Need Help Now With Decision!!!!

ecnav · May 9, 2008

Have to let them know tomorrow!!!
What is it like to work sub-acute rehab? I heard it is fast paced.
Isn't 12-15 pts a lot for this unit for one nurse and 1 aide? That is how they staff at this sub acute floor in a nursing home I am considering working at. They have up to 45 pts with 3 nurses on days and 3 aides. Not sure what to do????? What is ok staffing for this unit?? Thanks.........jan

Skip it. This staffing scenerio is a joke. Your gut instinct is correct...

barefootlady, ADN, RN · May 9, 2008

Jan,

If there were more aids you could do it but without more aids no way.

CABG patch kid, BSN, RN · May 9, 2008

Even worse, what happens when someone calls in sick? I'd run as fast as possible away from this one.

Simplepleasures · May 9, 2008

Acute care is fast paced and if not staffed properly they will still hold you responsible if you make an error despite being distracted and overworked, these acute care units are just money makers for the LCTs.Nurses are putting themselves at risk in these units.

Lexxie, LPN · May 9, 2008

There is a 20 bed rehab unit in one of the buildings at my LTCF. While it's not termed "sub-acute", it sure is busy! Oftentimes, 2 CNAs is not enough. It's impossible to get your meds done within that hour before/hour after time frame, especially when you have 10 more residents down another hallway. Management knows it's a problem, but continues to look the other way. I'd have to agree with the others who say "skip it".

barefootlady, ADN, RN · May 9, 2008

What's the decision?

Jan RN · May 9, 2008

Thank you so much. I've decided to follow yours and the others advice and skip it!! I just got my license back after letting it lapse while raising my kids (had to take boards over!!) and I'm not about to risk it like that!! have a good day. Janet

2006RNCS · May 9, 2008

Janet,

I have been following some of your posts, and I feel we are in the same boat in some ways. I have only been in nursing for 2 years. I have 2 kids, and worked on and off during their early years. When they became a little older, and after my dad passed away from cancer, I realized a life-long dream by going back to school and became a nurse. I am an RN now in a LTC facility, and I am night supervisor. I love the patients, but the facility works very understaffed. I fit right in, and had been promised a dream job on days coming up soon. Well, the job has turned into a nightmare, and no dream job has materialized.

I realized that I am being strung along. I am so upset that I thought I had this wonderful job, but now I feel at square one again. Now, I am off to search for yet another job. I have had several since graduation. I think the elderly is my niche.

My first job was in nursery and I did a little couplet care. PP is wonderful. I highly suggest it. It is where I precepted. There wasn't a job available there though. The openings are rare in my area because they are normally 8 hour shifts, and no one wants to let them go!

Just don't settle for any job. Make sure it really is YOUR "dream" job. I think they exist. I am still searching!

Good Luck!!!:heartbeat:heartbeat:heartbeat

CapeCodMermaid, RN · May 9, 2008

12-15 patients on a sub acute unit is standard these days.

The government wants to cut more $$$ from Medicare reimbursement so it's not going to get much better until the PATIENTS start to complain.

Jan RN · May 10, 2008

Thanks for your response! I do believe "my" job is out there and I cant settle for something I really dont like cuz I hate that feeling of dreading the thought of going into work. Good luck to you in finding the right job for you............janet