Questions about Dialysis Nursing

Hello,

I have some questions about this area of nursing if you don't mind. I am a new LPN, graduated in NOv.08 started working in a hospital in May 09 so I guess I am still "new" (working on RN through Excelsior) . I know I want to work in a specialty so I am trying to see where I fit in.
Can dialysis nurses work as independent contractors? If so, how do you find who to contract with ? How many years experience do you need to have to be independent? How much do you get paid as an independent? Or are you better off to work in the hospital? Do hospitals have their dialysis areas "open" 24 hours? I have never paid much attention to the one in my hospital as I never go there and have not met any nurses form that unit. I did have one of my patients going at night just a couple of weeks ago though.
So far, what I have seen is a lot of complaints about DaVita and another company, but nothing mentioned about independent contractors. in other words there seems to be not many other options for this area of nursing, is this true?
Thank you in advance!