Dialysis isnt for everyone

[Brookeylea]

I started working as a tech in May of this year, I'm still new to the field. I have my CNA license, EKG Certificate, and phlebotomy license and will be applying for RN school shortly. I really do like my job and most of the patients,but I'm tired of being so anxious before work, and doing the same thing day after day after day, it is very repetitious. And as PCTs in my facility you have a lot on your shoulders, you don't only have your 3-4 pt assignment but usually try to help the RNs with their assignments too, but now you have the do the water room and more. I love the dialysis field but need more of a change daily, which is why I want to do acutes as an RN. I leave 5Am and my mother has to come watch my son and bring him to school for me, it's a lot of hassle because the only shifts they give are 6-5. My point is while I like dialysis I'm finding it near impossible to live my life. My husband works the same hours but he makes more than double what I do so it's not possible for him to do something else. If I want another child I'll never be able to work those hours any more . I feel like I've put so much time and energy into this job but I'm already tired of doing the same thing every single shift. What do you think?

[Anselee]

I think that it is to your benefit to work as a technician while in nursing school. Many of my classmates that did not had a much more difficult time finding work upon graduation. If you don't like the repetitiveness of Dialysis... try to get a job in a hospital you student nurse in for a clinical rotation maybe on a 3-11 shift if that would work for your family better. Best of luck.

[tony55!]

If you don't like it as a tech, you want like it as a nurse. Do something you like before you have even more time invested. Jobs are hard to find, so make sure you have another before quiting and always work a notice just in case you get another position and realize - that was really a good job. The patients over time become like family and they miss you when you are gone. Good luck.

[Chas23RN]

I know exactly how you feel. I have worked in HD for almost 2 years now and this week notified them i will only be working PRN. I have been a nurse for 11 years and have never in my life felt so burn out. I feel like I work in a factory or something. We have a clinic with 32 chairs 3 shifts on M,W,F and 2 shifts on TTS. I have to get up at 3am to be at work at 5am and my poor hubby is left with taking care of my kids in the morning and evening when i work. I do not feel like a nurse in dialysis I feel like a slave. Anyways it looks good on me to have a couple years experience but after that many employers could care less about dialysis because they know how repetitive it is and everyone knows even family can get trained in a couple of weeks and most have no health care background. I would never suggest a new RN to work in dialysis it will hinder you!!

[stinkyluk]

I have to agree with Chas23RN. I was a new grad that was hired as an acute dialysis nurse. At first I loved it but then the horribly long hours and repetitive work day got to me. I loved the independence but didn't care for the lack of team support. I just secured an RN med/surg position at a wonderful and feel blessed. During my job hunt though I found that many people don't understand or appreciate what an acute dialysis nurse does. I really had to explain my past job and try to convince that skills would transfer over. It was difficult. My suggestion would be to start looking for a PCT or Intern position at a hospital while you are going to school. That will help you in the future. Good Luck!

[RN625]

Don't forget about Home Therapies. It is not hectic like Acutes or the clinic and has more regular hours. All companies are trying to build their home programs & anticipate it will grow in future years.