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

Specialties Urology

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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.

Thank you very much for that neutral reply. I am currently in training and will see how it goes.

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Specializes in Nephrology.

I also work for RCG and Fresenious is coming to look at our small 12/chair unit this month to buy. I am an LPN and have been told that they only hire RN's and Tech's. Does anyone know if this is true? I've worked there for 2 years straight out of nursing school, so I have very little experience any where else. However I can do the Tech's job, and do work with the Doc's in the clinic setting. Any advice would be appreciated.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I do not work FOR FMC but work IN an FMC unit and we had one LPN who is now a tech. I would certainly check it out.

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I do not know how it is there but I do know LPNs who are working for Fresenius. You have experience and I do not see how they would let you and then go through the trouble of retraining another person. Plus, they pay for techs and LPNs to further their education. If you were an LPN with no experience that would be a different story. I do not see them letting you go. You will be an asset to them.

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Specializes in Nephrology.

Thank you so much for your advice, but my real concern is that we are really over staffed at the time, 6 Rn's, 1 Lpn and 4 Tech, and a D.O.N., for a 12/chair unit, and only 2 shifts. If someone had to go now, I feel they probably would keep the RN's and Tech's more to satisfy their patient ratio. My only hope would be that I really do the same job as the RN's on any given day,except the Med. nurse, in our state LPN"S can not give IV push meds, but I'm also half the cost. However, I do know that there is NO way that I would take a step backwards and work as a Tech. I was already talked to about the fact that I could work as either, once in a while maybe!, but I stated then and I state now not permenatly. Don't get me wrong they definitly work for their money, but I also have worked way to hard to get were I'm at now. Not to mention I'm 6 classes short of my RN degree which I'm also working on at the present time. I have to admit I am scared to death about the take over after reading this and past threads regarding FMC. I love my job and benefits now. thats another question what's your thought on already aquired PTO, should I use before they take over or will it roll over?, I hate to lose it. After setting the whole picture any different thoughts?

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This is my personal opinion. Being that you are only 6 classes short, I do not see how they would choose a tech over a soon to be RN. You are trained and performing much like an RN. Are there any other associated clinics close by? I honestly do not see them letting you go. As for working as a tech once in awhile, if they do, it will be at the current salary that you are receiving right now.

As for the PTO, it depends. I would think they would allow you to keep it and roll it over. But it depends if they have a union and the union policies. PTO, unlike sick pay, is yours outright. They should pay you out should you decide not to use it. Here in Hawaii, that is the law. I do not know how it works at where you at. If I were Fresenius, I would definitely not let an LPN so close to becoming an RN go. Fresenius encourages LPNs and techs to further their education. So to let go an LPN, soon to become an RN, goes against their beliefs. Remember though, that every state is different though. But I honestly do not see it happening. You will become an RN and go to another dialysis company or unit already trained. Rns are in demand.

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Specializes in Nephrology.

ok, thanks, but just one more question, what will they do with me personal/ sick time aquired?, no one has said anything about a union or not.

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I am not sure what you mean by personal time acquired. Are you referring to vacation time or length of time you have been with the company?

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In retrospect, a new company is taking over and they may not allow you to rollover your PTO because that means that they will be paying to you. You may want to consider using your vacation or selling it back to the company. Some companies only allow sell back at certain times of the year. You may end up losing it all. It all depends what Fresenius decides to you. Honestly, I do not see a company paying for vacation that was accrued from another company. It is money out of Fresenius' pocket. I honestly cannot say what Fresenius will do as far as PTO.

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Would anyone out there happen to know what medications Patient Care Techs can give and by what route?

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Specializes in Nephrology.

Thanks for the advice. I will definetly be looking into it!. As far as your question in our state Tech's. can not administer any medications, not even tylenol. Thanks for your help.

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Specializes in Hospice, Med Surg, Long Term.

5-20-2007

I trained at FMC in Phoenix last summer. They have a good training program (in Phoenix), but the worst pay scale I have seen. I was not impressed by the way they treat staff (like cattle), not to mention, the patients. I swear they must use cow prods to get three shifts in and out in twelve hours! There was a lot of opportunity to move up the ladder, if you're interested. But, I prefer to have a personal life. 12 hours is more than I care to do, let alone management. They really jerk people around!

a21chdchic in AZ

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