Oncology RNs, LPNs, NAs ratios?

Nesher, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2005

Well, the first thing to realize is that there are different types of oncology units. For example I work on a strictly stem cell transplant unit with 6 dedicated ICU beds for our patients. Our ratios are 1 RN (no LPN's in hospital) to 2 patients. If you have a third patient you are assigned an aide. The aides job is to do vs q 4hours and chart this in the computer or with any blood products, help with setting up for showers, make beds, fetch linens, ice and water, empty urine and measure as well as stool.

As an RN I do everything else related to the person's needs. We use a lot of blood products, so giving platelets is a daily occurance sometimes more than once - depending on thier count - try to keep above 10 unless they are bleeding. The patients are all on TPN, a PCA and a large assortment of IV drugs ranging from fluconazole to cyclosporine and a host of antibiotics. They also need blood draws on a regular basis - which can be simply related to their crappy counts or a need to keep abreast of them with replacements or draws related to a research protocol they are on. I guess what I am getting at is there would be no where to use an LPN on my unit. They would act as a glorified aide and I think one might as well just have an aide.

Does this help answer your question?

luvdancink · Jan 30, 2005

I'm an LPN on an Oncology unit. Our unit is a lot different from the one the above poster is in. It's much more med-surg like. We do have patients on chemo and such (which I do not hang,) but we also have a lot of people there who have gotten sick from chemo so it's been stopped, and post ops like people who have cancerous organs removed, and then I act much more like a med sug nurse there. Every oncology unit is very different, so I don't think you will be able to get good data.

~Kristy

lazydaze22 · Feb 2, 2005

Thank you both for your input! It does help to understand what you see go on in your units. I appreciate the time you took to respond, thank you!

scooterRN52 · Apr 23, 2005

Hi, I'm doing a case study paper for management class. The scenario is based on the hospital shifting to using more LPNs and NAs. The unit is oncology with an avergae census of 24 patients needing total care. What they are "giving" the unit is 1 charge RN, 2 RNs besides him/her, 2 LPNs, and 2 NAs. I am having a hard time figuring out HOW on earth that can work.
Can anyone help me out with what your average ratios of each type of caregiver to patients and what tasks each do on the oncology unit? I am really clueless about what REALLY goes on in that unit with the exception of how textbooks portray it. I really appreciate your time and expertise!

That sounds like poor staffing to me, I work in a cancer hospital w/ the best ratios all over, I work on a med-surg telemetry unit and nightshift for 16 patients has 4 RN's and 2-3 CNA's, are ratio sometimes varies, but is usually consistant. We usually don't have more than 5-6 patients on nights. Day shift

RN;s have anywhere from 2-4 patients and they almost always have 3 CNA's. Our pts. have had extensive surgery, head, neck, w/ trachs, plastic surgery, esophagectomies, whipples, and extensive lung surgery, also mastectomies w/ plastic reconstruction. Some require tube feeding or TPN because they are NPO for some time after surgery, the pts. w/ cardiac conditions are placed on telemetry.