1 nurse to 30 patients!!! 3 attendants

Fiona59 · Dec 7, 2013

Is it night shift? That's a good ratio.

I've seen one RN, three LPNs, and three NAs in continuing care on days.

Nights are totally different. Even in acute the ratio increases overnight. I've seen two RNs, two LPNs and 30 patients overnight.

Sabr, BSN, RN · Dec 7, 2013

So the ratio is good even without LPN'S?

Sabr, BSN, RN · Dec 7, 2013

it's rotating shifts

joanna73, BSN, RN · Dec 7, 2013

That's common for LTC. We work one nurse for 30 and one NA on nights. During the day, it's 3-4 NAs. Sometimes that ratio is not safe. However, if you can develop a positive working relationship with the staff, they are more likely to help out. You help them with the resident care and they return the favour.

Of course, prioritizing is essential. Also, if you are unfamiliar with the medications and procedures, spend time at home reviewing.

Fiona59 · Dec 7, 2013

So the ratio is good even without LPN'S?

The unit I work on doesn't have NAs at all. It's one R and one L overnight.

You have to work as a team. If you don't get on with your NAs you are in big trouble.

SleeepyRN · Dec 12, 2013

Im in the same boat and a little scared. Its mixed with skilled care, long term and dementia! AND Ill be working AM's one day, maybe PM's the next day or night shift. Ive only worked at a nursing home for 2 months a year ago. I told them my old patient load was 25 for skilled, and 30 to 40 for the ltc and the dementia units and they nodded like "yep, that's how it is here. But I could have sworn at one point the DON mentioning 35! I start Tuesday.

loriangel14, RN · Dec 13, 2013

Yes one RN with 3 attendants is pretty good.

SleeepyRN · Dec 13, 2013

Yes one RN with 3 attendants is pretty good.

I would not say "good." Common? Absolutely

Adequate for the care of the residents? No way. 1:30 is common but it doesnt make it right. I will say hower, that 3 CNAs to 30 residents is awesome.

lilaclover6984 · Dec 13, 2013

I've worked with far worse ratios than that during my LTC days, hence why I got out when I could.

I once worked night shift at a LTC facility where I was the only nurse with 88 residents and 3 NA's.

Fiona59 · Dec 13, 2013

I would not say "good." Common? Absolutely
Adequate for the care of the residents? No way. 1:30 is common but it doesnt make it right. I will say hower, that 3 CNAs to 30 residents is awesome.

You are an American. What is good to us is not the same as what is good for you. Our LTC is different from the States from what we have read on other threads.

SleeepyRN · Dec 14, 2013

I've worked with far worse ratios than that during my LTC days, hence why I got out when I could.
I once worked night shift at a LTC facility where I was the only nurse with 88 residents and 3 NA's.

Yeah, the point I'm making is that that is just plain wrong and unsafe.

Anyway, 88 residents is...well...I'm speechless. Kudos to you for even working there for a little while. Id rather live with no lights and no heat without a job for a while before putting my license on the line for that ridiculousness.