Can't Get Out of Dialysis...Help

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Nov 19, 2014

Have you tried specifically applying to med surg units with high populations of renal patients? Meanwhile, get ACLS certification and keep applying. If you don't already, see if you can get a job at a dialysis unit in a hospital to get your foot in the door.

Bell13, ASN · Nov 19, 2014

I already have my acls. Cant work in acute dialysis without it. And i am in a hospital in a dialysis unit. I switched from chronic to acute.

sesmith1 · Nov 19, 2014

I graduated in Dec of 13 with my RN and started in an in hospital chronic/inpatient/acute hemodialysis unit. My particular hospital does not outsource their dialysis unit which is nice. I was trained in all three areas immediately upon hire. That's just how my specific unit trains. One day you will do chronic Hemodialysis and the next day you may be in the ICU doing dialysis on a critical patient. I knew dialysis wasn't my passion and I felt I needed more general nursing experience. I applied to medsurg and got hired. I still do dialysis PRN. My medsurg manager loves dialysis nurses because there is so much renal failure these days. You have that specialty knowledge. I would recommend medsurg or even ICU since you have the acute dialysis down. Do you know anyone who can recommend you to their manager to get a foot in the door?

Bell13, ASN · Nov 19, 2014

Thanks. No I guess the saying its not what you know, its who you know can come into effect. I will keep applying everywhere. When I say I am applying everywhere I really am. Anything that comes up. Even the dreaded 7p-7a shift

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Nov 20, 2014

What types of units have you applied to?

Bell13, ASN · Nov 21, 2014

@lev

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Nov 21, 2014

@lev
Maybe that's the problem. You seem like you're running away, not pursuing your dream specialty(s). Each cover letter /resume should be tailored to the position. At one hospital apply to one group of similar specialties, at the other another group etc . so you don't look so desperate.

Bell13, ASN · Nov 21, 2014

These are all various hospitals and locations, not just one or two. And i write a custom cover letter for each. I am not going to 'fall' into the specialty i enjoy the most. I made that mistake the first time and never got an offer. as the months went by i needed a job so i took the first offer when i started to branch out and apply to a variety of positions. You really dont know the specifics so its difficult for you to jump to a conclusion and say im desperate. I was asking for outsider input as to what can make someone more marketable or tips. Not to put me down.

schnookimz · Nov 21, 2014

I also worked in acute dialysis as a new grad and was able to find an amazing job in the OR. I love it!!! Just keep applying! Something will come up. Acute dialysis gives you valuable skills!

Bell13, ASN · Nov 21, 2014

Thank u schnookimz. I really am trying. I pray my efforts will eventually help give me a chance to expand and do something i love. Glad you love the OR. I hear some people love it or hate it. I thought it was extremely interesting when i visiting during my clinicals. The drs n nurses worked so well together.

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Nov 21, 2014

These are all various hospitals and locations, not just one or two. And i write a custom cover letter for each. I am not going to 'fall' into the specialty i enjoy the most. I made that mistake the first time and never got an offer. as the months went by i needed a job so i took the first offer when i started to branch out and apply to a variety of positions. You really dont know the specifics so its difficult for you to jump to a conclusion and say im desperate. I was asking for outsider input as to what can make someone more marketable or tips. Not to put me down.

Oh my! I didn't intend to put you down. Just some well meaning advice.