Staffing ratios and job classifications

[NLE Nurse]

I have a questions regarding Staffing ratios on a 50 bed Med-Surg Unit, with orthopedic, general surgery patients. We use RN's, LPN's and NA's with a team concept. Normal assignments are 10-12 patients per team. Does anyone out there have a simular unit, and how do you divide up responsibilites between the members of the team. What kind of staffing ratios do you see on this size of a unit?

[live4today, RN]

I've been in a situation as you speak of in military hospitals and a few civilian hospitals. Having to work Team Nursing is only as effective as the "Team" one works with. Some work, some don't.

I prefer Primary Nursing, but the high patient ratio and acuity levels of patients today do NOT allow for nurses to be Primary Nurses anymore.

[renerian, BSN, RN]

I liked primary care too.

renerian

[SmilingBluEyes]

What you are seeing there is about the norm most places for med-surge nursing. I have the ULTIMATE respect for med/surge nurses. They really hop. More than almost anywhere else I know. It's downright dangerous, if you ask me.