Staff on Floor!!!!

[Hazmat35]

Isn't there supposed to be a certain number or a ratio of patients to Techs / Nurses on the floor at all times?  I was told once, that there needed to be a 4 to one ratio of Techs and a 8 to 1 ratio of Nurses!

However; lately; our in-center Dialysis clinic has had a 16 to 1 ratio of patients to Nurses....that can't be right; is it?  Our RN is driving herself into an early grave if she keeps up much longer....the other RN is "out" and she's been doing both jobs for almost 2 weeks now...she's been working 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM x 3 days per week.  it is a little scarey; when she's taking care of someone; and someone else needs attention....and they have to wait! 

We have the same thing with the Techs; somedays; we have a ratio of 3 techs to 5-6 patients or a ratio of 2 techs to 8 patients.  I get really concerned sometimes; because when one Tech is at lunch; the others tend to 'wander' into the breakroom too; and leave the floor unattended.  Not always; but once for me; is too many times! 

Is there a set ratio for Medicare???


EDIT:  Moved from "Off-Topic: Talk about anything you want." to correct topic: "Dialysis: Centers."

NOAHVALE MODERATOR

[noahvale]

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[Hazmat35]

I've read the information on the sites provided; I guess that maybe I just don't see it; or maybe there isn't a "rule" for the patient to Tech / Nurse Ratio.  I see some 'suggested' ratios for the Tech to Patient (4 to 1) which is what I've always been told; but I don't see a hard a fast rule. 

Yesterday (Friday) we had a full house; 16 chairs full of patients; one Medical Director making rounds; one 'acting" administrator; one 'acting' assistant / receptionist' one dietitian; one social worker; two Nurses; 4 Techs; and one trainee......but as soon as the Medical Director left; so did everyone except for 2 Technicians and one Nurse.  It was almost as if it was staged. 

[noahvale]

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