Hi everyone!! I have found myself in what seems to be a weird situation. I was hired on a med surg floor to work nights 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Right now I am in orientation. My orientation is only 6 weeks. At nights patient load is 6 patients per RN... the one CNA that I have goes home at 11 p.m. So I have six patients with no CNA for the whole night. Right now they're working me up to get to having six patients. I had four patients yesterday... one which was a 300 pound lady. Who was incontinent and needed changing every couple of hours. And also she slid down in the bed and have mobility issues. Several times I have to call my preceptor to help me push her up...pulled her IV out, blood gushing everywhere.. another patient had uncontrollable pain.. My concern is once I'm off orientation the only other people on the unit are the other nurses who also have six patients..
During my break yesterday, I was talking to a float nurse who told me that the hospital has a huge turn over rate. Which I knew. Most of the nurses who work at my hospital are new grads. And it's been said that my Hospital likes to hire new grads because we are cheaper to pay...
My preceptor pulled me to the side and told me that tonight was a very easy night. And that it can get very crazy.
Nurses out there, does it sound like a lot to handle six patients plus no CNA as a new grad? Just would like your opinion... I am not a quiter but also want to be wise.... I dont want to disappointment my family... but I am starting to feel the depression and dread setting.... as a new grad I know I should be happy with basically whatever I can get. Ugh
Some states do have nurse:patient ratios of 4:1 days; 4-5:1 eves; 6-8 nights. That does not account for the acuity of patient however. Many new RNs struggle to keep up, so working as a team (promoting health work relationships) is key. Also, it is important for you to know your limitations, what you are not sure of, don't know how to handle, and how you prioritize your care. How long do you have a preceptor? Many hospitals are now instituting 6 month nurse residency programs to help with the new nurse transition period. If this situation is not supportive of your as a beginning practitioner, check out some nurse residency programs and work to land one. Having a strategy to succeed is the most important thing in developing your nursing career. I wish you the best in your endeavors, and don't be afraid to speak up and let your preceptor and nurse manager/educators know how you feel. Experienced nurses are a wealth of information and support (if you find the right ones willing to mentor you).
Six patients? The first med-surg job I had, I had to take 9 patients. I was supposed to be partnered with a LPN but often there was no LPN so they were supposed to give me a CNA. Except most times there was no CNA so I was alone with 9 patients. I lasted a whole year and then left for a med-surg job where I had 8 patients with a shared CNA. Lasted a year again, left the med-surg world for good. If I had only 6 patients, I would have thought I died and had gone to heaven.
I rotate between days and nights on a busy med-surg floor. I've had anywhere from 5-10 patients on nights that I was responsible for depending on staffing. So I wouldn't say having 6 patients on nights is unusual however that's quite a bit of work without having any cnas. We usually have at least 3 cnas to help out with toileting and to do weights and vitals in the am. I think it could work if like others said the other nurses all are willing to help each other out. Good luck!
nannymcpheeRN
20 Posts
Dear New Grad,
Some states do have nurse:patient ratios of 4:1 days; 4-5:1 eves; 6-8 nights. That does not account for the acuity of patient however. Many new RNs struggle to keep up, so working as a team (promoting health work relationships) is key. Also, it is important for you to know your limitations, what you are not sure of, don't know how to handle, and how you prioritize your care. How long do you have a preceptor? Many hospitals are now instituting 6 month nurse residency programs to help with the new nurse transition period. If this situation is not supportive of your as a beginning practitioner, check out some nurse residency programs and work to land one. Having a strategy to succeed is the most important thing in developing your nursing career. I wish you the best in your endeavors, and don't be afraid to speak up and let your preceptor and nurse manager/educators know how you feel. Experienced nurses are a wealth of information and support (if you find the right ones willing to mentor you).
All the best,
RN with >30 yrs experience
NannyMcPheeRN