Resource 9: Patient Classification
Procedural
A professional registered nurse assesses the patient and develops a plan of care designed to meet the patient’s pre-procedural needs.
PHASE I
Class 1:2 One Nurse to Two Patients
a. One unconscious, stable without artificial airway and over age 9; and one conscious, stable, and free of complications
b. Two conscious, stable, free of complications
c. Two conscious, stable, 11 and younger; with family or competent support staff present
Class 1:1 One Nurse to One Patient
a. at the time of admission, until the critical elements are met
b. requiring mechanical life support and/or artificial airway
c. any unconscious patient 9 or younger
d. a second nurse must be available to assist as necessary
Class 2:1 Two Nurses to One Patient
a. One critically ill, unstable, complicated patient
PHASE II
Class 1:3 One Nurse to Three Patients
a. Age 5 and older within a half hour of procedure/discharge from Phase I
b. Age 5 and younger within a half hour of procedure/discharge from Phase I with family present.
Class 1:2 One Nurse to Two patients
a. Age 5 and younger without family or support staff present
b. initial admission of patient post procedure
Class 1:1 One Nurse to One Patient
a. unstable patient of any age needing transfer
Staffing is based on patient acuity, census, and physical facility. Two licensed nurses, one of whom is an RN, are present whenever a patient is recovering in Phase I. Two competent personnel, one of whom is an RN, are present whenever a patient is recovering in Phase II. An RN must be present at all times in Phase II. When the patient census increases to more than three, the RN staff-to-patient ratio must be increased to maintain the minimum 1:3 ratio.
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