nurse to patient ratio

[lizzy84763]

I work 2nd and 3rd shift in a LTC hospital. Am I way out of line for asking for another nurse at night when I have 37 patients and only one is self care? I am so busy at night that I haven't had a lunch break in months. I am never finished on time and stay over everyday. Our residents get to sleep so much during the day they are up all night.

I also have another question, does anyone else have to deal with combative patients that hit, bite, scratch and throw urine at people? If so does the management do anything or just tell you their hands are tied?

[lizzy84763]

The problem is they don't care that we are stressed. Maybe it will take someone dying from a mistake for them to realize that's to many patients for one nurse. Kinda makes you want to hit your head into the wall.

:oornt:

[AllSmiles225]

I have a 60 patient med pass in a LTC facility.. im not responsible for any charting/paperwork..just passing meds but still--its virtually impossible to get it all done if there is a "wrench" in your night at all..be lucky if the supervisor comes up to do the assessment on the new admit..

[trushlow]

I work nights. I currently have 47 pts with a max of 51. 1 trach and 4 g-tubes. All the g-tubes get their am meds at 6am, about 10 to 20 meds. The LTC facility does the early med pass to avoid state! I also have 18-22 Accu checks to do in the am. And I would say at least 44 pts have meds at 6am. I can't get it done in 2 hrs. I start my med pass at 3:00 am and don't finish untill 7:00 or 7:15. I'm exhausted. I don't feel my pts get the care they deserve. I wish change would come soon. No one seems to care. It's not want I became a nurse for.

[lizzy84763]

there is no reason for that. unbelievable. There is no way you can give them the best care you can provide, there are too many and not enough hours in the day. There is no reason you should be starting 6am meds that early.

I think all of us on here understand your frustration but you're right, I don't think anyone who has the power to change things cares. Its not about the patients, its about the money.