ratios at OU Children's

[RMJLA]

Hi OK Nurses!

I am not sure if the question has been asked, but I cannot find the answer.

Does anyone know what the nurse-to-patient ratio is like at OU Children's Hospital? I thought I read somewhere on their website that mentioned "low ratios." I know Oklahoma does not have any laws about nurse ratios, but sometimes hospitals take it upon themselves to set standards. I'm specifically interested in the heme/onc and PICU areas.

Thanks in advance

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

When I completed clinical rotations at OU Medical Center six years ago, most floors outside of critical care had nurse/patient ratios of 1:6.

I notice your profile location is Los Angeles. Are you thinking of relocating to OKC? Be cognizant that OU Medical Center's starting pay rates are less than $20 hourly.

[RMJLA]

Hi TheCommuter,

Thanks for your reply. I'm from Oklahoma, and I am strongly considering moving back to be closer to my family. However, I know all the wonderful things I'd be giving up such as mandated ratios, Magnet recognition, and unions.

But, I've been informed by a nurse recruiter at OU Medical that new grads are starting out at $22 an hour now with $3 differentials for nights and weekends. I've done some math and that is only slightly under what I'd make at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Cost of living is an important indicator.

I suppose I will have to wait to ask OU Children's about their ratios. The nurse recruiter would not tell me until I applied! I'm hoping to find out what they do currently, especially in the critical areas of pediatrics.

[ab25]

I worked as a tech on the medical floor at Children's during nursing school (graduated last May). Med/surg floors were typically 1:4, occasionally 1:5 (rarely!) or 1:3 depending on acuity, hem/onc was similar. PICU is 1:2/1:1. My classmates who started working there this summer were making the 22/hr as new grads. If I was not planning on moving out of state to be near family, I would have absolutely considered a job there. Good luck!