Interested in the specialty...

[Guest27531]

I have a question for experienced dialysis nurses. I have many years experience as an RN but I have never worked either in a renal unit or in a dialysis unit. I recently changed my work status from full time to Per Diem and now I'm finding that I was actually more satisfied at work when I was working full time. As I contemplate returning to full time employment I think I would like to change specialties and I remember that I really enjoyed dialysis when I was in nursing school. It also seems to be a practical work experience that could later translate into work as a travel nurse, agency nurse, or per diem work which could be helpful.

So, my question is related to how long it takes to become a competent dialysis nurse. Is experience in a renal unit usually required for a first job in the dialysis unit? Assuming for the moment that I could find a dialysis unit to hire and train me, how long do you think it would take for me to feel comfortable with the treatments? That's the real question...from the time you started on a dialysis unit how long until you felt really comfortable that you could function independently within your nursing function? What about certifications?

Thanks for any guidance you could provide.

[mswim]

I think most units require that you have at least 1 year hospital experience. (it sounds like you have many more. Most places will train you even with no experience. I don't think that you have to work on a renal floor. Renal patients have cardiac & many other issues. How long to become competent. Well the gold standard is 1 year. Chronic at a clinic is very different than acutes in hospital. So if you want to travel having a experience in both would be a plus. I currently work in chronics & am thinking about a move to acutes. I have worked there a year. Chronics is more of a grind... but you get lot's of practice with the machines.

[Guest27531]

Thank you for your input. Any other comments?

[Biffbradford]

[color=silver]i think most units require that you have at least 1 year hospital experience. (it sounds like you have many more. most places will train you even with no experience. i don't think that you have to work on a renal floor. renal patients have cardiac & many other issues. how long to become competent. well the gold standard is 1 year. chronic at a clinic is very different than acutes in hospital. so if you want to travel having a experience in both would be a plus. i currently work in chronics & am thinking about a move to acutes. i have worked there a year. chronics is more of a grind... but you get lot's of practice with the machines.

i've just started week 6 of my chronic dialysis job. same patients every other day, very routine. not a bad gig at all, but for this old icu crow ... a bit too slow. i was looking for less stress, but i think this is too much of a change. need to try acute down the road.

my training is 6 weeks as a tech, to learn the machine and the treatments, then 2 more months in the full rn role.