Considering Dialysis Nursing

Published

I’ve been a nurse for 6 years 4 as LV 2 as an RN. I’ve worked Med Surg, Case Management Float Pool, Infusions. However I cannot seem to find the place area that makes me excited about nursing or becoming burnt out. I currently work on what is supposed to be a surgical only unit however after working there I discovered is regular MS. I want to get away from the busy exhausting back breaking bedside nursing. So I am thinking it is time to pick a speciality and focus on one thing. I have always been interested in learning dialysis nursing. Any tips on how I could start learning this?

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Wound Care, Public Health, Dialysis, Primary Care.

I’m in the same position. I’ve been a nurse 4 years and can’t seem to find my niche. I read the threads on here about dialysis and when a position came open at a local clinic I applied. I haven’t started yet but I’m excited! Let us know if you decide to apply! 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
10 hours ago, Yellownurse15 said:

I’m in the same position. I’ve been a nurse 4 years and can’t seem to find my niche. I read the threads on here about dialysis and when a position came open at a local clinic I applied. I haven’t started yet but I’m excited! Let us know if you decide to apply! 

Will you be in an inpatient or outpatient setting?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology/Dialysis.

I have found you will either love it or hate it.  I love it because you get to know your patients and can pick up on subtle clues that you may not be able to see on the floor.  I use all my assessment skills and then some for these patients.  I've been in the industry for 35 years!  Be aware that it does take some technical expertise which you will learn on the job.  The machines alarm and you need to know what to do.  Some nurses don't like setting up machines because there is so much tubing.  But get yourself a system and do it the same way each time and that will make it easier.  Best to start in-center and then go to inpatient if that is where you want to be.  You learn so much dealing with a group of patients at one time rather than 1:1 that you do sometimes in acute dialysis.  It is always hard to find dialysis staff as it is so specialized so I would say go for it!!  Keep us posted on how you are doing.

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the information. Quick question working in a center what would a typical work schedule look be? Right now being in a hospital setting I do my 3 hr 12 hr shifts and I’m off 4 days which is what I love about inpatient.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Wound Care, Public Health, Dialysis, Primary Care.
12 hours ago, 6 Yrs Burn Out said:

Will you be in an inpatient or outpatient setting?

I’ll be in an outpatient setting working 4 days a week, 10hr shifts. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

My advice is to learn all you can from the technicians. They are the heart of what goes on in any dialysis unit. Also you will be more respected if you can perform basic duties in their role as well as that of a nurse. You never know when you  have to help them out or be one yourself if a tech calls out.

You will learn with a tech first but you'll only scratch the surface of what they know and do. Once you are getting comfortable with the RN role, follow a tech around and really learn what they do, including cannulating fistulas and graphs. Get comfortable with their role and you will know better what's going on in your unit. Also,  Trust me, you'll feel more confident this way.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Wound Care, Public Health, Dialysis, Primary Care.
1 hour ago, SmilingBluEyes said:

My advice is to learn all you can from the technicians. They are the heart of what goes on in any dialysis unit. Also you will be more respected if you can perform basic duties in their role as well as that of a nurse. You never know when you  have to help them out or be one yourself if a tech calls out.

You will learn with a tech first but you'll only scratch the surface of what they know and do. Once you are getting comfortable with the RN role, follow a tech around and really learn what they do, including cannulating fistulas and graphs. Get comfortable with their role and you will know better what's going on in your unit. Also,  Trust me, you'll feel more confident this way.

I appreciate this! 

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Dialysis.
On 4/2/2021 at 11:46 AM, 6 Yrs Burn Out said:

Thanks for the information. Quick question working in a center what would a typical work schedule look be? Right now being in a hospital setting I do my 3 hr 12 hr shifts and I’m off 4 days which is what I love about inpatient.

It will vary by clinic/state/town/company, etc. Every manager does scheduling different, so there is no typical really

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion