Nurse-to-patient ratios: 1:5-7 on days, 1:6-8 on nights
CNA/PCT ratio averages 1:10-12, but may be higher
Common patient types include pneumonia, UTI, AMS, GI bleed, alcohol withdrawal, and falls/weakness
RN titration of drips is allowed with exceptions; no cardiac drip titration
Common titratable or set-rate drips include heparin, bumex, and lasix
Charge nurse coverage: 2 on day shift; charge nurse takes an assignment. At night, if only 1 charge nurse is scheduled, they do not take an assignment
Respiratory therapy administers breathing treatments, inhalers, ABGs, and manages BiPAP, CPAP, and high-flow oxygen
Nurses are not expected to read or interpret telemetry strips
No call or standby requirement