LTC nurse to patient ratio

[CMarieRN87, ADN, RN]

So I have been working in family practice since I became an LPN 3 years ago. I love it, but I hate the pay. Since my husband recently became unemployed, we have been struggling, and I started looking for a 2nd job.. I was offered a job at a local LTC facility yesterday for much better pay than I am making now ($3.50/hr more).. I didn't know what to ask for when they asked what kind of pay I was looking for so I said $18/hr (that's what I hear is average for LPNs in my community in LTC) and they offered me the job for that much. Hopefully that's good. Anyway, she said that when they are fully staffed you will have 25 patients, and that there is usually 11-12 CNAs working my shift (3-11) with me. I have never worked LTC before so I am kind of nervous. Is that patient to nurse ratio too high or average? I am so afraid that I will hate LTC, mainly because it is a big change. But I surely hate struggling with bills more. Who knows.. I may end up loving it. I am going to be on the waiting list to switch to days or night shift when it comes available because with this shift I wont see my little ones much during the week. Any tips for a first timer in LTC?? How can I make this transition easier?

I am working towards my RN now, so hopefully this change will give me more experience that will help when I become a RN..

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

You might want to head over to the LTC forum- I do believe there's several threads that address tips for new LTC nurses, such as LTC101: What to Expect

Be sure to check out the Articles and FAQ tabs (found in the light blue bar just above the forum title) as well as the latest threads.

[NOADLS]

25 patients and it sounds like you have a lot of CNA's working. Seems legit.

I know of some LPNs or RNs that have in the upwards of 45 patients under the same settings.

[CMarieRN87, ADN, RN]

You might want to head over to the LTC forum- I do believe there's several threads that address tips for new LTC nurses, such as LTC101: What to Expect

Be sure to check out the Articles and FAQ tabs (found in the light blue bar just above the forum title) as well as the latest threads.

Thanks!! I will head over and check that out! :)

[CMarieRN87, ADN, RN]

I know of some LPNs or RNs that have in the upwards of 45 patients under the same settings.

45?!?! Wowza!

[quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN]

I have 31 residents and 2.5 aids working 2-10. So, it looks like what you are getting would be good from my experience and others that I know of.

[quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN]

25 patients and it sounds like you have a lot of CNA's working. Seems legit.

I know of some LPNs or RNs that have in the upwards of 45 patients under the same settings.

So do I. The LTC center I worked in as a CNA had 45-50 for the nurses and in the area of 4 CNAs during days and evenings.

[CMarieRN87, ADN, RN]

ugh! I am so nervous! This is going to be a huge change.

[anewsns]

That's a gazillion aides. Is there a whole other group of patients? At my old place we had 55 patients , 2 nurses , and 6 aides

[needlesmcgeeRN, ASN, RN]

I started at a LTCF, and I HATED it. It was all about the med pass...I had more than 25 residents with varying levels of acuity. It was insane. I was way under-compensated for that job.

[lindseylpn]

Wow, that's a lot of aides, sounds nice. When I worked Ltc I had between 25 (skilled unit) to 55 patients (non skilled unit) and 2 to 3 cnas.

[amoLucia]

The number of CNAs doesn't sound right. In fact, that sounds VERY not right. It needs clarification.

Having adequate number of ancillary CNA staff is crucial to meeting staffing needs for adequate care. I would be skeptical of such a high number. Likewise, you used the phrase "when fully staffed" - does that mean you're not up to full staff yet? That leaves a LOT of wiggle-room for your nurse/pt ratio until you get there. Like your number for nurse to pt ratio may be higher than the 1:25 as discussed.

In as much as you're not LTC saavy, I would be cautious. Otherwise, you may be in for a surprise.