Nurse to patient ratio question!

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

Hello all,

I am a LPN who has been working for a NJ state psych hospital for the past year and we have a setup where we have a few nurses, at least one RN, on the floor at all times. The locked units have about 30 patients each. Honestly I do not ever feel pressured or overworked at my current job.:wink2: I just recently interviewed at a nursing home which has a behavioral health unit. Basically what they told me is that I would be the "charge" nurse for the unit on the 4-12 shift. This means, according to them, that I would be the ONLY nurse on the floor basically in charge of taking care of 36 behaviorally challenged patients. Along with a couple of aides. The duties include a very heavy med pass, admissions, treatments and everything else involved with being the only nurse on the floor. before I make a final decision I would love to hear some opinions which will hopefuuly help me make a final decision. Although the new position would mean a few more bucks in my pocket I do not want to put my license in jeapordy. Any input would be much appreciated.

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Specializes in Day program consultant DD/MR.

I really have no sound advise to offer. But sounds like you kinda answered yourself. Safety of license vs $$. I for one would like to keep my license cause in the long run that is what is going to put $$ in my pocket. I do not know what the staff ratios are for NJ but that sounds way high.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PSYCH, PP, CEN.

after persuing agency positions for about 2 years because I could make more money I finally settled at a less paying place with better working conditions. In the long run better work conditions (at least for me) outweighed the extra money I could make.

It is nice to go to work and know I have backup and that my license is never in danger.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

California is the only state that has legally mandated nurse/patient rations, and they apply only to RNs who are employed in acute care facilities.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Psych.

I don't see how you could manage to do just the med pass and documentation tasks while ensuring safety on 36 psych patients on shifts when there are no admissions. I would not be comfortable being the only nurse in a facility regardless of the # patients. Surprised you're even considering this position. Look for another job.

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Specializes in Medical Surgical.

Sounds miserable. No amount of money is worth that. Be happy, sing and dance and love the job you have.

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