Fed up with hospital, considering Dialysis (chronic)

MJB2010 · Oct 15, 2011

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.

Lucky724 · Oct 15, 2011

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.

DaniRN1 · Oct 15, 2011

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!

MJB2010 · Oct 15, 2011

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!

I heart seasons · Oct 16, 2011

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!