Fed up with hospital, considering Dialysis (chronic)

Specialties Urology

Published

Hello! I am fed up with the hospital! I feel like I am a pill pusher, never have time to spend with my patients, never know their stories, etc. I have heard some great things about Dialysis Nursing, and would like to get some information, and truthful answers regarding it. Pros and Cons! Any info would be appreciated!

What do you like about being a Dialysis RN? What do you dislike? Do you feel satisfied?

Likes:

get to know the patients and their families, develop good relationships- this I love

routine, same meds and a normal order of things each day

there is a lot to learn about nephrology and it is interesting

work as a team

Drs are civil to the staff

Sundays off!

I am a type 1 personality, I like the order of the day being predictable.

I like the technical aspects, machines and sticking skills

dislikes

14-16 hour shifts in my clinic, getting burnt out

afraid I will get bored with it, and not be able to do anything else

you get to know the patients well, it hurts when they pass away

penny pinching of supplies

I really enjoy the job itself, I just need to find a clinic that does shorter shifts.

I am about to enter into the world of chronic dialysis nurses........am really not sure about it as yet...will be completely new for me...I will be working 4 days week at a small clinic that runs 1-2 patient shifts depending on the day so I'm told the shift is usually around 10 hour. The pay is excellent...no holidays..no Sundays which isn't a huge deal for me but I know for some it is. Big leap of faith for me here. Hospitals are always going to be around..dialysis positions - at least where I live - are not easy to come by. If you try it and don't like it, it's still something to add to your skills set and resume.

Specializes in Home hemo.

I have been in dialysis 14 yrs. I have done several roles: Patient Care Tech, LPN, RN, Education, Home Therapies. Here's what I like/liked:

Some wonderful patients

No Sundays

Some schedule flexibility

Autonomy, but with clear protocols

Some regularity, mixed with unpredictability (this is perfect for me!)

Supervisory role

Physicians & staff are a team and there is respect there

Learning a myriad of different disease processes, not just renal failure

Disliked:

grumpy or psychotic patients

grumpy or psychotic staff members!

High Patient Care Tech turnover

Sad patient situations (they got cancer, can't afford a med, etc)

Overall, I have had a great experience in dialysis, and plan to retire in Home therapies! Hope this helps. Good luck!

I have been in dialysis 14 yrs. I have done several roles: Patient Care Tech, LPN, RN, Education, Home Therapies. Here's what I like/liked:

Some wonderful patients

No Sundays

Some schedule flexibility

Autonomy, but with clear protocols

Some regularity, mixed with unpredictability (this is perfect for me!)

Supervisory role

Physicians & staff are a team and there is respect there

Learning a myriad of different disease processes, not just renal failure

Disliked:

grumpy or psychotic patients

grumpy or psychotic staff members!

High Patient Care Tech turnover

Sad patient situations (they got cancer, can't afford a med, etc)

Overall, I have had a great experience in dialysis, and plan to retire in Home therapies! Hope this helps. Good luck!

I completely agree with this! lol. I love that have done all the roles, you must be an excellent resource to have in the clinic!

Wow, thanks everyone! I think I am going to take that leap of faith and try it! I have put in my applications! It sounds like something that I could possibly enjoy.

The pro's that you all added pretty much go along with what I am looking for. Thanks!

Wish me luck!

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