Average number of patients

[DearDylan]

Hello everyone, I just got hired as a CNA in a retirement community and went in today to sign all the paperwork. While signing the paperwork me and the worker were talking and she said that per shift you get 25 patients in your wing. You have two CNAs working, but one is just giving out meds and the other one is answering call lights and things like that. Just wondering is that more patients than a CNA normally has in this environment or about average? Other than that I'm really looking forward to this job and I start med training on the 27th which I'm excited for. I think this will be a good foot into the health field before I apply to nursing programs next spring.

[Missingyou, CNA]

I would say that all depends on the general needs of the residents.

If they are mostly independent and you are there only to make sure they are safe and keep up with house keeping then that's not a bad ratio.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

You said it's a retirement community. It sounds like an independent living setting with low-acuity residents who do not need much help. I'd say 25 is normal.

[Paws2people]

It's always too many. Whether it's 12 or 25. I would like to give thorough, adequate care and take my time. That never happens. Sadly it's at the expense of the patient.

[betm, CNA]

25 seems about right. My first job, I had about 30 to myself and after that, it was right around 20 at smaller facilities. The only time I had a manageable load was when I had one person to take care of in homecare. Good luck at your new job!

[hookyarnandblanket]

It's always too many. Whether it's 12 or 25. I would like to give thorough, adequate care and take my time. That never happens. Sadly it's at the expense of the patient.

Where I work, we sometimes have a total of 3 patients per CNA, and sometimes all we can do is the minimal amount of care possible for some because others are too demanding or require heavy care. It is sad.