New LPN

[lpn2007]

Hello,

I am a recent LPN graduate and also new member of allnurse.com. I would like to say hello to you guys!! To go straight to the point I would like to be a Dialysis nurse. Can somebody tell me how to be one (like the courses that I have to take, good schools, the companies that might hire and train me, etc). By the way, I live in New Jersey in Hudson county. How much does a dialysis nurse make? I would appreciate info from you.

Thank You,

lpn2007

[DeLana_RN, BSN, RN]

Hi, congrats, and welcome to the board!

To become a dialysis nurse, you don't have to go to school; however, LPNs may have to become IV-certified (requirements vary from state to state).

The dialysis providers - DaVita and Fresenius being the largest - all train their employees (no dialysis experience required). Acute care (med/surg) experience is helpful, but not usually required. You may also be able to work in an independent hospital inpatient dialysis unit, however they use fewer LPNs (primarily because they can't always do call according to hospital rules) and may not accept new grads.

As for the pay, it varies greatly. In my area, dialysis LPNs earn more than hospital LPNs, but less than those who work in long term care. Maybe someone here has info for your area.

I would recommend that you contact the dialysis providers in your area; the atmosphere in each individual clinic is probably more important than the reputation of the company (it's hard to say Company A is better than Company B... local management matters more!)

HTH, and good luck to you.

DeLana :welcome: