nurse to patient ratio...

[Sarasgrd94]

I was just wondering what is an average nurse to patient ratio on surgical units. I usually have 10 patients on the 7p to 7a shift. I am a new nurse (graduated in may 2005) and I struggle to get everything done and provide good nursing care. many of my patients are post-op and require more frequent assessment and need my time. I was just wondering if this is standard (1:10) on nights in other hospitals. Thanks

[GrnHonu99, RN]

I was just wondering what is an average nurse to patient ratio on surgical units. I usually have 10 patients on the 7p to 7a shift. I am a new nurse (graduated in may 2005) and I struggle to get everything done and provide good nursing care. many of my patients are post-op and require more frequent assessment and need my time. I was just wondering if this is standard (1:10) on nights in other hospitals. Thanks

I am still a student but my clinicals this semester are on a surgery floor, all the pts are post op. The nurses there never have more than 5 pts at the most. This facility is in the city (not suburbs) so its one of the busier hospitals. 10 seems like a lot?

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

It depends on census of your unit, but yes, occasionally you may have that kind of ratio on nights. I see that ratio on days sometimes, its not easy, and you really feel like youve been run over by a truck by the end of the day. But yes,, its reality.

[Thunderwolf, MSN, RN]

It really depends upon where you work (state and/or institution) and how other staff is being utilized as well (LPN/LVN, NA/PCA). I worked in a couple hospitals. One place had the RN doing everything for 10 pts on the surg floor with the LPN as a glorified aide (who was not allowed to chart, admit, discharge, or pass meds) and with one or two aides as floor gophers who ran errands and stocked only. Another place had the RN splitting the 10 pts with an LPN doing similar duties (but no iv meds or blood, no dr orders), with the aide taking vitals, answer lights, toilet and stocking. Currently working in surg with 8pts being the team with one RN and one LPN doing much of the same work, splitting the team, with the RN covering the LPN (RN, however, pushing IV meds, dr orders, hang blood, chart review) with 2 aides caring for the total floor of 24 pts (answering lights, hygiene/skin care, toilets, meals, stocking). So far, this is much easier...8 vs 10 pts. Regardless of hospital, the RN was the team leader and responsible for all and the direction of staff. But, alot really depends on where you are at and the philosophy of that institution. Hope this helps.

[rfmages]

We take a max load of 6 patients here, but it usually ends up as 4 patients a night. The 6 only happens when people are off and we are busy with a lot of surgeries.