Nurse to Patient ratio

U.S.A. New Jersey

Published

Hey guys,

I'm a new grad currently working on a busy med-surg floor. We are a 24 bed unit. Sometimes the ratio is 1:8. Having 8 patients a few weeks ago was traumatic! As a new grad, I was completely overwhelmed and I felt like crying. I survived though! :) I just thought it was so unsafe!

My question is, anyone know if any hospital in New Jersey that has a nurse to patient ratio less than 1:6. I need to find a hospital where I know management and staffing care for the nurses and don't overwork them.

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at the top of my head, there are no hospitals here that put a cap on their med-surg ratios.

if you're looking for something less, you can try orthopaedics. those are usually around 5-6.

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Specializes in Ortho and Tele med/surg.

I don't know what you are talking about. I accepted a position on a ortho unit and sometimes we were up to 1:10 ration. Talk about unsafe!

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10?! that is unsafe. from what i've heard, it's around 6. maybe 8 on a super busy day. but that's pushing it. i know many of the people on the orthopaedic section on Allnurses say they get 5 max.

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I would suggest ORTHO as well but someone has already recommended it!

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at the top of my head, there are no hospitals here that put a cap on their med-surg ratios.

if you're looking for something less, you can try orthopaedics. those are usually around 5-6.

I personally know of two hospitals (Jersey Shore Medical and St Barnabas) that have 7-8 patients per nurse on ortho units.

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Specializes in ER.

I don't think volume is an issue so much as acuity. I have been an ER nurse 10 years and trust me I will take 10 not so sick pts over 4 half dead pts any day of the week!:D

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