Can you return to dialysis after 11 years away?

[DeLana_RN, BSN, RN]

Hi, all,

I'm in the job market again after taking a few months off for personal reasons. Because of the stress of my last inpatient position (1:6 ratio), I decided I was done with clinical nursing and was considering something like cancer navigator (have always been interested in oncology). However, something happened that made me rethink. But maybe I'm not thinking rationally?

I did clinic dialysis for 5 years before I had kids and later worked PRN in a hospital inpatient unit. I didn't leave because of the job - I loved being able to work with only 1 or 2 patients at a time (1 if they were in ICU or ER), it was honestly the least physically demanding and exhausting inpatient job I ever had (those including med/surg and stepdown). The reason I left? The manager and a few of the nurses were absolutely horrible - enough said, that's not really what I'm writing about.

After that I worked for several years in an inpatient facility (not a hospital), which was very stressful because - among other things - the high ratios I mentioned above. Like I mentioned above, I'm now looking for a new job and considering my options.

Just today I ran into a former colleague from the hospital inpatient/acute unit, whom I had always gotten along with very well. She said the unit has completely changed and the problem employees/manager are long gone. She made it sound like a wonderful place to work and recommended that I apply (she said she would give me a good reference). I never thought I would ever consider dialysis again - but now I am.

I would, of course, get a thorough orientation. At this time, only PRN positions are available.

My question: Have I been away too long to get back into something as specialized as dialysis? Have any of you returned to dialysis after several years away, and how did it go? Is it like riding a bicycle - you don't really forget - or did you have a hard time?

Maybe this is foolish but it can't hurt to apply... if only for practice for other interviews.

Thanks for any comments!

P.S. They always say - dialysis, you either love it or hate it - well I loved it, but hated the outpatient clinic stress (and no, I could never do that again).

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

Go for it! I haven't been in your shoes, but I think you'll be fine, especially since you will get a decent orientation. The Big 2 in my area both offer 6 months orientation for nurses

[MrMango]

I've done both inpatient and outpatient dialysis. I left within the year but am considering going back... however I'm the opposite. I would never go back to inpatient HD. I loved the job very much and it was very exciting, however I could no longer do the on-call portion.

[Chan Chan]

If you're considering going back to outpatient, you'll be totally fine. You can likely make a nice penny with your experience, and you'll be thoroughly retrained. Let us know how you make out.

[Duncan6]

What did you end up doing? I was in dialysis for 12 years, took a 10-year break doing other various things, and came back to outpatient hemo 2 years ago. Because I was gone so long, they did consider me as a new hire, so I had to do a full 6-month orientation. But it was a solid review and I felt comfortable and prepared. As far as patient care, water room, etc. it hasn't changed that much and was kind of like riding a bike. The documentation has increased of course, and there is a lot more concern in regards to profitability and productivity so we work with a lot less staff in outpatient than we used to. I work for one of the big 2, and some of the policies seem to be written by people who have never actually worked on the floor, so that can be frustrating, but overall I still am glad I went back. I'm sure you could pick it back up quickly.