Nurse to patient ratio in rehab hosptial

[jpav33]

I have been an RN for over 13 years and applied to work at a rehab hospital. I asked what the nurse to pt ratio is on days and was told on the avg 7-8 pts, could be as high as 10-11. Is that normal for this type of hospital? Is that safe and do-able? I havent been offered it yet but want to know if I do.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I worked at a freestanding acute rehabilitation hospital for six years. Yes, 7 to 9 patients per nurse was the norm in that type of setting. I sometimes took care of 10 to 12 patients when staffing was short.

It was somewhat difficult, but manageable. Keep in mind that these types of patients are not nearly as acute as what one would find in med/surg, telemetry, stepdown, neuro, ortho, or other hospital specialties.

[Orion16]

Is this in the rehab section of a hospital, or a stand alone post hospitalization Rehab/Nursing center?

If the latter when we are mid-census and fully staffed 12-13 pations to 1 nurse.

When short staffed (often) its 17-19 to 1 wich is outrageous especially with still doing admits.

[jpav33]

Thanks.

[jpav33]

It's a free standing for profit rehabilitation hospital.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

It's a free standing for profit rehabilitation hospital.

Let me guess...it is, in all likelihood, either Kindred Rehabilitation Hospital or HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital. These are the two biggest for-profit players in the freestanding rehab hospital industry in the US.

[jpav33]

Healthsouth