Expected salary for new dialysis RN-with no experience

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Aug 25, 2002

Hi Humn'brd !

At our clinic (and all the clinics in our LARGE company) it is common routine and EXPECTED that the RNs carry a patient load and perform all the duties you described..these are not just

"tech" duties, but are divided equally amongst all staff but the DON. She, however does help out a lot on the floor as often as possible and as needed, especially first thing in the morning, and during shift change-over. So if you're charge nurse for the day (regardless of whether the DON is present that day), you would still carry a "side", or 4pts. plus your charge duties. We usually have one RN on per day (not including the DON who may or may not be present). The RN and the LPNs draw up and admin. the meds along with all the other duties you described. The techs will do most of the "heavy lifting" of supplies, stocking, etc., but other than that we are all in it together and do our best to help each other out regardless of title. I believe it's that way in most clinics. I have yet to hear of one where an RN doesn't have to set up machines, clean them, etc., etc. Maybe I'm wrong.. I'd like to know how other clinics do this. Perhaps this post will draw a response and describe routines in other states or areas or companies. I'm curious to know !

Diva · Aug 26, 2002

In the big city, dialysis RN's generally make about $30/hr.

The duties vary depending upon the individual unit. In chronic units nurses often have a patient care assignment along with medication and charting assignments. However, that is not set in stone.

There are many variations of staffing and it varies from unit to unit, even within those units owned by the same companies.

One of the great benefits of dialysis nursing is every Sunday off and alternate Saturdays. That schedule is pretty much standard everywhere.

I'd like to hear more about dialysis nursing from others.

fsound · Jan 6, 2003

It seams that travel nurses with dialysis experience get a lot more than full time rn's get. some sites list up to $37 per hour. an example would be this one: http://www.qtstaffing.com/jobs.html

patadney · Jan 8, 2003

Dialysis nursing is definately like no other specialty. BUT you only get every other Sat off if there is enough licensed staff to cover and you only get Sun off if you are working in an out patient clinic with no acute responsibilities. Pt will get sick and need dialysis at all hours of the day and night.Usually there is warning that kidneys are failing,but some people ignore symptoms,especially tough men and thenthere is a crisis and we get to come in and save lives. As an acute nurse,you can be on call and wearing a pager at all hours. The different facilities work this out according to the need. I have worked in large cities that had acute units that went to the different hospitals to do dialysis.Then you need to know all about everything as you might need to set up your own machine in a hurry. I really enjoy my work.

Mrs.Yost · Mar 21, 2003

My SIL works dialysis in the Chicagoland area and makes $29/hr.

babs_rn · Mar 26, 2003

I started out with DaVita about a year ago after 14 years' multi-area experience and I was paid according to my nursing experience regardless of the fact that I had no dialysis experience. I am happy with this company. I think they realize that in order to get good, quality nurses into dialysis, you have to be competitive with their wages.

And if you want numbers, keep in mind that I live in rural Georgia where the cost of living is low; I was started out at $22.70/hr, which is more than what the hospitals are offering. I think it varies clinic to clinic, but to be honest with you, the past year has been the first point in my entire career that I have NOT actively sought to get out of nursing.

Good luck!!

Barb

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Apr 6, 2003

I am new to dialysis, too. I was hired @$21.00/hr, $24.00/hr on Saturdays. I work 30 hrs a week and will be eligable for some limited benefits in the future (6 mos- 1 yr)

I have been an RN for 3 years, and was an LPN for 7 years.

The techs do pretty much run the unit, and make a lot of decisions that the nurses are not aware of.

Today, I was the only nurse for 10 pts and it got pretty hairy. I have only been out of orientation for two weeks.

I had one pt have chest pain, another go into arrythmias, and another had severe hypotension due to meds he was given at his nursing home before coming in to dialyze. We didn't know about him getting the meds 'til I called and asked.

Four of the pts were caths, two were LifeSites.

I like dialysis, but the work-load is too heavy at my unit, things can get dangerous. A new company is building a unit in my town. I'm going to apply.

xantha31669 · Apr 6, 2003

I just talked to a place here in western mass that starts a new grad at 20.84. I guess that is good.

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Apr 7, 2003

Originally posted by E-RN

Gambro would train you. Starting salary is 16.00/hr ( I know bummer), then they would bring you up to 21.00 after 6 months. .

