whats the average nurse/patient ratio

mka126RN · Apr 25, 2003

I was offered a job at a nursing care/rehab center, and I just found out that its a 40 bed unit. The nurse/patient ratio is 1:20. I think this ratio is unsafe and crazy....I was also offered another job on a cardiac unit in a hospital. The nurse/patient ratio on that unit is 1:8....

I have no experience with cardiac nursing, just rehab. I don't know which I should take.....any suggestions? :confused:

gwenith, BSN, RN · Apr 25, 2003

What is the accuity?

!:8 sounds LOTS better than 1:20 but if the eight patients are all unstable requiring multiple interventions while the 20 patients are all self-caring independant then you are beeter with the 1:20.

For further information look up the term "patient nurse dependency"(PND). One of the BIG pushes here in Aussieland is to use PND computer programs to accurately assess nursing requirements per shift.

gwenith, BSN, RN · Apr 25, 2003

What is the accuity?

!:8 sounds LOTS better than 1:20 but if the eight patients are all unstable requiring multiple interventions while the 20 patients are all self-caring independant then you are beeter with the 1:20.

For further information look up the term "patient nurse dependency"(PND). One of the BIG pushes here in Aussieland is to use PND computer programs to accurately assess nursing requirements per shift.

MelRN13 · Apr 25, 2003

Our cardiac telemetry is 1:6, not counting support staff. We've explored this issue numerous times, try the search button in the upper right hand corner, and you may find what you're looking for!

Good luck on your decision.

MelRN13 · Apr 25, 2003

Our cardiac telemetry is 1:6, not counting support staff. We've explored this issue numerous times, try the search button in the upper right hand corner, and you may find what you're looking for!

Good luck on your decision.

LilgirlRN, ADN, RN · Apr 25, 2003

Look for another job. You don't HAVE to take either of these jobs.

LilgirlRN, ADN, RN · Apr 25, 2003

Look for another job. You don't HAVE to take either of these jobs.

Going80INA55 · Apr 25, 2003

I would look for another job.

Our tele was 1:8 and it was TOTALLY insafe.

Going80INA55 · Apr 25, 2003

I would look for another job.

Our tele was 1:8 and it was TOTALLY insafe.

live4today, RN · Apr 25, 2003

On dayshift, our telemetry unit's nurse/patient ratio is usually 1:5...no more than 1:6. It's more than enough to care for when they are cardiac telemetry patients. :)

gwenith...we call PND's Patient Acuities in American hospitals.

live4today, RN · Apr 25, 2003

On dayshift, our telemetry unit's nurse/patient ratio is usually 1:5...no more than 1:6. It's more than enough to care for when they are cardiac telemetry patients. :)

gwenith...we call PND's Patient Acuities in American hospitals.