Nurse patient ratios?

[smilesmakeitbetter]

I started on a unit in a small community hospital two and a half weeks ago. My question is this Med Surg unit only staffs one RN on the floor until we get 14 patients. The RNs do everything except meds that are done by an LPN med nurse and CNA work which is done by one CNA until we get 14 patients then they call in another RN and CNA. I am just wondering how many other units are ran this way? I just graduated and need the medication experience that im not getting for my board test but it seems like to much to expect one RN to do all these tasks for 13 patients. What do you think or what has been your experience in this type of stiuation?

[Rach553]

The way I am reading this your unit only has 3 staff members to care for up to 13 patients? I feel like this is unsafe regardless of their titles. I also work in a smaller community hosital which typically has a census around 8 patients. Our usually staffing varies based on the shift but it typically 1 RN per four patients and 1 CNA for up to 7 patients. We do have one LPN on staff who works mostly night shift but she takes her own patients and the RN will do anything that the LPN is an able to do for her patients.

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

op: i have never seen such a ratio within a hospital regardless of how big or small! in fact, i work in a small community hospital and the ratio is 5:1 for rns and 10:1 per cna. when lpns worked the floors the ratio was only 5:1 per lpn and 10:1 per rn supervisor with 1 cna per team. the ratios you describe are ratios more in-line with ltc.

btw, if you are not able to pass meds (as i was unable to do as a nurse extern after i graduated), you can still gain medication pass experience another way. the rn is still responsible for the med passes even if lpns perform the task. you should look over the medications on the mar and be sure to look up any medications you don't know as if you are the one giving the medication to the patient. you can also supervise the lpns and ensure that he/she is performing the 6 rights and 3 checks too. be sure to know and note bps, bss, and lab values when needed.

[smilesmakeitbetter]

I know it sounds like a LTC but its not its in a small 24 bed hospital in Tennessee still trying to decide if im gonna stay or not. And thanks for the med advice i know i will be training with the med nurse (LPN) for at least a week just so that i know how to do it but she will still be the one to give all meds except maybe prn pain meds.