What is the ideal caseload?

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What is the ideal caseload for a RNCM? What if you have a LPN to help you??

I think they overwhelm the nurses where I work. We have 25 patients per RN with a LPN. We have 15 patients per RN without a LPN. We do you guys think?

Specializes in Med-Surg, ER, ICU, Hospice.

I have 2 questions... one is for anotherkindredspirit and the other is for everyone.

1- Why the change in caseload? The increase you are talking about is not just an increase in caseload, it is more of a change in philosphy. Of course quality of care will suffer. So why the change?

2- Does the NHPCO provide guidelines for caseloads?

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your story is heartbreaking.... in fact, i felt myself start to tear. hospice takes a special kind of nurse that will go beyond the management of si/sy. im so sorry your familly did not experience this.

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In reponse to req read's question NHPCO has some recommended staffing rations on it's web site. I believe if you go into the main page then into the inside NHPCO then to technical support that they have recommeded staffing ratios for all disciplines. Hope this helps. Andyg

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Specializes in Med-Surg, ER, ICU, Hospice.

andyg,

I could not find it. Is it in the members only section?

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Hey there req read,

Go to the opening page and log in, go to the 11th bullet under technical assistance, then go to the 13th bullet titled suggested staffing ratios and it's all right there. Good luck andyg

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Specializes in Med-Surg, ER, ICU, Hospice.

andyg,

I have not been an NHPCO member for years so do not have access to the members only section of their website. However, since the question of caseload size keeps coming up among hospice nurses why not just tell us?

I do find it curious that the NHPCO treats this information as though it were some sort of trade secret. Establishing reasonable standards that are well known to both agencies and RN’s would promote better care and expose abuse, so why all the secrecy?

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andyg,

I have not been an NHPCO member for years so do not have access to the members only section of their website. However, since the question of caseload size keeps coming up among hospice nurses why not just tell us?

I do find it curious that the NHPCO treats this information as though it were some sort of trade secret. Establishing reasonable standards that are well known to both agencies and RN's would promote better care and expose abuse, so why all the secrecy?

It is ridiculous that this information is not readily available. I would paste it if this board would allow me to do that, but for some reason I can't get that to work.

For RN's

8-12

SW

20-30

Chaplain

40-60

HHA

15-25 visits per week

hope this helps

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Req-read..2 nurses have moved on and have not been replaced. Jobs have now been posted, so I am hopeful we are going through a temporary rough spot. Time will tell. Doodlemom: thanks to you for posting the magic numbers. Today I turned over a new leaf. I have made a promise to myself to do the things I know I should do in order to maintain serenity and a decent attitude! Today was a good day...now to maintain that.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Rehab, MRDD, Home Health.

Hello, I'm new to your forum, but a seasoned Hospice nurse

and looking forward to reading, learning and contributing where

I may. Ideal caseload? 10-12 seems reasonable if not admitting,

and depends on acuity. If you have patient(s) active, and your

Hospice doesn't have continuous care, 10-12 may be unreasonable

without prn assistance. Ultimately, the ideal case load is the one

that allows you to take optimal care of your patients. Take care and

look forward to joining in on other threads.

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