Change in nursing role

[thelittlenurs]

So , I requested a transfer to a different in center hemo clinic . I work for one of the the big two. I started as a bay nurse (4 patient pod) in Aug 2016. I was rushing, and I would leave home sweating and with a sore back. I even had 3 sessions with a chiropractor. I was basically a tech, oh and taking out the biohazard containers , which meant lifting, I was so unhappy, but I am glad I requested a transfer to be a medication nurse. It was a great move , I have now been at my new clinic for a little over a month and it's so much better. However I am glad I got experienced in cannulation and setting up machines. So, for many of y'all who run a "bay" and don't like it, there are other roles out there for you. It has taken some adjusting to, as they run the clinic differently than the previous. I am so happy where I am and who I work with too.

I feel like a nurse again. I am in some ways intimidated with this new position as I my role is also to be a team lead. I have begun to review the training I received when I started, I want to feel confident that I can resourceful to my techs and patients. Could you guys suggest which nursing organizations I can join and any other tips you have for a new teamlead/medication dialysis nurse?

[StarBrownRN]

You may want to consider joining ANNA, if you have a local chapter that is active. They have some great educational and professional development resources. It's also a good networking tool.

(And what's a medication nurse? I had to leave ICHD altogether to get out of pods. I got so sick and tired of doing everything the techs do and everything the nurses do.)

[thelittlenurs]

Thanks for the response!

So a medication nurse /team leader is responsible for pre and post-assessments / prescription treatment verifications, giving all meds for patients (about 8-14) and putting on CVC patients. My techs are wonderful, they are experienced, once in a while when they are falling behind I step in and help with returning blood, taking out needles or holding sites.

[nephnurse13]

The ONLY way to be a great team leader in the chronic dialysis setting is to be a great dialysis tech FIRST. You have to be able to work circles around those techs. Know the machines, what to do in any situation that may come up. You can't "lead" someone who knows more than you. And right now, I promise you, if you're working with experienced techs...they know more than you. I've been a charge RN in the chronic setting for 13 years. Experience is the name of this game. Hang in there.