What is your typical nurse:patient ratio in your progressive care?

[wishNhopeNdreamN]

Hi! I have been a nurse for just at 2yrs. I have been at my current position for a little over a year. I am contemplating a move from a small and I mean small hospital (18 bed) med surg unit to a bigger hospital (32 unit) progressive care unit. I had my interview today. They said they would let me know either way some time next week. Well to my surprise they called practically by the time I got home and left a message. They want me back for a second interview to start the HR process, schedule my physical and start orientation 9/10. Which isn't even 2 weeks. I have already decided I will not leave my current job without 2 weeks notice. But if they will wait then I have some decisions to make.

I absolutely love my current job. I work with awesome people. Everyone of them epitomize teamwork. We have a great pt ratio of usually 3 and usually not more than 6 pt. I know that is great!!! But after a move 5 months ago my commute is now 2 hrs round trip. The new job is only 20 mins from home, pay is considerably more, I will definitely gain more experience and skills. The thing that has me the most scared is the nurse to pt ratio is 1: 5-6. They said I would work up that many. training about 8-10 weeks.

I have a very good friend who works there and ironically drives about the same distance as I do for my current job. She has been offered a full time position at a smaller closer hospital and turned it down because she likes this progressive care unit so much. She said it's doable, and she gets bored when she is at her prn position at the small hospital.

Some stats about the PCU: no insulin drips, no fresh cardiac pts, no vents, majority are renal, respiratory, stroke pts, lots of c-pap, bipap.

So please give some opinions, share how your progressive care unit is run.

Thanks for your input.