LTC Nurse to resident ratio

[Emmienme]

I realize this topic has probably been beaten to death but, please humor me. I am interesting in knowing how many of you feel caring for 30 residents with 3 g-tubes, 10 diabetics and 2 IVs is realistic.

[justanurse95]

Where I am, my number of patients depends greatly on what floor and what shift I work . On an average evening shift I have anywhere from 20-30 residents. For nightshift, the floors often get combined and I float between 2 floors, with a CNA on each floor. I will usually have 30-49. However there are times I am responsible for up to 60, on nights when staff call in, or we are understaffed. Some nights, it's manageable. Other nights it's a mess! I agree with the previous poster, what CNA'S I'm working with makes a HUGE difference on how my night goes!

[Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN]

It's hard to say. It really depends on the 30 patients, but from what you've described, it sounds like they are med-heavy and involved.

I work in a SNF/post acute rehab and depending on census- have 20-25. I can not imagine 30. As it is, I get out anywhere to 30 minutes to 3 hours late depending upon what transpired during my shift (COC, admission, having a fall, etc.) I wonder how people get it all done.

[Eleven011]

During my summers off, I work in a small 30 bed nursing home. Its usually full, so I have 30 patients with no med aide. There is one gtube and around 5 diabetics. No IV's. I have to say even with that load of patients, its the best LTC I've ever worked at. The aides are very good and helpful. The DON is always available to help (and does dr. rounds for us). It all depends on the situation.