[babs_rn]

I am a very experienced RN in the fields of ED and Critical Care, med-surg and nephrology floor, etc...pretty much you-name-it EXCEPT hemodialysis. I am embarking on a new phase in my career in a week, beginning work in a hemodialysis facility and, while they do have what seems to me to be an impressive orientation/training program, I was wondering what you experienced dialysis nurses would recommend or consider to be your standby reference books...those you just couldn't live without...

I perused through Amazon.com and read up on a few, but it's hard to know exactly what to spend that hard-earned money on.

Thanks in advance...

Babs

[TELEpathicRN]

good luck and welcome to dialysis. you will either love it or hate it, or like me.... a little of both!!! HA HA!! i bought a great book, I think it is titled, hemodialysis principles for dialysis nurses and personnel. I ordered it from amazon.com. Again, GOOD LUCK!! keep us informed of your progress.

[ageless]

As an acute dialysis nurse, I read everything I can get my hands on...the best I have come across is HANDBOOK OF DIALYSIS by Daugirdas, Blake, Ing. Good Luck!

[babs_rn]

Thank you both for your suggestions ! I had looked at those books on Amazon.com but wanted to be sure I put my money on the right one.

BTW, I am in my first week of dialysis nursing now, and I think once I get used to getting up at 3am, all will be well! They kept calling it hectic around there, and, well...after years in the ER and ICU, if THAT's hectic, then I'm in heaven!
I am impressed with the rather extensive training program the company (a nationwide one) offers...I know I won't be thrown to the wolves and that's surely a good thing! And after my second day, I'm not so intimidated by it anymore. Also a good thing! Maybe, just maybe, this might be another nursing career salvaged (I WAS going to work toward leaving altogether)! It will be nice to have my little group of patients (not a caseload of 40+ like in home health) to be responsible for, people who ACTUALLY NEED TO BE THERE (don't you find it so much easier to be as nice as possible to those? Even if they are aggravating...you know there's a reason behind it that usually has less to do with you than with the fact they have lost control over some major areas of their lives and are scared) - I think this could help me to remember and be a part of the whole reason I went into nursing in the first place!



Thanks again...
Babs

[ageless]

Good luck Babs..If i can help at all ...let me know...
-ageless

[babs_rn]

Ah, 8 weeks into it, 2 more weeks left in orientation. I don't see ever setting foot in a hospital again!!! Very hard work, yes. But also very rewarding, with an incredible company, and I get to go back to school!!!! What more could I ask for?

[nurse-lou]

Perchance are you working for Gambro?