applying to new positions

firstinfamily, RN · Oct 23, 2014

I think being on a PCU has just about prepared you for anything. My experiences on that type of unit where you are caring for multiple patients with multiple type diagnosis would prepare you for dialysis nursing. The two main companies I am aware of are: DaVita and Fresenius, at least those are the two companies in the area where I live. I came close to going to a dialysis center, just the hopsital responded to me in a more timely manner and offered me a position. I have taken care of dialysis patients post dialysis in a sub-acute environment. So, I cannot tell you what you will experience in the dialysis center. You can rest assurred that this procedure will be in demand for quite some time and out patient services will be the focus of healthcare in the future. So, it is truly a good move. Make sure you get the training you need, actually pulling the patient's blood and replacing it with dialysiate etc. will take a keen awareness to keep the patient from going into shock etc. I am sure there are some dialysis nurses on this site that can give you better insight. Good Luck!!

jazzy314 · Oct 23, 2014

@firstinfamily. Thank you for the positive encouragement. Yes you are right on any given day I can have as many as 4 patients and each of them have a completely different dx. Some days I feel like it is all I can do to remember who is here for what and what S&S, improvements, and lord knows whatever else I'm supposed to keep an eye out for. I want to be somewhere where I feel like I can make a difference in someones life and I think dialysis is the perfect place to achieve that.

firstinfamily, RN · Oct 23, 2014

I found with my experience taking care of post dialysis patients who were either just newly diagnosed and starting their dialysis or those who were on it for about 10 years there seemed to be a trend of depression. They feel so out of control of their condition and having to "live with the machine" for hours was really affecting their attitudes. I can't blame them, I would most likely feel the same. Keeping them encouraged and promoting a positive environment for them will make a huge difference. Joke with them if you can, they need some humor in their lives. I was always very honest with them, letting them know how they could help the situation by watching their diet, adhering to their fluid restrictions etc. The families usually needed extra support and if there are community services that can help them have the social worker or case manager (or who-ever) look into what services they would qualify for. Many of the costs of long term dialysis are financially prohibitive for these patients and it is sad to see them experience financial difficulties on top of this disease. It sounds like you are just ready to "focus" on a specific type of nursing. There is opportunity for growth when you feel this way and finding the area to grow in can be a little difficult. Hopefully dialysis will be the area for you!

jazzy314 · Oct 24, 2014

Thank you

Firstinfamily and yes you are right I do want to find a focus preferably one that can be more patient oriented. I have been interested in dialysis from the beginning and I think I will do well there. It is really helpful to understand ways I can better help a patient. I always appreciate it when someone with more experience than me can break it down like you have done but still see the positive aspect of things. :)