LTC LPN to resident ratios

NamasteNurse, BSN, RN · May 20, 2011

our LTC is 43 pts/ 1 LPN

starfishlpn · May 20, 2011

I am really lucky at the place I work, it is a 32 bed skilled unit. Day shift= 2 nurses, Evening= 2 nurses (though it used to be one nurse and a medication aide), Night shift=1 nurse. So a ratio of 16:1, except at night when it is 32:1, but far fewer medications/treatments. It's tough when you are new, but the hang in there the longer you do it you start to develop a routine, talk to the other nurses and see if they don't have a few tricks of the trade or tips for you.

I bought my own tympanic thermometer, and wrist B/P cuff that goes on my cart and I make a list of all of the vitals that need to be done, then I do them at the same time as meds. Also when you have have an admission or things get crazy remember that the aides can do vitals too.

exit96 · May 20, 2011

Brand new LPN here as well. I start orienting on the floor this afternoon, and I think I will have right around 25 residents....they are going to use me, per diem, on nights though, and I am told that i will have 50 residents (2 halls). I know most will be sleeping and morning medpass shouldn't be that bad. But I am nervous because it will take time to get organized and have a system in place. Good luck!!

BigButtNurse · May 24, 2011

Your ratio seems about right. My advice to you is to do your best. Even if you start to feel overwhelmed & have to cry the entire drive home, just remember: It will get better as you get the hang of things!!!:)

SE_BSN_RN, BSN · Dec 31, 2011

There is no ratio in LTC like there is in the hospital.

guest2210 · Jan 1, 2012

As a new nurse in 1982, I had 50 pts on nights. In the hospital a few years later, it ranged between 8-14 pts. :smokin:

BearyLPN · Jan 1, 2012

As a new LPN 3 years ago in a LTC on night shift I had anywhere from 55 to 75 residents depending on if we had 2 nurses or 3

PassTreatChartOhMy · Jan 1, 2012

Just started in LTC, skilled facility. It is me with 32-35 patients and 2 CNAs. My CNAs do not take kindly to being asked to do vitals, either, so I'm a very, very busy nurse.

Frequently, I can barely squeeze in time for my treatments, and charting gets done only when vitally important because I just don't have the time. I never take a meal break nor do I take 15 minute breaks. It's exhausting, and I hope it gets easier the longer I'm there!