Hi Dialysis Nurse. I'm a dialysis nurse for about 3 years now; I work mostly in Acute and PRN in chronic. I have traveled around Africa and have seen the need for dialysis centers. I visited three countries last month in all three countries they had a total of 20 dialysis center with each from 5-7 machines, of which 3 are working on daily basis. I have been searching for donation of dialysis machine but of no luck. Does any one works in a place that is about to change their machine. Does anyone know of the best way to help? I'm looking on relocating to Africa and help with this needed service. I have talked to a couple of nephrologists in 2 countries and they have told me the need for dialysis tx is going up rapidly. Any information will be appreciated 0 Likes
traumaRUs, MSN, APRN, CNS Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU. Has 27 years experience. Nov 23, 2009 I commend you for this interest. Best bet might be to contact the big companies: Davita and Fresenius and see what they could offer.However, I do think that you should consider:1. Do these pts have the ability to get to dialysis three times per week?2. Can the meds (epo, vit D, etc), be provided?3. Can these pts obtain enough protein to do well?4. Are there nephrologists in the country that can adequately care for these pts?5. How will the pts pay for these services?6. Who is going to fix them as they break down?7. How do they get the tubing, etc., for them?I guess it wouldn't be as easy as just getting some machines for the country. 0 Likes
Onekidneynurse Nov 24, 2009 i commend you for this interest. best bet might be to contact the big companies: davita and fresenius and see what they could offer.however, i do think that you should consider:1. do these pts have the ability to get to dialysis three times per week?2. can the meds (epo, vit d, etc), be provided?3. can these pts obtain enough protein to do well?4. are there nephrologists in the country that can adequately care for these pts?5. how will the pts pay for these services?6. who is going to fix them as they break down?7. how do they get the tubing, etc., for them?8. do they have a reliable water source, enough water, and water that can be processed properly.i guess it wouldn't be as easy as just getting some machines for the country.just had to add one more 0 Likes
traumaRUs, MSN, APRN, CNS Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU. Has 27 years experience. Nov 24, 2009 Totally agree....how could I forget water?Thanks 0 Likes
kariaini Nov 24, 2009 Thanks Guys for the reply and your thoughts.The main problem i have also been encountering is the water purification and training of the stuff. I think the water purity is a big in this countries. 0 Likes
Onekidneynurse Nov 24, 2009 Totally agree....how could I forget water?ThanksA dialysis nurse forgetting water????????? How could you let that happen JK....:loveya::loveya::loveya: 0 Likes
traumaRUs, MSN, APRN, CNS Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU. Has 27 years experience. Nov 25, 2009 Now come on give me a break!!I'm not as young as I used to be! 0 Likes
Onekidneynurse Nov 25, 2009 Now come on give me a break!!I'm not as young as I used to be!ME neither. I just had to laugh. I switched out a machine yesterday and we have Y connections. I didn't notice the small lever was ON on the other Y and turned on the big lever and soaked our CM. Luckily she's as old as me. So I remember water every time.LOL... Water is the bane of HD nurses... I hate checking it, I hate connecting it.............. I hate water.. period...................... 0 Likes
traumaRUs, MSN, APRN, CNS Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU. Has 27 years experience. Nov 28, 2009 I'm spoiled - I'm there basically for the pts - so though I understand how dialysis works and stuff, I don't actually DO dialysis..You rock! 0 Likes
Onekidneynurse Nov 28, 2009 I'm spoiled - I'm there basically for the pts - so though I understand how dialysis works and stuff, I don't actually DO dialysis..You rock!Just be careful where you stand. 0 Likes
traumaRUs, MSN, APRN, CNS Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU. Has 27 years experience. Nov 29, 2009 I do - however, have ruined a couple of blouses with the dang bleach! 0 Likes
Onekidneynurse Nov 29, 2009 I do - however, have ruined a couple of blouses with the dang bleach!Yeah that stuff is nasty..... LOL. You can always tell a dialysis nurse. They've got bleach stains somewhere. LOLI gave up on that years ago........... 0 Likes
anurseadvocate Jan 2, 2010 Hi Dialysis Nurse. I'm a dialysis nurse for about 3 years now; I work mostly in Acute and PRN in chronic. I have traveled around Africa and have seen the need for dialysis centers. I visited three countries last month in all three countries they had a total of 20 dialysis center with each from 5-7 machines, of which 3 are working on daily basis. I have been searching for donation of dialysis machine but of no luck. Does any one works in a place that is about to change their machine. Does anyone know of the best way to help? I'm looking on relocating to Africa and help with this needed service. I have talked to a couple of nephrologists in 2 countries and they have told me the need for dialysis tx is going up rapidly. Any information will be appreciatedHave you contacted the major providers here in the US e.g. Fresenius or Davita? They have centers all over the world, perhaps this might be of help if they would donate, but they are more into profit. However, one knew knows. 0 Likes
bluemartian, BSN Jan 4, 2010 I heard through the grapevine that Baxter was discontinuing the 1550 machine as of Jan 1, im sure there will be some machines available on the aftermarket 0 Likes
pussycat66 Specializes in Cardiology (ITU), Acute Renal/Dialysis. Has 9 years experience. Mar 25, 2010 ME neither. I just had to laugh. I switched out a machine yesterday and we have Y connections. I didn't notice the small lever was ON on the other Y and turned on the big lever and soaked our CM. Luckily she's as old as me. So I remember water every time.LOL... Water is the bane of HD nurses... I hate checking it, I hate connecting it.............. I hate water.. period......................Yes wet feet is a given for us isnt it lol:yeah: 0 Likes