New agency nurse .. is 40 patients normal ?

I know I am risking opening the endless debate about med aides, but at least here in OR most large NH's have med aides and it takes some of the ouch out of going into an unfamiliar building. Are you in the PDX area?

I remember the first time I went to a nursing home while working for an agency. No one had wrist bands on, and only a few residents had their pics in the chart. So, I'd ask the aides where's Mrs. so n so? Answer, oh she's the little old white haired lady, with glasses across the room (dining hall, full of little ol' ladies with white hair and glasses). Now which one would that be? If you are a regular employee you can handle those numbers of pts. because you know them. But, coming in cold, yikes! I have not worked with med techs, and they are becoming more popular here, but I don't think I really like the idea much.
Liz

My hat is off to anyone who can handle that. I hope that everyone is either OK with it, or moving on quickly. I get a sick feeling in my stomach just considering those ratios. I don't think I could do it.