ringaring

I have not found any state (OR) requirements for nurse:patient ratios in LTC facilities. By 'nurse' I am referring to RNs and LPNs. From what I have read, it seems one nurse for up to 30 patients is generally accepted by the industry. Acuity is not taken into account - it's simply a numbers game for the accountants. I work in a facility that accepts such an unreasonable and unsafe workload which in turn prohibits patient from receiving the competent and thorough care they are entitled to and paying for. What to do . . .? I could report this to some agency however, this corporation and most like it have been dancing around the regulations for years and can far outwit any inspectors. I have addressed the issue with administration only to be told the facility is 'in compliance with nursing:patient ratios', and, we are 'not budgeted for more staff'. I can bring the problem to a forum such as this and ask for input - which is why I'm here. Any suggestions to facilitate changes in LTC nursing policy are welcome. . . . and please, no 'suck it up and deal with it' attitudes! That kind of tolerance to an abusive industry is unacceptable and shameful in professional nursing.