Nursing Student

Hi everyone,

I am currently a nursing student working on my BSN in my second year and I am curious to known what is the average nurse-patient ratio? I know a few recent graduates and they tell me they are averaging about 7-9 patients per nurse is this common? That seems like a high number to me and that each patient wouldn't be able to receive the proper assessment or care that they need.

It depends on state regulation and then the facility's. california limits it to 1:4 or 5 i think. That's the only states i know tht limits it. Yes, that is the truth, you could have 9 pts, sometimes with limited support. It i most likely medsurg unit where pts are more stable.. But that does bot mean they are less demanding. It's good that you are curious about this as early as now so you won't be in for a big surprise when you start your career. If you think having 9 pts is scary, wait till their families start hovering at you.. Then you can basically feel like having 20 patients.

Progressie care has 1:4 typically, telemetry has 1:6, icu has 1:2-3. Depends on acuity. Good luck.