nurse ratio 50:1? Yup!

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

It was reported on NPR that in one of the African countries affected by the ebola outbreak that due to nursing deaths and shortages, an ebola clinic had 55 patients and only one or two nurses to care for them. And we complain....

story can be found here http://www.npr.org/sections/world/archive

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Not an accurate comparison. We do not live in a third world country.

I have had 40 patients in a SNF.. quite close to that ratio for a " developed" nation.

Are you inferring we shouldn't "complain"?

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

I'm just saying it's all relative. I wasn't comparing per se, just trying to put a perspective on caring for 50 ebola patients. I give mad props for any person who walks into that ward.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

When I worked in Assisted Living, I worked 1 shift, and only 1 shift, with 1 LNA and 60 residents.

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Specializes in MICU.
When I worked in Assisted Living, I worked 1 shift, and only 1 shift, with 1 LNA and 60 residents.

Ohh really, is that in USA

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

Yes, it was in the USA.

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50 pts with Ebola virus to one nurse is insane. I had 53 residents at a SNF but I didn't have to use PPE every time I went into their room. That's no comparison.

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I'm thinking the nurses caring for Ebola pts probably don't have PPE, or a lot of other things that we do.

And...my last LTC job, I was the only nurse for 65 on nocs. An awful job, but I can't even imagine taking care of 50 Ebola pts in a 3rd world country.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

If you are talking numbers (not working conditions), you don't have a very good comparison. While I am in awe of health care workers giving care in such dire circumstances, I don't think any of them need fear a lawsuit if an error is made or a medication regimen late, etc. That is a very real concern here, esp. in LTC where it is typical for one nurse (with a few aides) to be held accountable and responsible for up to 50 to 60 residents in any given shift. Apples and oranges.

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That is unimagineable. I'm sure it is very difficult to find staff willing to work due to risk of exposure.

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