Hi everyone. I have been an RN for a little over 2 years and have worked in the ED the entire time. I have recently been approached about a job at a Chronic Dialysis clinic and to be honest I know NOTHING about dialysis nursing. I thank everyone in this forum because I have been searching this site reading posts nonstop the past 2 days. From what I'm reading it seems that people either love this or they hate it. Is that a correct assumption? Is there anything that I need to think about before making the change? Is there anyone else who has made the change?
(I like the ED, but it's kind of a burn out with the regular pts, (not to mention some of the politics which i'm sure goes on anywhere), I drive an hour each way and I work a strange midnight shift....all reasons I've been looking to change. Am I not changing for the right reasons?)
Sorry this is so long. I just really wish I had someone to talk to about this so I appreciate any response. Thanks!
Now new patients and ARF patients, whole other story...
Yep. For those patients I have great compassion and go the extra mile to help them learn and adapt. For those who have been doing this for a long time and know the deal, I don't waste my breath.
I was a rehab nurse for 15+ yrs on nite shift then decided to go into dialysis. I switched to the 12n-12am shift. (hospital based chronic unit) and was on orientation for 3 mos. I felt like I had made the biggest mistake of my life!! I went from being an expert in my field to being a complete novice!! It was very difficult to go from being the one everyone came to for help and info to being a student again,,,,and then one day it clicked and now I couldn't imagine working in the hospital ever again!!! I have Sundays and Holidays off!!!! How many nurses can say that?!? I don't have to deal with bedpans and callbells!!!
Yes, Hemo pts can be tough but they are also wonderful, caring interesting individuals!! Even the angry beligerent ones!
Switching to Dialysis was one of the best decisions I have ever made!!!
I was a rehab nurse for 15+ yrs on nite shift then decided to go into dialysis. I switched to the 12n-12am shift. (hospital based chronic unit) and was on orientation for 3 mos. I felt like I had made the biggest mistake of my life!! I went from being an expert in my field to being a complete novice!! It was very difficult to go from being the one everyone came to for help and info to being a student again,,,,and then one day it clicked and now I couldn't imagine working in the hospital ever again!!! I have Sundays and Holidays off!!!! How many nurses can say that?!? I don't have to deal with bedpans and callbells!!!
Yes, Hemo pts can be tough but they are also wonderful, caring interesting individuals!! Even the angry beligerent ones!
Switching to Dialysis was one of the best decisions I have ever made!!!
What a great story!
I love the "no call bells, no lifting" aspect of the job too. I work the odd Sunday but it's rare. The other bonus is I absolutely love my team. Everyone is so laid back and we help each other; none of that "eating their young" mentality here. The hours are kind of putting a strain on my personal life, but I stick to my guns because I love my job. I can't imagine working the floor.
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Natkat, BSN, MSN, RN
872 Posts
Yep. For those patients I have great compassion and go the extra mile to help them learn and adapt. For those who have been doing this for a long time and know the deal, I don't waste my breath.