Any ER to Dialysis RN's out there?

Specialties Urology

Published

I've been an ER nurse for a little over 2 years since graduating with my ADN but feel dialysis is my calling. I'm currently in a 3 year contract with my employer and do enjoy working in the ER enviornment but I am also ready to make the switch when my contract is up. Are there any dialysis RN's out there who started off or have experience in the ER that would be kind enough to share their experiences...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Why do you think dialysis is your calling? Have you spent time in a chronic dialysis facility? What don't you like about the ER? I've made the transition but I really want to hear about your expectations.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The main reason is because for me I think it would be much more rewarding than working in the emergency department. As of right now my goal is to get hired and into the hospital/home health setting after my training is completed.

There are so many different extremes when working in the emergency setting. Patient conditions, family, staffing, etc. I want to be able to narrow my focus a bit and know that I'm making a difference. For some reason dialysis is at the top of my list of intuition :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
The main reason is because for me I think it would be much more rewarding than working in the emergency department. As of right now my goal is to get hired and into the hospital/home health setting after my training is completed.

There are so many different extremes when working in the emergency setting. Patient conditions, family, staffing, etc. I want to be able to narrow my focus a bit and know that I'm making a difference. For some reason dialysis is at the top of my list of intuition :)

Hospital/home health setting...eh? These two realms (no matter the specialty) are entirely different animals.

Dialysis is more focused, yes, but you will still run until you can't run no mo'.

I would suggest Acute Dialysis (you will utilize your ED experience, and that experience will go a long way in dealing with different scenarios faced in Acutes). You would be a prime candidate to landing a position in Acutes.

The other possibility is in the growing field of Home Hemodialysis. This means you must like to travel, do home visits, and teach.

Most companies hire internally for their Home Hemo programs--meaning you have been with the company for a while, and or have proved your mettle in the field of dialysis.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment