Fresenius medical care...taking over dialysis unit HELP!

zoeintx · Jul 27, 2006

I have worked for FMC for years. They are without a doubt the sorriest company I have ever worked for. Everything is about money! I could never use my PTO because they would not give me the time off. So I lost it. There is no staff recognition what so ever. No matter how much you do for this company they want more and more. We have been promised a cost of living raise for 3 years now. We are the lowest paid of all the companies. While my administrator gets her bonuses we don't get squat. Any problems or complaints fall on deaf ears. They don't care about anything or anybody except for fattening their billfolds. It's sad to say but I never refer anybody to FMC. Not patients or staff. Why am I still here? As soon as my contract is up I am history. I have witnessed them fire good nurses for the stupidist of reasons. Things they let their PCT's get away with but not nurses. They have a habit of firing you right before your scheduled vacation. I've seen it too many times. STAY AWAY!!!!!!!

Chipola · Jul 27, 2006

I'm like you. I've worked for RCG for 2 yrs and really liked the personal aspect of the company. When I joined RCG, it was impressive how big the comany was but how I felt management was not distant, very approachable.
Now, FMC is the biggest dialysis company. We just got Braun machines and love them (after Cobe3's they are fantastic!) and after 2 yrs in dialysis, I feel like I really know my job. Now everything is upside down. New machines, new computer systems, new equipment, new uniform policy (what do I do with that closet full of scrubs??). It is a very scary prospect.
I am awaiting more info on this thread. I know, as a dialysis nurse, that my job is fairly secure here, and our unit is a profitable one. Anyone higher up is shaking. And they may figure that our market is a small one (we have eight chairs/2 shifts/6 days a week but are constrained due to space) and could get rid of us. I guess I can always try something new.
Anyway, I'll follow this thread.
Thanks.

Just thought I would mention that Davita is the largest dialysis company, since they bought Gambro.

tinamacRN · Aug 2, 2006

Just thought I would mention that Davita is the largest dialysis company, since they bought Gambro.

While DaVita's acquisition of Gambro increased their volume by a substantial amount, they are still the second largest provider - Fresenius has 114,570 patients, while DaVita has 95,234 - Fresenius has 1510 clinics vs Davita 1209 -

I have worked for Fresenius for 7 years now and have not seen the terrible working conditions that have been mentioned in posts here - for one - you don't "lose" your PTO - if you reach your cap out amount, your PTO then rolls over into your ESL bank - it is not lost -yes, the "company" is concerned with supply and operating costs - what company isn't? Fresenius, as well as DaVita, are "for profit" dialysis companies -

The area I work in has received a salary survey with "market adjustment" increases every two years - every employee receives an annual performance evaluation and salary increases as appropriate - the benefits are better than most companies in this area -

As with anything else, it's not for everyone - some like it - some don't

Natkat, BSN, MSN, RN · Aug 31, 2006

you don't "lose" your PTO - if you reach your cap out amount, your PTO then rolls over into your ESL bank - it is not lost.

It might as well be lost. If you never take extended leave, you never get that money. Even worse, you have to be there six months before you can use it. I had an appendectomy after I was with the company 5 months. You have to be there 6 months before you can use any ESL time or disability. I ended up having to take a month off without pay. If it weren't for a friend of mine, I'd be on the street by now.

Deano49 · Dec 19, 2006

Hello. I am an RN that is currently employed by Renal Care Group. Today we just learned that Fresenius Medical Care has bought out all of RCG's stock and they are taking us over. We were a privately owned unit until our wonderful "doctor" sold us to RCG. About 5 months ago. We got new machines, new computers, a whole new system. We are just getting used to the change when, BOOM, today we learn that Fresenius is buying RCG units. All of them. You have to understand, we are a small unit with 16 chairs, in the bootheel of MO. We are a great team of people. I feel like we can handle change well. But of course no one knows anything. I was just wondering if any of you kind people out there have or is currently working with Fresenius. How is their benefits and what kind? Do they have paid time off? All that jazz.
Are they a good company to work for? I would greatly appreciate ANY info you can give me. I really know nothing about them as a company. Just what I've seen on their website, which is still nothing. Please, I would love some personal info on what you've seen and experienced. Thank you.

This reply is probally too late, but I have worked for FMC for over 3 years. Their benefit package seems very good to me. PTO, profit sharing, 401K, short term disability, long term disability, major medical insurance, dental ins, vision ins. The ability to transfer to other units without losing your present pay, etc. Overall, I am very satisfied. I am also an RN.

Deano49 · Dec 19, 2006

I have worked for FMC for years. They are without a doubt the sorriest company I have ever worked for. Everything is about money! I could never use my PTO because they would not give me the time off. So I lost it. There is no staff recognition what so ever. No matter how much you do for this company they want more and more. We have been promised a cost of living raise for 3 years now. We are the lowest paid of all the companies. While my administrator gets her bonuses we don't get squat. Any problems or complaints fall on deaf ears. They don't care about anything or anybody except for fattening their billfolds. It's sad to say but I never refer anybody to FMC. Not patients or staff. Why am I still here? As soon as my contract is up I am history. I have witnessed them fire good nurses for the stupidist of reasons. Things they let their PCT's get away with but not nurses. They have a habit of firing you right before your scheduled vacation. I've seen it too many times. STAY AWAY!!!!!!!

I am sorry to disagree. I am sure there are those units where there are problems. I don't know what your policies are or what your benefits are, but we have been able to sell off 40 hours of PTO every year, until this year and we were able to sell off 80 PTO hours. Selling them back at your hourly wage would beat losing them. It is sad that your unit does not have comradery. Dialysis is a very important part of life for those who need it, and much to tedious to have disruption around. There are plenty of other nursing positions available for those who are unhappy. My days are not always pleasant, and I become tired of some of the repetitious work. Face it, without further education and title, any nurse is never going to be rich. You don't say exactly what your title is, but I'm not aware of signing any contract when I went to work for FMC. I wouldn't want to be stuck somewhere I felt so overwhelmed and unappreciated either. Good luck with your next job.

zoeintx · Dec 20, 2006

I was a charge nurse at FMC for 4 years. All nurses have had to sign a 1-3 year contract when employed. As it stands, since I left my position several months ago I was replaced by 2 travel nurses. They are still there. I guess now they realize how much work I did do and had they considered my modest requests they wouldn't be out thousands of dollars paying travel RN companies 100/hr. Not including their room, board, and transportation.

FMC, such savvy business operators!!!!

Marieee · Jan 9, 2007

You are so right about what you said about FMC. They are the only Dialysis company up here north of the Twin Cities and have the market sewed up. GET UNIONIZED. Or you'll find your very dispensible, $$$$is the FMC bottom line.

Marieee · Jan 9, 2007

I work for FMC, financial reports???? They are available and company is doing great! But it seems more interested in growth than it's pt services or their employees. UNIONIZE. We did and it was the best thing.

Marieee · Jan 9, 2007

Do you know why they allow you to sell off your vacation. So they can continue to work on the floor, then they don't have to find a replacement fore you. That would be paying for 2 nurses, you on vac and the one to replace you. They are very smart and it's all about money

Gingbro · Feb 26, 2007

I have been offered a dialysis position with Fresenius in Hawaii but am not too familiar with the company itself. After accepting this position, I was offered a position with a former hospital (was an LPN then). I am not sure if I would be interested in dialysis. I am new grad RN but have 6 years telemetry/med/surg experience. The dialysis position includes rotating shifts and the distance is twice as far as my other job offer. I realize dialysis is a specialty and my chances of seeking other types of RN positions would be limited. I also realize that the tele floor that I worked for as an LPN was very very busy. At this point, I really do not know if I should ask the tele manager if the position is still available. I thought of trying out dialysis to see if I might like it but am afraid that if I don't that the tele position will be gone. Any advice is welcomed please! :idea:

DeLana_RN, BSN, RN · Feb 28, 2007

Having worked on a tele floor years ago, I can assure you that you don't have to worry about the position being gone - and if so, another one will surely be available (or soon, the hospital nursings shortage is severe).

As for dialysis, it's very different, and yes, it's a specialty. However, since you do have previous med/surg experience (as a nurse, LPNs do much of what the RNs do), I don't think it would limit you to try out dialysis.

You either like it or hate it, and won't know until you try!

Good luck,

DeLana

P.S. Another possibility: See if the hospital has an inpatient dialysis unit, which would be a good combination of hospital and dialysis nursing. Some will train.