kathymack56

Hi everyone. This is my first post (except for my intro). I am hoping some of you can lend some assistance to a concern I am having at work. I am the only nurse in our partial hosp program. We almost lost the program 2 years ago because our average census was 10 patients or less. We have added a chronically mentally ill program and now our census runs around 55. Not all the clients attend each day but I am still responsible for keeping up on their meds, labs, vitals, insurance and everyday concerns (plus group daily, MD orders and all the other stuff we do). It has become extremely overwhelming. My co-workers are social work, counseling and psychology, always willing to help, but most of what I need is nurse specific. I have talked numerous times with my boss and occasionally I recieve some assist for an hour or two, but nothing consistant. I do appreciate what I recieve but I feel the clients could be in jeapordy if I miss something that needs attention, which I will miss due to ratio. Do any of you work in partial? If so, do you have any written info on recommended nurse/patient ratio for partial? I am thinking of a written letter to my boss, rather than the emails and verbal discussions, which would outline my concerns, offer some solutions, and share the trends throughout the US. Any guidance, references, suggestions, etc. are welcomed. Please feel free to post me here or private message me. Thanks. Kathy:monkeydance: