I've noticed a lot of hype here in california for the 1:5 ratio law requirement in hospitals, and wonder, why don't they enforce some sort of ratio in long term care? The patients often require a lot of needs in LTC, and it seems ridiculous to me for one nurse (LVN) to exist for over 50 patients. And then they're upset when you stay late!
I would not want a family member, or anyone I know ever in a LTC because of the lack of attention they have to recieve because there's only one nurse and a few CNA's.
I'm wondering if anyone else feels the same way that I do? and perhaps there's a way we can protest for change?
Yes, there absolutely needs to be ratios in LTC. It is very unfortunate that society thinks so little of the elderly. In other cultures family members care for the aged. I know that nurses in LTC provide the best they can under the circumstances, but in reality with these high ratio's how can the care be quality?? LTC nurses are overworked and underpaid...Maybe when this society begins to value the young and elderly we will see a change, but with medicar & medicaid reimbursement rates for LTC, nothing is going to happen anytime soon. As a patient/resident advocate this really makes me upset!
It would take EVERY nurse in EVERY nursing home in this country to take a stand and just refuse to take this anymore, and you know what would happen, we would lose our license and the CEO's would either find somebody else to work cheaper or close the facilities completely. Realistically this would never happen, because we wouldn't walk away and leave our residents, but that's part of the problem too, they all know that. We have all had this same discussion at work, not just the floor nurses, but the DON, ADON and Administrator, we all feel the strain and pain, but feel that our hands are tied. We could always quit and go someplace else, but just read some of the posts here. Where are we gonna go that we don't basically face the same problem. It's not just LTC. Although that is my soapbox!!!!!
Oh good lord, yes. I am an agency nurse working LTC, sometimes subacute. When I first became an agency nurse, I think it was my 3rd shift I had taken, I went to a nursing home where I had 38 patients 6 had g-tubes, 3 of those were scheduled bolus feedings and 2 IV's, this was first shift. I also had a couple of AIDS patients and the amount of meds they are on is crazy. Several plastic med cups full, chock full. I did not take a break all day and the DON thought I did great. Even asked me if I would come back, but I never stepped foot in that place again. Those poor patients.
Dek, I don't think your ranting,but concerned about this whole diabolical situation in LTC. My heart goes out to the residents and my fellow nurses. I'm not without hope though..I believe we as nurses can do something about this. I think we need to band together,instead of being so fractured as a group in a profession. I'm not talking unions, I'm talking lots of numbers of signatures to our representatives,families I'm sure would also get involved afterall its' their family members we are discussing here and the quality of care they are receiving. Things can be done,it has to be changed and I believe as nurses who care about the people we are caring for are the ones to get it done. Have a great day today ,great post! Mistylou
What a day that was for you,WOW! My hat off to you ! I've felt many times of just going home and not returning and unfortunately I'm not the only one who has thought that too. Change has to happen ,we as nurses can do it. Our patients deserve it! Have a nice day!
Lets' all talk with our state representatives about this issue. I'll bet families also would get involved. Afterall it is the state laws that govern the ratios anyways! A nursing union is similar to a police union they can't strike either its' against public safety, I know I'm married to an officer and he has such similar frustration on the job also,yet they have managed to get change accomplished through talking with their representatives. I love being a nurse it is one of the greatest accomplishments of my life but I also was a juvenile probation officer,a waitress in fine dining and worked for American airlines. Yet nursing is the best of them all. We can make changes and still keep our jobs.
LadyJRN
38 Posts
Dekatn
Good post.......so true. I wish we could fix it, but I have no clue how.