TX Nurse/Patient Ratios

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Sep 22, 2005

When I worked the hospitals I usually had 7-8 but in LTC I have had 50... so you never know. However, there are no mandated pt ratios in TX...

Does Texas have any mandated nurse/patient ratios? I know that California and New York do; however, Texas might be a different story. I am an LVN student with an approaching graduation date of October '05. When I eventually obtain licensure, I am worried about working in the state of Texas and getting stuck with 10 patients.

Nancy2 · Oct 2, 2005

I have several close friends in Texas, in the DFW area. They tell me that the usual patient assignment is 4-6 patients per RN depending on acuity. As I understand it, it is very rare to have more than that.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Oct 2, 2005

I have several close friends in Texas, in the DFW area. They tell me that the usual patient assignment is 4-6 patients per RN depending on acuity. As I understand it, it is very rare to have more than that.

I will work as an LVN; therefore, I might receive more patients than the RNs on duty.

Nancy2 · Oct 2, 2005

I will work as an LVN; therefore, I might receive more patients than the RNs on duty.

I asked my friend, she says the nurses are given patients pretty equally whether RN or LVN, If one is assigned fewer patients it's with the expectation that he/she will take admits.

Hope this helps.

Nancy2 · Oct 2, 2005

Does Texas have any mandated nurse/patient ratios? I know that California and New York do; however, Texas might be a different story. I am an LVN student with an approaching graduation date of October '05. When I eventually obtain licensure, I am worried about working in the state of Texas and getting stuck with 10 patients.

I notice you are in California, are you planning on moving to Texas? Or taking travel assignments?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Oct 6, 2005

I notice you are in California, are you planning on moving to Texas? Or taking travel assignments?

I am moving to the Dallas/Fort Worth area this month. The house that I am buying is expected to close on October 14. I am going to be a newbie (graduating Oct. 14 and waiting to take NCLEX).

GiGi-RN · Jan 26, 2006

More like 6-7 patients most the time. Wish we did have some type of mandate regarding nurse/patient ratio.

cpillow · Jan 26, 2006

My experience for 6 years in TX - Usually 4-6 patients, nights will sometimes go up to 8. There are no nurse to patient ratios or and usually no "LVN coverage". LVN's are pretty much considered independent practitioners with very little restrictions. Many times LVN's are trained on telemetry, IV therapy - including doing their own IV pushes for pain meds and ABX. Anything that the LVN can't do, the charge nurse or team leader, who also usually carries a patient load of 3-8 patients, will do for them.

Needless to say, I in hog heaven living in California!!!!

CrazyNurseIrene · Jan 28, 2006

It also depends on if you are working days or nights. Days are usually 5-6 and nights are 6-8 depending. Whoever has the fewest pts takes the first admit. There are no aids ( at least not where i was ) on nights. It depends on what unit your in and what shift. Hope this helps take care and good luck.