Dialysis nursing pros/cons?

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Hey all.

I am currently an ED nurse and am finding nightshifts are really taking a toll on my overall health and im desperate to find a way out.

One idea i thought of was Dialysis nursing, because i also like to work quite autonomously and think i would find 1:1 nursing less stressful.

I also like havig the time to properly educate my patients and im quite caring (ed nurses always tell me im "too nice" maybe these qualities would be more appreciated in Dialysis)...haha.

Just wondering if anyone is keen to share their pro's/cons of that area.

Thanks!

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Specializes in ED, med-surg, peri op.

I wouldn’t recommend it.

It’s all about getting pt in and out as fast as possible. Very little education. Very little hands on or nursing skills. Very repeative. And not normally 1:1.

If you want a easy Monday to Friday job this is it. If you want to still feel like a nurse and utilise you skills and knowledge this isn’t it.

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Specializes in Home Health (PDN), Camp Nursing.

It sounds like your talking about in patent dialysis. Most of what I gathered by talking to the in house folks is that the work isn't bad besides hauling the equipment around. The real issue is the call schedule you may end up doing a lot of call and more back to backs then you like.

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Specializes in Nephrology/Dialysis.

I'll be the voice on the other end of the spectrum. I have been a dialysis nurse for 34 years now. Took me some time to find this specialty but I was hooked! Instead of working for the big 2, try to find a hospital based unit or not for profit provider. I have worked for both for profit and non-profit providers in both in center chronic hemodialysis and acute settings and prefer the not for profit unit. The thing I love about this choice is that I have used my assessment skills to find DVT's, suspected bowel blockages and cardiac issues like a pericardial friction rub. I don't take any day for granted. You can have a patient be fine one day and flip into AFib the next. It goes without saying that I have worked with great dialysis technicians and nurses and some not so great. Like anything else it takes about a year to feel really comfortable. You may also be able to train for home therapies which is a whole different ball game. I wish you luck and hope you will try dialysis.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

You might want to check AN forum Dialysis / Renal / Urology

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