What are considered normal patient ratios?

I've read several threads on this board about nurses refusing to care for high numbers of patients because they didn't want to put their license in jeopardy. As a nursing student I wanted to ask what is a "normal" patio ratio? Does it vary by the area you work in? Can your employer terminate you for refusal of care even if the numbers were really high? Can you help me please get a better understanding of this. Thanks

[LilRedRN1973]

The hospitals here in town are around 1:4 or 1:6 for a general floor, and in the ICU/CIC/ER etc. they are 1:2.