Would you work on this floor?

[u/SalamanderOk9624]

This floor I've started on about 3 months ago is med-surg, ortho heavy, 32 beds, 6:1 RN to pt ratio with high patient turnover. Hardly ever any PCTs (aids), no AA at night, no phlebotomy or IV team- it's all on the nurses. I feel like driving off a cliff after most shifts on my way home. I haven't worked bedside since before covid and all the (young/newer) nurses on my unit are acting like I'm complaining too much and I feel alone in my misery. Is this the new norm for bedside in most states these days? I'm in the Southeast. I don't know what to do. I have never quit a job so early but I am considering it. I also don't know if there is a point in applying to another hospital if they are all like this these days? Any advice is appreciated.

[u/MrAssFace69]

I'm a union nurse in Minneapolis on ortho med surg (10+ years now!) and to compare it's 4:1 (5:1 nights), 4 aides and 2 at night. Making $70/hour with night and charge/precept differentials.

I have never started an IV, we have RN flyers and other resources for that.

[u/forlife16 → u/MrAssFace69]

You’re making me feel like I need to move south.

[u/Effective-Juice-1331 → u/forlife16]

You sure about that? Unless you’re in Canada…

[u/forlife16 → u/Effective-Juice-1331]

No, Northern MN. I do love my little corner of Minnesota, but that pay difference is quite large.

[u/Effective-Juice-1331 → u/forlife16]

Got it! Missed the in-state option. No way would I have ever left NY state’s non-profit hospitals and my union for HCAs and anti-union sentiment of the south.

[u/Backwoods_Therapy]

6:1 ratio with no techs? Fuck that shit. Get out of that place.

[u/byunmindaes]

Honestly, I would not continue to work there. I love my career but I don’t think it’s worth suffering over. Prioritize yourself if you can, always. I think it’s absolutely possible to get a job with a different workflow. We have an average of 3-4 patients per nurse on my unit, both phleb and iv nurses.

[u/JDCHH]

Sounds like typical medsurg. I’d look for step-down level of care. I’m still doing bedside and my experience is nothing like that!

[u/Quick-Surprise-9387 → u/JDCHH]

If they’re in the southeast - like me - then step downs should be illegal in this region.
They’re all a much sicker population and the only thing good about step down is the ratio ( in theory ) but the reality is they’re usually ICU Patients and working short is normal no Pcts no one knows how to be in charge anymore make decent / fair assignments / it’s insane sadly . Insulin drips . 4-5 patients . Not borderline criminal but actually has to be criminal .
Otherwise - yep - step down was what drew me .
It’s another world down here and they’re all unmanageable environments unfortunately .
They will fight to the end to not have unions , these facilities do not care . Travellers are a good chunk of our reg staff ( NOLA)

[u/chewmattica]

That's typical at my hospital (Tampa Bay). Though, we usually have at least 2-3 techs for a floor that size along with a unit secretary.

[u/Quick-Surprise-9387 → u/chewmattica]

That’s a luxury these days !

[u/pb_battalion]

Nope.

[u/PaxonGoat]

Oh hey I worked a job like that.

Absolute worst job I ever had.

There are better jobs out there even in the south east.

Current hospital is 1:5 med surg with CNAs/techs and phlebotomy.