Davita or rehab?

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I've been offered a job at Davita (Dialysis) and Healthsouth Rehabilitation (post stroke or spine surgery for example, not an "Acute care facility" even though the pt's have major health problems) I have read on this website that if I want to get a job in a hospital someday, working in a Dialysis center is not considered bedside work. huh?

Both of these companies are in many states, both offered 22.00 to start.

Does anyone have any thoughts on which one would be the better career choice when looking 3 years down the road?

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Specializes in Trauma, Critical Care.

That depends on what you want to do down the road. If you eventually want to do hospital/acute care, I'd suggest the rehab facility. A classmate of mine in grad school works in one and says he gets great experience. I work in an ICU and I know we send some fairly complex patients to rehab facilities. Heck, you'll even get experience with vents! I can't really speak for dialysis facilities, but I know the dialysis nurses at my hospital don't do a ton of patient care. But I'm sure you would be an asset to a renal floor down the road if that's the route you chose. Good luck with your decision and congrats on the offers!!!

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well renal is what i'm interested in, BUT i have not read good things about Davita. I have also seen firsthand the pt's who go to rehab and yes they are mighty complex, insurance kicks them out of the hospital fairly quick i have been told. and i have to admit the team at the rehab hospital is a very sweet and fun bunch.

my only real worry was if my husband gets transferred for work and i have to find another position, i don't want the hassle that we new grads have, i want a hospital to say, oh look she has XYZ experience that will transfer nicely into a hospital setting.

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Specializes in ICU.

If this is outpatient dialysis, then you'd have 4 patients to run dialysis on at the same time, plus do pre & post assessments on the other 12 or so patients that the techs are running in groups of 4. If the techs have issues they tell you and usually handle the easy situations on their own. You call the doc if it's something more than giving extra fluids. The nurse also has to check the charting that the techs do. Then there's monthly charting, semi-annual charting. Monthly rounds with the doc. You also make sure the clients have a ride home (taxi, bus, family) and check with hospitals to see who's getting discharged the next day.

If you want to work in the hospital, then do rehab., it would be better preparation. Not that there is anything wrong with working dialysis, but considering your goals, that would be the route to take.

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Specializes in Rehab.
I've been offered a job at Davita (Dialysis) and Healthsouth Rehabilitation (post stroke or spine surgery for example, not an "Acute care facility" even though the pt's have major health problems) I have read on this website that if I want to get a job in a hospital someday, working in a Dialysis center is not considered bedside work. huh?

Both of these companies are in many states, both offered 22.00 to start.

Does anyone have any thoughts on which one would be the better career choice when looking 3 years down the road?

I would go with the rehab position. I currently work at Healthsouth and it's been a great learning experience. We practice many medsurg skils. Most importantly, though, you will learn the two most important skills for new grads: Time management and prioritization. I have been there ten months and just began looking for hospital positions. Had an interview last week for a surgical unit and have one scheduled next week for a pediatric medical unit. Good luck with whichever you choose!

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thx . I have picked Healthsouth. Next year my husband's contract work is up and we just may move, so I think all that you have mentioned makes Healthsouth sound great. Plus if we do not move I really like the bunch who works there and the insurance is great too.

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Angelrain, good luck with your interviews! I hope you get what you'd like! Will they pay you better in the hospital, or will the hospital pay better in the long run?

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and for anyone who is wondering, yes, just like everyone else, I had to apply for, I don't know may 80 positions (nightmare).

the three that called me back were ALL the ones where I somehow got the FAX or email of the HR or Director of Nursing, and after applying, I sent an email, fax or both saying why I should please be the one they hire. All three eventually interviewed me and offered positions. You for sure need to be proactive, work there already, get the HR info during clinicals etc etc.

go talk to a nurse manager while you are doing clinicals there, etc etc.

boy oh boy, I thought I'd loose my mind doing all of those online applications that really just go nowhere .

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