Beachesandthrees

They are not union (unions are not common in Florida). The ratio is for 7-3 shift, marginal difference for the others. Considering the benefits for which FT employees are eligible, such position would be encouraging. However, the chance of going regular FT is very slim/ unrealistic.

No offer, just an interview. I will not take it if one made.

Worked acute rehab. Hospital A patient nurse ratio was 4-5 : 1, 1.5 hourly rounding required, no boards in rooms to update during rounds, no phones assigned during shift, and short on PCAs from time to time. The work was no cake walk, but doable. Hospital B ratio of 7 : 1, hourly rounding with electronic and hard boards in rooms to update at rounding, staff assigned phones for the shift. If a patient/ family is disgruntled because the staff does not respond in an actual or perceived timely manner, a sheet of paper is placed at that client's door and staff write the time and task completed each time the person is seen. The latest implementation is a device that's mandatory to have, (can be worn on ID holder) which picks up your exact location on the unit, and certain areas off the unit. They are often short on PCAs, and it's not uncommon for the charge nurse to have 2 patients. Some facilities will often be short on staff and other resources, have the most unrealistic expectations, yet usually find money for other implementations. When I'm with a patient, I try to address their needs including medication, 4 Ps (realistically, you can't do this this for all your patients). I then nicely tell them I am going to see my other 6 patients, but the # for me/ the PCA is ... in case they need assistance. Some patients are 'fixed' on calling the nurse for everything. Educate them on their other contacts, as appropriate. I empathize with you. It hurts when you want to give so much, but you have so little.

I went to the VA Veterans Home interview and was informed that the patient to nurse ratio is 19-22: 1. Orientation is 3 days classroom and 2 weeks on the unit. They have electronic medical records and onsite pharmacy which opens 8 hours/ day. It is an Other Personal Services (OPS) position (a.k.a. per diem) which pays $26.00/ hr. The only benefit given is medical, which is offered at a higher premium than what is offered to full time staff.

Ahh, I was on that site a few days ago!! I still find it odd that I can't find any specifics on this site or others concerning ratios and other practices. I'll come back and share what I learn. Thanks

Continue pushing forward mississippiRN71, stay in recovery. Best wishes on October 8

Yet after everything, you still find the will to thrive. You are stronger than you think. Keep taking care of your health. All the best with the BON and employment

Thanks for the info, it is indeed a State of Florida Veterans Home. I have made various searches, but only found one post with vague information regarding Veterans Homes (VH). It was noted that the ratios in VH were better than local SNF, no specifics. I will heed your suggestions. Thanks

Hi Everyone I have an upcoming interview at a VA nursing home in Florida, hence doing some research. I know that most sates do not have mandatory nurse/ patient ratios. However, I am seeking insights on how the VA nursing homes' nurse/ patient ratio compare to other LTC facilities. Also, besides the typical interviewer and interviewee questions, are there any unique questions (as it regards to the VA) I should be expecting, as well as asking? Thanks

Congrats!!!

I second the suggestions you've received. I relocated for my 1st job. I begun calling up apartments 2 months before the start date. However, approx 6 weeks prior, I actually visited twice (excluding when I went for the interview) to seek housing. Even that wasn't enough. Again, demography place a big part, as this was a fairly small town, with a big university population. Ended up choosing a place that wasn't near preference. The apartment wasn't ready until the first day of my orientation ?. I AirB&B for 2 days to avoid possible delays from traveling the morning of ... At the end of day one orientation, I went to my apartment ; & of course, there was some cleaning up I had to do before unpacking even the basic things. As with any move, unpacking everything happens over time. My long post is just to say, 'get moving' ASAP.

Hi Everyone I have an upcoming interview at a VA nursing home in Florida, hence doing some research. I know that most sates do not have mandatory nurse/ patient ratios. However, it would still be helpful to get some insight on how the VA nursing home nurse/ patient ratio compare to other LTC facilities. Also, besides the typical interviewer and interviewee questions, is there any particular type of question I should anticipate from the interviewer, and are there any specific questions I should be asking? Thanks

HDNurse88, thank you!!! However, I am not able to message you at this time ?, which could be because I am a new member and have not made a certain number of post, per Allnurses' policy. I'll check the specifics, and message you as soon as I'm eligible.

Thanks Ashley_SF

Thanks for the information and encouragement. I will keep trying.