http://allnurses.com This is the forum where you can discuss dialysis, renal and nephrology information. Please come in. en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:23:58 GMT vBulletin 60 http://img.an-file.info/misc/rss.jpg http://allnurses.com http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/words-encouragement-needed-440027-new.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:51:53 GMT Hey All! I work full time at a 24 chair chronic hemodialysis unit. We also rotate and do acutes. I... Hey All!
I work full time at a 24 chair chronic hemodialysis unit. We also rotate and do acutes. I work five 8-hour shifts a week. I am primarily an evening nurse. I work 1400-2230. I love love love my job. I enjoy working the evening shift because I am not a morning person.
My problem is, working the evening shift takes time away from my family. I have a very supportive husband who works normal daytime hours. We have a 2 year old and an 8 month old. The hubby takes care of dinner and bedtime stuff with the kids. He also brings them to visit me at clinic midshift so I can breastfeed baby. But I am missing at bedtime, one of the most needed times of the day.
Can anyone share how working evenings/nights worked out with your family life?
Thanks for reading. ]]> Dialysis/Renal/Urology akemi http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/words-encouragement-needed-440027.html http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/run-your-life-439936-new.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:27:33 GMT ATTENTION TRAVEL NURSES. Do not let your recruiter talk you into New Bern. The time spent there was... ATTENTION TRAVEL NURSES. Do not let your recruiter talk you into New Bern. The time spent there was a nightmare. Call scheduled on your off day or your w/e and you are expected to be available even if you are not on call is mindblowing. You may even be floated to the O/P clinics and there are 4 "in the area", like maybe an hour away. Everyone quits as fast as they can get out the door because they are totally burned out. The nitpicking and daily rip my a** day is enough to make you postal. The false information you're given before you get there is all lies and of course the conversation is not recalled by management when it suits their need. You literally are expected to be on the floor at all times and just about need permission to take a pee break or food. Anyone remember Shawshank Redemption "bathroom break, Boss?" I was floored! This was just the tip of the iceberg. I thought of taking my vacation in H*** cause compared to there, it would be paradise! My time couldn't have come fast enough. THIS IS TOXIC SHOCK, DO NOT PASS GO AND DO NOT COLLECT $200. ]]> Dialysis/Renal/Urology traveler RN http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/run-your-life-439936.html http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/how-long-do-439523-new.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:09:15 GMT Hi all; About how long can one expect an elderly person to survive on HD; he began treatments 7... Hi all;

About how long can one expect an elderly person to survive on HD; he began treatments 7 yrs ago when he was 80. Now he is experiencing pain during txs; begging not to be sent to the tx center and has mental confusion along with severe gait issues and weakness; recently experienced a TIA. I know you are all "seasoned" dialysis nurses. Thank you!:redbeathe ]]> Dialysis/Renal/Urology sgherzi4 http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/how-long-do-439523.html http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/no-more-reuse-438948-new.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:53:06 GMT Locally we have a centralized re-use program that comes through, picks up our dialyzers and takes... Locally we have a centralized re-use program that comes through, picks up our dialyzers and takes them away for reprocessing, then brings em back. Horrible waste of money if you ask me. We were better off with in-house, IMHO. So, we will be all dry packs. Hallelujah! Woohoo! I say that from the convenience standpoint. I hate reuse. Most of us do, after all. But I know the budget-conscious me would mourn the loss.
I hear that the other "centralized Programs" are being cut, too. Central Admissons, the middle man, as you say. And our central inventory/ordering, which sucks anyways. Can't count how many times we've run out of stuff. When our BMT does the ordering it flows very smoothly.
This is a Davita clinic in Dallas. ]]> Dialysis/Renal/Urology GeauxNursing http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/no-more-reuse-438948.html http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/anyone-working-have-438792-new.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:26:27 GMT I applied to Davita in the DFW area and nothing, its hard to inquire about my application since... I applied to Davita in the DFW area and nothing, its hard to inquire about my application since there is no set HR dept. I am an LVN with med/surg experience but no Dialysis experience. Does anyone know how they go about their hiring? I want to go into something other than "Hospital work". Also do they work 8, 10, hr shifts, and any tips would be appreciated! :twocents: ]]> Dialysis/Renal/Urology NURSET2007 http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/anyone-working-have-438792.html http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/what-does-renal-438691-new.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:58:20 GMT What does renal parenchymal disease mean? THX What does renal parenchymal disease mean?
THX ]]> Dialysis/Renal/Urology small_potato http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/what-does-renal-438691.html http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/bsn-grad-wants-437580-new.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:15:25 GMT Hi, can a BSN grad with no RN lic., allowed to have dialysis training and perhaps work as a... Hi, can a BSN grad with no RN lic., allowed to have dialysis training and perhaps work as a dialysis tech after? ]]> Dialysis/Renal/Urology sdbsn http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/bsn-grad-wants-437580.html http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/two-big-ones-437564-new.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:51:19 GMT For anyone that works for one of the two big companies: Have any of you ever moved to new state and... For anyone that works for one of the two big companies: Have any of you ever moved to new state and transferred within the company? How long did you work in the company before you transferred? Was it a fairly easy transition? Was your supervisor understanding/ helpful? ]]> Dialysis/Renal/Urology heygurlhey http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/two-big-ones-437564.html http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/pcts-want-me-437366-new.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:47:09 GMT I'm new to Dialysis, I was trained in the Day shift but was put on the evening shift to fly solo. Today is my last week of training on the evening shift. All I know on the evening shift is that there is a thick barrier between the nurses and the PCTs. In New York, at at Chronic Clinic. PCTs are suppose to put the patient on and take off. Nurses are to do the Cath. patients. I can have 8 to 12 patients. There is 1 PCT for 4 pts. As we all know when change over hits its very hectic. The PCTs will want me to schedule myself to put on or take off there pts. Some of them work slow on purpose so you can jump in. I have my own load and sometime l don't get a break. Yesterday I started at 2pm, I didn't get a break until 10 pm (which I only to 20 mins ), and it was 2 of us,but all the PCTs got there break (30mins)and dinner break (1 hr). Sometime I jump in and help them, but then they try to take advantage of you. I know 1 PCT try to demand me to do there work, want me to strip and prime all here machines, but the charge nurse had my back and told her the New York State rules.

