While a 6:1 patient load can be hard to manage, if appropriately assigned it can be doable and without any care quality deficits. I’m a nurse on a very busy medical surgical oncology unit in Houston, Texas. Our max patient load is 6:1, but we also have at least 2 (if not 3) techs on the floor, a floor secretary, and a free charge (99% of the time). I have had days where my 6 patient load is heavy and it is almost too much, but when charge nurses are aware of patient acuity when making assignments it can make or break your shift with 6:1. I do prefer 5 patients. I feel like even with high acuity patients I am able to give each patient safe, appropriate care and still have time to take my 30 minute break and use the restroom (which trust me some days is impossible…..I’ve returned home after a 12 hour shift realizing I didn’t once use the restroom). All in all, it is my opinion that whether you have 4,5,or 6 patients your day is going to be determined by your own time management, decision making , and positivity. I have found a routine that works for me, even on those hectic days with a 6 patient load with high acuity patients. I stick with it, and I am able to give safe, efficient, caring, and personalized care to each patient I encounter.
A full patient load with two anticipated discharges, and therefore two anticipated admissions, medication pass coming, x1 IV push lasix due ASAP with high falls risk patient, family waiting for an update, an expired IV, a call bell, a change in telemetry, a Pyxis error code, an interdisciplinary meeting happening time now...etc. Yet in a 12-hour shift, defined in minute-to-minute tasks, nurses must keep current in a field where medical knowledge doubles every 73 days, and organizational and unit policies and procedures change constantly to keep pace. Nurses learn to learn while nursing. We do this, largely, by looking to experienced peers on the floor who can help us in the moment. These nurses guide and mentor while also maintaining their own patient loads. This informal flow of information is largely uncaptured, but essential to maintaining high standards on a unit, keeping patients safe. I saw some amazing nurses at UVA today, and it made me remember the nurses I've looked up to on my own journey. Whether it was walking me through the steps of a blood transfusion, helping me critically think through making patient assignments, prodding me to get board certified, or suggesting I channel my initiative into an Evidence-Based Practice Project, I wouldn't be where I am today without peer nurses, leading from the front. I'm curious: (feel free to direct message if you don't want to share) 👩⚕️ Did anyone else have nurse mentor-guides? 💪 Think back to a time in your nursing career where you stepped out of your comfort zone to learn something impactful to you, who or what lead you to that decision? 💡 What's one "Aha moment" that changed your nursing career/mindset? #nursingeducation #nurseleader #professionaldevelopment #lifelonglearning
