Ratio on step-down unit

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I was just wondering what the nurse/patient ratios are on your step-down units.

Thanks.

Specializes in Rodeo Nursing (Neuro).

We run 3:1. Cardiac step-down sometimes runs 4:1. I've floated to the CSDU and found four manageable--the ones I had were more like step-and-a-half down--but I've had assignements there where three was plenty. Honestly, I don't see how they can call more than 3:1 a stepdown assignment. On my home, neuro, floor, I've had nights with 2 that felt like an ICU team, and if I got a third, they'd better be able to help pass meds.

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Specializes in pcu/stepdown/telemetry.

ours is 1:3 and 4 max

Some of the ratio's here are crazy, I wonder if they are really talking about a telemetry floor.

step down is not the same as a med/surg pt on a cardiac monitor. That would be telemetry but not stepdown.

So are those 6-8:1 really considered stepdown?

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ours is 1:3 and 4 max

Some of the ratio's here are crazy, I wonder if they are really talking about a telemetry floor.

step down is not the same as a med/surg pt on a cardiac monitor. That would be telemetry but not stepdown.

So are those 6-8:1 really considered stepdown?

I was just looking back at some of the OPs past posts and it sounds like it is a real step down. They get vents! Who on earth decided 6 patients to one nurse on this unit is safe?

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Thanks to all of you for posting..we are 6:1. Safety is always my biggest concern. :eek:

...and I might add, there is no regard for acuity. We have this scale that we chart on, but that is so subjective & different with each nurse.

I feel your pain I'm on a so called step down that is 6:1. The acuity rating is freaking joke. We are most likely going to 7. Its all about filling up a bed with no regard to quality of care for the pt. On the staffing end our unit has the highest turnover rate and the most amount of falls in the hospital. I go in tomorrow feel like :crying2: thinking about it.

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Specializes in Med Surge, Tele, Oncology, Wound Care.

In Texas I did 1:6, it was awful.

In WA 1:4- way more manageable.

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On the staffing end our unit has the highest turnover rate and the most amount of falls in the hospital.

Well, no wonder! And I'm sure your management is blaming it on the nurses and not the completely unsafe workload. :mad:

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In Texas I did 1:6, it was awful.

In WA 1:4- way more manageable.

That's crazy. My unit as described above is 3:1 day and night. It's also in Texas.

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I was just looking back at some of the OPs past posts and it sounds like it is a real step down. They get vents! Who on earth decided 6 patients to one nurse on this unit is safe?

It's not safe at all...they don't label us "step-down"; that would require staffing accordingly $$

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It's not safe at all...they don't label us "step-down"; that would require staffing accordingly $$

Terrible for both the nurses and the patients. What management is doing is unacceptable and it's obvious in your posts that you know already this. I hope you are actively looking for a new job and that you are able to find something better/safer soon!

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Terrible for both the nurses and the patients. What management is doing is unacceptable and it's obvious in your posts that you know already this. I hope you are actively looking for a new job and that you are able to find something better/safer soon!

I don't care about missing my lunch or not charting until the end of my shift...however yes, my patients deserve more...so much better.:heartbeat

In response to your latter part of the post...Yes! I am...and thanks!

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At my hospital;

3:1 and that's day or night. No tech or CNA.

Our patients are mostly on drips and Bipap. One step away from being a Rapid Response. Either getting transferred from ICU or on the way back to ICU.

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