LaRose

It is not safe to leave one RN in any acute care setting alone or with just an aide or LPN/LVN. There need to be 2 RNs when even 1 patient is in this type of setting. Look for safety guidelines.

What are your units doing about visiting hours these days - limited at set hours or more open or fully open? Do you have strong feelings about any particular method and why?

Have you checked the AACN (Critical Care) website? I believe that they require 1 nurse: 2 patients. You should be able to find some guidance there.

I think hospitals are supposed to furnish a place for employees to secure their possessions while working - it is part of employee safety.

Someone posted that there should never be less than 2 nurses on a floor - especially in the ICU!!!! That is absolutely true. You are very lucky to get out of that situation. Have you contacted the state board of nursing about safety issues?