Need Info On Davita..........

iluvhrts · Apr 16, 2012

I also had no dialysis experience. The hiring process was as smooth as the last hospital I worked for. One interview with with center manager (they call them Facility Manager) then an offer in about a week period. After that it took ten days for the drug test/background check, then started work. I will have a 90 day orientation. Both in center and in classroom. Right now, I am working with a PCT, learning the machines, how to stick and remove lines. In my center our PCT's are awesome and all have 10+ years dialysis experience. I am a firm believer in as a nurse I should be able to do everything they can do so I can pitch in and help when needed. I was hired for a charge nurse position. I have to know what I'm doing before I can be charge. Meds are minimal. In Georgia, there must be one nurse for every 10 patients and a tech for every 4 patients. When the second round of patients starts to fall off and we get down to about 6 patients usually a nurse leaves and there is only one tech there. But we start at 5 am. I am usually home by 3. Center is never open past 330. Yes, sometimes pts have bad days. It's not real fun to be attached to a machine three days a week. But, I dealt with pts and families AND MD'S in the ICU too. I have come to really adore some of my patients. They are very sweet. Some.. not so much. But, it's all in how you look at it. We had a patient get a call to get a transplant while she was in our clinic last week. It was the most amazing thing to see and feel. It was something I will never forget. I have been hugged and told "I love you" by patients when they are leaving and saying goodbye (hey say it to all the techs and nurses). Sometimes you actually feel apprieciated. Sometimes... they scream and yell when you are putting 15 gauge needles in their arms...

So far, I have not had ONE family member come in and say to a patient "Have they been mean to you today, Mama?" or "I know she is sound asleep and hardly breathing, but can't you see, she's in PAIN?". OR my personal favorite... "Honey, I just had heart surgery, I can't stand up/ C &DB/ use IS/ feed myself." Obviously, I needed a change from CV surgery....

anurseadvocate · Apr 16, 2012

You should ask for a copy of the facility's most recent survey (inspection). Then, you can get an idea of what problems exist in the unit you are thinking about joining --

It takes years to be an experienced, skilled dialysis nurse. Technicians do not have the same skills and are not aware of many of the medical aspects and how each patient reacts differently. Technicians will come to you for direction, hopefully.. often then use their own judgement and I believe this is partly due to the cookie-cutter training -- Dialysis is a life sustaining treatment that in a second's time can result in death or a severe negative outcome.. Davita does reuse and this is something that, in many facilities, is not taken as seriously as it should e.g. short cuts, giving the wrong dialyzer to the wrong patient, not reprocessing per protocol..RNs are responsible to ensure that staff implement correct practices (facility policies/procedures, as well as the ESRD Conditions).... All providers have good and bad facilities ---

anurseadvocate · Apr 16, 2012

Please note the above -- I felt I needed to address this -- This is NOT self promotion but education for those who work in dialysis, or those who want to work in dialysis. Often, those working in these facilties, unless a facility manager or charge RN, often do NOT see the inspection reports -- offering a website that can show the types of deficiencies cited in dialysis facilities can ONLY help those working in units, or those wanting to work in units. I am fully aware that most of the staff in facilities NEVER see these reports, therefore they can be of value.. Certainly no reason to self-promote as the 'reason for edit' states - my thinking.. just an attempt to show some facility inspection reports -- when one (new to dialysis nurse/tech, for example) is aware of the most prevalent errors that occur in facilities, then one can certainly learn from such. Having a forum such as this and providing a resource that most facility staff are not privey to see, can be beneficial Seeing inspection reports can provide valuable information to those who work in the field of dialysis. There are many sites/links that can provide further education which is important.... Again, this was certainly NOT for any self promotion but to show a site that could provide further education and awareness of what happens in facilities - certainly a learning avenue...new to dialysis staff, as well as other staff would greatly benefit if they could see facility surveys and the results..

Trauma Columnist · Apr 16, 2012

State inspections are readily available via state-run sites.

anurseadvocate · Apr 17, 2012

In all due respect, TraumaRUs, dialysis facility survey inspections, conducted by the state, are NOT readily via state-run sites. There are ONLY a few states, one being PA and maybe CO. however, California does NOT makes these reports available via their sites.. very few states have the dialysis surveys on their websites....

Trauma Columnist · Apr 17, 2012

I stand corrected. However, it is the pts right (as well as the employees) to be able to view the latest inspection and all they have to do is ask the unit.

anurseadvocate · Apr 17, 2012

TraumaRUs, you are absolutely correct - however, the reality is much different. Many staff, excluding management, never see a copy of the survey findings -- when ask management, they are given many excuses as to why they can't see the survey.. I have seen this happen and experienced such myself, unfortunately.

Indeed it IS the patient's right, along with the staff's right to read the survey, however, in all due respect, it is not reality. I would ask that many on this listserve, who do not work in management level in their unit, ask for a copy of the survey findings just to see what happens.

And, thank you as I appreciate open communication --

anurseadvocate · Apr 24, 2012

how did the interview go? wHAT DID YOU THINK?

and, I still am wondering 'what the big picture is'... I would love to discuss ths further as it is important and maybe an educational piece for many