

Generally we are able to complete all assigned tasks, but sometimes due to residents leaving the facility with family or waiting on delivery of meds/drsg, or whatever they don't finish we do it pass on. It usually isn't too much and as long as no one takes advantage of the fact that the other shift will do it, no one gets up set about it.

I think that any job, especially nursing, takes time management and it can be tough when you're new. In the event of not having something major completed I do stay over to get the essential parts done; the only example I can think of is a new admissions.

I know this is an old posting, but wow, I wanna work at this place!

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I know this is an old posting, but wow, I wanna work at this place!

I have 40 residents and 2 Cnas it's get pretty quiet at times and much paperwork and filing on night shift. Overall 25 yrs on night shuffle gas it's ups and downs.

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When we are full 30 on 3rd shift. I don't know how people handle more.[/quote']

I gave 40 residents

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I honestly don't know how y'all do it in LTC with that many patients! I definitely take my hat off to you LTC LPNs working in insane conditions. I've been an LPN since 1990, and have never worked in a nursing home outside of 4 weeks during nursing school. And that was just basic care stuff, as we hadn't gotten to meds or wound care yet. But it was enough to show me that I didn't want to work in one. I'm looking for a job right now, and ads for LPNs in LTC are abundant around here, but I refuse to apply for any of them. I hope I never have to, and it would definitely be a "have to" case.

You gals...and guys...should be making $150/hr!!!

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Specializes in pediatrics.

I have to say, I can't see how you all do it. Since I have been a nurse(3 yr) I have only did OP clinic, and I complain about parents and the way they act.lord my job seems like a piece of cake. Hats off to all of you on LTC. I do understand the pressure you all be under because I volunteer for an EMS agency, I am an EMT also, so I can have a mix of adult and peds so I keep my cert in date. But if I had to pull and lift all day my body will take a toll on me. So,kudos to you all :-)

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I have 30 on one side of my LTC and 22 on the other side. Two nurses first and second one on third. 6 CNAs on first and second and 3 one third.

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Specializes in LTC/Sub Acute Rehab.
Hey,

I was reading some of the posts, and I remember my days as a CNA and the patient-load I had, yes after a while it did get easier, but I'm wondering how many patients you have at an LTC unit. I was reading another post where the lpn had almost 50 patients in a shift.

I know it takes time but how do you manage so many patients? Do they teach time-management skills in school or is it something you have to learn yourself, kinda like learn-as-you-go type of thing? Probably a dumb question, but what if you don't get everything done? Do you stay, or does it go to the nurse relieving you? How stressful is that? How do you deal with it?

Sorry, lot's of questions, but after reading these posts for a while I've wondered about it.

peacers.:nurse:

As of last week I had 30: I'll find out later if it'll be my unit max of 32. It takes a little while, but you will create your own routine that will constantly be modified when you get new patients with new behaviors and needs. As far as staying over, these days facility management is watching everybody for overtime. At my facility the administrator and his assistant walk the halls and will look at the clock and ask "when did you get here?; why are you still here? They want the work done in the time allotted and if you can't finish, they want you to "pass it on" because "nursing is 24 hours." As for dealing with it, it just depends on what it is. If it is wound care tx that I'm supposed to do and I can't get to it, I unfortunately pass it on. I've mentioned this to nurse management that some things create an unnecessary hardship on the nurse relieving you; but, nothing has changed and nothing will until nurse management and administration engage their nurses to propose how to fulfill the responsibilities and goals of the shift thus minimizing overtime which should include UTILIZING ALL LICENSED NURSES IN THE BLDG! As long as nurse management continues to burden the floor nurse with additional duties on top of what they already have to do, there will always be "passing on" additional work to the nurse coming behind you which will p*ss her off, cause her to complain, create frustration, burn out, less time spent with "patient care," and initiates employee turn over which COSTS MONEY! With all that said, I provide the best care that I can with the time I have.
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Specializes in LTC/Sub Acute Rehab.
I honestly don't know how y'all do it in LTC with that many patients! I definitely take my hat off to you LTC LPNs working in insane conditions. I've been an LPN since 1990, and have never worked in a nursing home outside of 4 weeks during nursing school. And that was just basic care stuff, as we hadn't gotten to meds or wound care yet. But it was enough to show me that I didn't want to work in one. I'm looking for a job right now, and ads for LPNs in LTC are abundant around here, but I refuse to apply for any of them. I hope I never have to, and it would definitely be a "have to" case.

You gals...and guys...should be making $150/hr!!!

What setting do you work in and what's it like? Im trying to get out of ltc. PM me if necessary.
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THANKYOU for this post, I will keep what you said in mind for later.

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