E-RN: I have a question re Gambro...

is their starting pay "regional" (according to geographical area) as with FMC, or is it across the board? Just curious. Of course I happen to live in one of the most economically depressed areas in the country here, so our pay for a new nurse (new grad or not!) to an FMC facility as starting pay is pretty shabby. As in $14.50/hr. And NO promise of increase in 6 mos., either, much less such a large jump !

Would be interested to know.

Thanx !

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Apr 11, 2003

Originally posted by Hum'nbird
I am expected to perform their (tech's) work, everything from cleaning machines, priming, putting pts. on, monitoring them, take off - and do it all over again when next shift starts."
Me, too. I give meds, chart, write care plans, call docs, too (I'm way behind on care plans). I'm not charge, though. I get tired of hauling bicarb jugs, filling paper towel dispensers, stocking supplies, too.
It is too much.

babs_rn · Apr 25, 2003

Originally posted by Hellllllo Nurse
Originally posted by Hum'nbird
I am expected to perform their (tech's) work, everything from cleaning machines, priming, putting pts. on, monitoring them, take off - and do it all over again when next shift starts."

Me, too. I give meds, chart, write care plans, call docs, too (I'm way behind on care plans). I'm not charge, though. I get tired of hauling bicarb jugs, filling paper towel dispensers, stocking supplies, too.
It is too much.

Ever think about Davita? FORTUNATELY (and they HAVE treated me very well) I will be able to float to another clinic to make substantial OT and mileage $$$. I've been with them a year now and it was breaking my heart to even consider leaving. Gambro offered me over $4 LESS per hr.... Too, I felt that I owed it to my regional people to try to do their best to meet my needs - They can count on me, and it's nice to know that I can count on them in return.
The past year that I have spent in dialysis (with Davita) has been the first time in my 15 year nursing career that I have NOT been desperate to get out of nursing. I don't know where you live, but you can check out http://www.davita.com --
By the way, the company has been trying to get rid of the bicarb jugs - ours is in the wall. We do all work together to make sure everything is stocked. We have assignments (one will check the crash cart, another will check the phoenix meters, etc) - but Davita is so picky about how you draw up the meds that it's usually just the charge nurse who gives those.
Maybe this will help you some? Don't let one bad company spoil you on something you might otherwise love...
Good luck!
Barb
Oh, just as a PS....in this little rural south georgia town I get $23.38/hr. Plus an extra $3/hr when I float. Plus I get paid my regular rate per hour that I drive when I float, if I drive over 60 miles. Plus I get mileage at 36 cents / mile when I float. Maybe that will help ya some...

babs_rn · Apr 25, 2003

Originally posted by Hellllllo Nurse
Originally posted by Hum'nbird
I am expected to perform their (tech's) work, everything from cleaning machines, priming, putting pts. on, monitoring them, take off - and do it all over again when next shift starts."

Me, too. I give meds, chart, write care plans, call docs, too (I'm way behind on care plans). I'm not charge, though. I get tired of hauling bicarb jugs, filling paper towel dispensers, stocking supplies, too.
It is too much.

Ever think about Davita? FORTUNATELY (and they HAVE treated me very well) I will be able to float to another clinic to make substantial OT and mileage $$$. I've been with them a year now and it was breaking my heart to even consider leaving. Gambro offered me over $4 LESS per hr.... Too, I felt that I owed it to my regional people to try to do their best to meet my needs - They can count on me, and it's nice to know that I can count on them in return.
The past year that I have spent in dialysis (with Davita) has been the first time in my 15 year nursing career that I have NOT been desperate to get out of nursing. I don't know where you live, but you can check out http://www.davita.com --
By the way, the company has been trying to get rid of the bicarb jugs - ours is in the wall. We do all work together to make sure everything is stocked. We have assignments (one will check the crash cart, another will check the phoenix meters, etc) - but Davita is so picky about how you draw up the meds that it's usually just the charge nurse who gives those.
Maybe this will help you some? Don't let one bad company spoil you on something you might otherwise love...
Good luck!
Barb
Oh, just as a PS....in this little rural south georgia town I get $23.38/hr. Plus an extra $3/hr when I float. Plus I get paid my regular rate per hour that I drive when I float, if I drive over 60 miles. Plus I get mileage at 36 cents / mile when I float. Maybe that will help ya some...