Best patient to nurse ratio?

U.S.A. New York

Published

Specializes in MedSurg Tele.

Is there hospitals in new york that have less than 5 patients to one nurse ratio? I am working now on a floor of all RNs, we each care for 3 to 5 patients. Are there any floors similar in new york hospitals? Thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I work in a small private hospital in brooklyn in NY. the ratio is from 6:1 to 10:1 depends on how many RNs we have that day. It's a med-surg unit.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MedSurg Tele.

How do you have time to document on all ten patients??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Is there hospitals in new york that have less than 5 patients to one nurse ratio? I am working now on a floor of all RNs, we each care for 3 to 5 patients. Are there any floors similar in new york hospitals? Thanks.

Only in ICU!

My med-surg nurses have 4-5 pts during dayshift, 5-6 (7 if really bad) on evenings, and as many as 10-11 on nightshift (although it's supposed to be no more than 8-9, but oh well).

Where is the time to document on all those patients? After your shift ends ;)

Actually, the evening crew is always out on time, somehow. The dayshift and the nightshift are frequently there late, charting. If you're lucky, you actually get out on time!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D/Mother-Baby.

Labor and Delivery should have a 1:2 ratio, at most. There are certain situations where a 1:1 ratio is required. These are AWHONN guidelines and should be the norm on these units. However, we all know that what is the norm and what really is, due to staffing problems, are two different things.

Correct me if I am wrong, but anything greater than 2 patients in a L&D unit is asking for trouble.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment