Do you like dialysis?

[nurseontheway]

I am a new grad and have been working in a dialysis clinic for a few months. I just can't quite decide if it is for me or not- I can run my section (cannulate the patients, put up/tear down the machines) but I guess it just wasn't I imagined when I thought about being a RN. I still think that I would like to do Pediatrics or OB right now but I need a Bachelor's degree first.... How long did it take for you to know either way?

[lenovo]

I am a hemodialysis nurse and I love working in the dialysis center.

Although its a routine work, this specialty of nursing challenges me everyday to do my best in dealing with dialysis patients and handling the machine. We are using Fresenius machine.

[rnbob]

It took me six months to even begin to understand the complexities and subtleties involved in nephrology, truly every system in the body is affected. To add to the complexities, we still don't know the answers to some very basic questions concerning renal impairment. I feel that I have found a field that will captivate me for the rest of my life.

Hope you do too, wherever that field lies.

[AsatruRN]

I had to start out like you, tearing down and setting up machines. After you go through these ropes you should be promoted to charge RN, and then you will begin to feel more like a nurse. It's good that they are giving you a strong foundation however because learning how to run a "pod" is valuable experience.

If you find you don't like being a charge nurse however I would encourage you to actively apply elsewhere. You may become pigeonholed as a dialysis nurse after too long. I do not have a bachelor's degree either. Most hospitals strongly prefer BSNs however if you apply and rock your interview you will get another job.

Best of Luck and hang in there!