Nurse to patient ratio

U.S.A. Texas

Published

Hello,

Just a quick question. I will be graduating from nursing school in May and myself and my husband are contemplating moving to Dallas TX from Cali (too expensive). i've been doing some research and I've heard that nurses in the acute setting take care of 6 to 7 patients. Is this accurate information? Those numbers are scary to me (Cali is 5:1). i just want to make sure of what i'm getting into.

I'm also looking at the THR system as a place to work. Does anyone have an idea of starting pay for new grads, general working conditions, and benefits.

I'd appreciate any input.

Thanks:)

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Specializes in LTAC.

I work in an acute care specialty hospital in fort worth, and we are 6:1. In the big hospitals in Dallas and Ft Worth, I've heard of the ratio being much higher, especially on Med/Surg floors, etc. I wish they would make a law as they did in California to regulate the patient:nurse ratios.

Just be sure to ask, and don't take a job that you feel would put your license at risk. There are plenty of nursing jobs in this area, so if one dosen't work for you, another one will.

Good luck!

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

I am a lifelong Californian who moved to the Dallas metro area in November 2005 after completing LVN school due to the high cost of living back home. I probably would not be able to answer your questions very well, though.

I work in LTC for $18 hourly with benefits and tuition reimbursement because the facility is owned by Baylor.

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I dont know about THR, but I can tell you in the Baylor system, the average starting pay for a new grad is around 21-22.00/hr. Staffing in the ICU's is 2:1 with the occasional 3rd patient if they are a tele hold. Staffing in the acute units varies, but I've heard 4-5 is the average.

Good luck with Texas. It IS possible to buy a nice house for

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Good luck with Texas. It IS possible to buy a nice house for So true. I paid $104,000 for a brand new 1900 square foot house in October 2005. But beware, because your property taxes will range from $3,000 to $4,000 yearly.
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Thanks guys for your replies. Your inputs are very helpful!!

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i dont know about thr, but i can tell you in the baylor system, the average starting pay for a new grad is around 21-22.00/hr. staffing in the icu's is 2:1 with the occasional 3rd patient if they are a tele hold. staffing in the acute units varies, but i've heard 4-5 is the average.

good luck with texas. it is possible to buy a nice house for

actually they start new grads out at $19.68. the recruiter was just at our career fair a few weeks ago. i wish they would go up to 21 or 22, that would be real nice!!!

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actually they start new grads out at $19.68. the recruiter was just at our career fair a few weeks ago. i wish they would go up to 21 or 22, that would be real nice!!!

ooops ! sorry i was off. i was using information based on a salary adjustment they did a few years ago and probably made a few assumptions. heck, when i started as an rn in 1994 i made around 14.00/hr !

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Be wary...ask lots of questions. I live in the DFW area. I moved from the acute care area to ambulatory care due to the nurse to patient ratio..sometimes we got up to 8:1. A few of the nurses were contemplating contacting legal representation related to this issue.:sofahider

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