Agency RN'S how do you learn the different machines

[Journi]

I was thinking about maybe applying to for an agency that staffed dialysis clinics. All companies are different and use different hemodialysis machines. I've only worked for one company & know their machine. But if travel somewhere else I want to know what I'm doing. And I here that at someplaces the regular staff are not to thrilled about showing an "agency nurses" things.

[ESRD]

Hi Journi,

I went from Fresenius 2008H to Cobe 3 in about a week. I am a traveling nurse and in 2002 worked in a Gambro unit.

Learning a new machine is sorta like driving a big truck instead of the family car.. Each machine is a little different in how you set it up and where things go....But dialysis is the basic that doesn't change.

You know how to assess, cannulate, monitor, work with caths, calculate weight removal ...That to me is 90% of the game.. 10% machine set up etc..

In the unit I am working at presently we will go to the Fresenius 2008K ...Can't wait .. Just anothr feather in my resume..

I am so eager to learn the Phoenix.. I hear some negative things about it..Bugs you know.. And it's the old chicken and egg syndrome... I can't get a job where they are because I don't have experience on them and I can't get experience on them until someone gives me a job.....LOLL EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Good luck.. Machines can be scarey.. If you can set up one you can set up all of them ...I say...

ESRD

[Juanay]

I agree with ESRD,

I started out with COBE's and 1st assignment in Memphis was with Fresineus H and K machines. Had no clue. About 3 weeks into it I was a pro. Staff was very friendly and helpful. 36 machines in this very large unit. The basic's remain and you already know those.

The unit I'm in now uses Fresenius H machine's but the arterial and venous lines are backwards from the Memphis unit. There are always differences, but the basic's remain!

You CAN do it!

Juanay