Nurse/Patient Ratio

Mimi2RN, ASN, RN · Mar 10, 2003

Our peds unit tries to have a max of 4:1. We have 12 beds, with some rooms doubled, we can take 18, but we don't have the staff for it.

bergren · Mar 10, 2003

At tertiary medical centers, so pretty sick kids, the max I have had since 1986 is 5, with the norm being 3 or 4 :1. With some cardiac, multi system issues - 2:1. Rarely 1:1 and that is only because there is no room in the unit. I know they sometimes have 5:1 on nights. The last time I had 7:1 was 1978 and I still have nightmares about it. I had 7 kids and 10 lines, evening shift.

cincygirlpnp · Jul 12, 2003

I work in organ transplant and on nights usually have 2-4:1. A bad night is 5:1, however I have been pulled to units where there is RSV and the norm ration is 5-8:1 in nights.

IRISHBREAD · Jul 17, 2003

we are supposed to be staffed 4:1 but more often than not it will be 5:1. during the winter if we get some really bad rsv's we do a 3:1 or 2:1 ( if people are willing to do overtime.)

gmarie · Jul 21, 2003

We have 3-4 on day shift and 3-5 on night shift. Kids are staffed 1:1 or 2:1 when condition warrants. This is a peds Hem/onc unit. I know on our general med units where acuity is usually a little lower they have the same ratios.

cathy949 · Aug 6, 2003

We have 3-1 on days, and 4-1 on nights for the ward and 1-1 in PICU

KailuaNurse · Aug 13, 2003

We are staffed usually 3-4:1. In some cases we will be 5:1 where we also have a CNA just with our assignment.

eb_rn · Sep 14, 2003

we usually staff4:1 unless chronic vent kids then its 2:1, winter months staffing can go to 5:1/3:1 if we r in overflow......usually have a tech for vs and bath/linen/diaper help......it is a gen. med/surge floor for infants up to toddlers age max of 5 yrs old.

uk_nurse · Sep 15, 2003

My ward is an ortho and trauma and some medical. It's a 23 bedded ward. We have children between ages of 0-16yrs. When we are busy i have had ratio of 8:1. It's very hard work. This is due to staff shortages. When i come on duty the number of patients is divided between the trained staff, some days it's 6: others can be as little as 3:1.