Now I know why all the nurses leave in 1 to 2yrs. All the nurses have less than 1yr 2months on evening shift. All are planning to leave now. The only reason they stayed that long was to get the 1 yr experience. I'm trying to be a nice person but I don't want anyone taking advantage of me. I feel worst for the other nurses, because they told me because I'm a male nurse. Your not getting challenge as much.

Is this a nationwide problem? Everyday there are serious arguments of PCTs trying to get out of work.
Monday I'm alone, I'm thinking I might have to put everyone in there place when they work with me, or do I have the wrong attidue ]]> Dialysis/Renal/Urology BigBoy75 http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/pcts-want-me-437366.html http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/dont-want-my-436035-new.html Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:20:49 GMT I will be going to my FA this Wed and telling her that I am not willing to have a particular PCT... I will be going to my FA this Wed and telling her that I am not willing to have a particular PCT working under my license. I am not sure how it is going to go, but I am going to stand my ground. This tech has some mental issues, like passive aggressive and others. She knows how to be a tech, but she thinks she is the nurse and argues with my decisions. I listen to her opinion but my decision is final. The final straw for me, and this has happened in the past with her, is that on the vitals line she charts something like "bp low, saline given, RN notified". SHE DOESNT NOTIFY ME- EVER!! I have a problem with her charting that I was notified. It makes me liable for a situation I am unfamiliar with! She also goes behind me and changes my settings after I specifically gave directions. Other pcts say she changes their stuff too!

HAS ANYONE REFUSED TO HAVE A TECH WORK UNDER YOUR LICENSE?

[Management sucks and frankly, this is the most stressful job I have ever had. My clinic is SO busy. Of my 14 hr day I can sit when i potty or take a break. I am always on high alert for an emergency, play waitress often, handle situations techs can handle and do my and their jobs. It confuses me how a tech cannot run two pts off at the same time- but I can. (we have phoenix machines that stop the rinse back automatically).... Repeat every 4 hrs. ] ]]> Dialysis/Renal/Urology singleprego http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/dont-want-my-436035.html http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/liberty-dialysis-company-435098-new.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:55:13 GMT I am looking for information about Liberty Dialysis. Has anyone worked with them? How do they... I am looking for information about Liberty Dialysis. Has anyone worked with them? How do they compare with Davita, Fresenius or other companies? I am interested in doing "in hospital acute dialysis". I currently do therapeutic apheresis and stem cell collection. Thank you.:paw: ]]> Dialysis/Renal/Urology KittyQueen http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/liberty-dialysis-company-435098.html http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/new-davita-rn-434615-new.html Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:09:30 GMT OK I just started at Davita a few months ago and am already discouraged by the company! I work in... OK I just started at Davita a few months ago and am already discouraged by the company! I work in peritoneal dialysis and love the job itself but the company is coming across as not so employee friendly... my question is about the health insurance, from what I hear it sucks....anybody have anything good to say about it? The more I hear about Cigna the more I think I am going to have to find another job just to get better benefits! ]]> Dialysis/Renal/Urology PDRN16 http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/new-davita-rn-434615.html http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/cms-releases-new-434503-new.html Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:26:07 GMT Hello All: I was wondering what you thoughts were on the new proposed Prospective Payment System... Hello All: I was wondering what you thoughts were on the new proposed Prospective Payment System for dialysis faclities. There is much to be concerned about and after listening to the open-door forum that was held by CMS the other day, I wonder if we are not going backwards versus forwards. I would love to hear your responses.
Thanks, ANurseAdvocate ]]> Dialysis/Renal/Urology anurseadvocate http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/cms-releases-new-434503.html http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/rn-seeking-dialysis-434320-new.html Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:23:39 GMT I am a RN in Florida I work PCU for 2 years now but really want to transition into Dialysis in DC.... I am a RN in Florida I work PCU for 2 years now but really want to transition into Dialysis in DC. I already have my DC RN license just cant find anyone willing to train me. In-patient or out-patient facility doesn't matter just want to get started! Can anyone help?!?

Thanks :) ]]> Dialysis/Renal/Urology Natica67 http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/rn-seeking-dialysis-434320.html http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/advanced-practice-dialysis-434138-new.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 05:45:38 GMT Hello all, I am a registered nurse with a BSN and within the next year or so I am really... Hello all,

I am a registered nurse with a BSN and within the next year or so I am really looking to continue my education. I am currently working in dialysis as an acute nephrology registered nurse and so far I love it. I love working with kidney patients and I want to continue to do so even as an advanced practice nurse. Are there any dialysis/renal/nephrology positions available for advanced practice nurses? If so what are they, and what would be the best master's program to pursue for these positions? Although I currently do dialysis, in the future I would love to especially work with renal transplant patients or maybe even work in home dialysis education/preparation programs. I am so unsure as to how to begin mapping/planning for advancement in this field any advice is appreciated. P.S I hope this post makes sense I am writing it after working a 10 hour shift on about 4 hours of sleep... :eek: Sorry and thanks again. :loveya: ]]> Dialysis/Renal/Urology nursetelly http://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/advanced-practice-dialysis-434138.html