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

iriskkerry · Oct 28, 2007

Thanks Delana. I have decided that there will be no legal action taken. This would only serve to hold my focus on this horrible thing. I need to move on and put it behind me. I will not be the same person after this. Will be looking out for #1 alot more closely heretofor. Again, thanks for the replies. It does help to know what others are thinking. I'm off to a fresh start!

bnrn03 · Oct 28, 2007

Hi everyone I have been reading the threads about FMC and I was wondering what do they pay? I have one of their clinics about 5 miles from me here in SW Pa. and I was considering interviewing with them. I was wondering if it would be worth my while. And does anyone out there know how much the travel agencies pay for dialysis nurses? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Aquamarine · Nov 5, 2007

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.

I don't work for Fersenius but heard they are very very good. Pay in good in the Rochester area and has been for years. I work for the competitor. The company is a good one, I wouldn't worry too much about that, it could have been worse. Try to have an open mind. I wished I did work for them...dialysis is awesome as far as the work, I love it. good luck:balloons:

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Nov 5, 2007

I'm a traveler and I have worked in a number of FMC clinics all over the country. In my experience, they are one of the worst companies to work for- right up there with HCA.

I love dialysis, but hate FMC.

Aquamarine · Nov 5, 2007

I'm a traveler and I have worked in a number of FMC clinics all over the country. In my experience, they are one of the worst companies to work for- right up there with HCA.
I love dialysis, but hate FMC.

Really, why? I certainly believe you. Do you do travelling dialysis. That is what I want to do eventually. I have elderly parents but after that time, that is my goal. I love dialysis. How is the reception when you travel. did you ever go to Rochester...they were paying 500.00 a day for 12 hrs. 4 yrs ago for per diems. They were paying LPNs time and a half, plus 10.00 and hour for 16 hour saturdays where I worked when I was in shcool in Greece NY near Rochester.

Let me know more, thanks so much for your advice, comments. That is why this is so good...sharing the info. :idea:

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Nov 5, 2007

No, I've never been to Rochester. The reception varies from unit to unit. Some places treat travelers well; others don't. I've never been treated well in an FMC unit.

Yes, I am a traveling dialysis RN. The reasons that FMC sucks are many- but it basically boils down to this: They treat nurses like dogs, and they only care about money.

When nursing jobs pay a whole lot of money there is usually a really good reason for it- the joba are awful and no nurse will stay.

Travelers occasionally, but not often, make the big money that people think we make. In 2005, I was paid $54.00 an hr plus all expenses to work in a very troubled FMC clinic. My license is worth more than that to me, so I broke my contract. I had to buy my way out of it, but I wanted to keep my license and my sanity. The things that were going on there were unbelievable.

The nurse who took over for me thought I was crazy giving up all that money.

BUT- she is now on three years probation with the the BON stemming from things that happened at that unit.

summer4me · Nov 5, 2007

For thise interested, you might want to check the figures on who & how many units & patients of fmc & davita. Been associated with all 3 & Davita by far is the best.

GeauxNursing · Nov 6, 2007

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.

I am in the process of getting my LVN and my boss is offering me a nice bump in salary once I graduate (currently a tech.) I actually don't make squat as a tech and I hate it! I work for Davita, who is more and more seeming to me "all about the money" lately. Our regional guy complaining to my boss about overtime and productivity(we are short-staffed). Making the half-dayers, who would normally be leaving for the day at 11, stay and clock out for a lunch! So silly.

When we moved to our new clinic, we cut out pillow cases. But we do have band-aids, and temp-dots. I can't imagine having only one thermometer for the whole clinic! And bring your own bandaids? that is jujst crazy. Davita seems to have pretty good benefits, altough I am beginning to think that the "profit sharing bonuses" are only to compensate for my crappy wages.

::vent over::

CocoaGirl · Nov 7, 2007

I currently work for FMC and I have to say that patient care is not a top priority, the almighty dollar is. Our 5 units were "bought Out" by FMC about a year ago, and it has been turmoil ever since. Everytime we think we have things under control and are doing it "the Fresenius way", they change policies or there is something else to do on top of everything that we already have to do. I am the ONLY liceensed staff in our 12 station unit. There are three other PCT's, no secretary, no one else but the 4 of us. I am responsible for all of the nursing duties, all of the reports and not to mention the mounds of paperwork that FMC requires. I have been in dialysis for over 12 years and it is my passion, but I'm feeling like the life is being sucked out of me by this company. Our area manager is always on us about keeping the cost per treatment and our TAP down. It has gotten to the point that co-workers in our other units will come in and start working without clocking in just so that they can get their work done and management is not riding their a$$. Before we were acquired by FMC our staffing was very stable and it was actually a great place to work, patient care was THE only priority. Now there is so much turnover that agency staff have to be used and the people that are being hired are leaving before orientation is even over. Many of my co-workers quit within 4-6 months after the take over. We hear everyday from patients that they wish it could be like it used to be, now they feel like herded cattle. I agree avoid FMC as a patient and as an employee. I am seriously looking for another job.

Aquamarine · Nov 7, 2007

I currently work for FMC and I have to say that patient care is not a top priority, the almighty dollar is. Our 5 units were "bought Out" by FMC about a year ago, and it has been turmoil ever since. Everytime we think we have things under control and are doing it "the Fresenius way", they change policies or there is something else to do on top of everything that we already have to do. I am the ONLY liceensed staff in our 12 station unit. There are three other PCT's, no secretary, no one else but the 4 of us. I am responsible for all of the nursing duties, all of the reports and not to mention the mounds of paperwork that FMC requires. I have been in dialysis for over 12 years and it is my passion, but I'm feeling like the life is being sucked out of me by this company. Our area manager is always on us about keeping the cost per treatment and our TAP down. It has gotten to the point that co-workers in our other units will come in and start working without clocking in just so that they can get their work done and management is not riding their a$$. Before we were acquired by FMC our staffing was very stable and it was actually a great place to work, patient care was THE only priority. Now there is so much turnover that agency staff have to be used and the people that are being hired are leaving before orientation is even over. Many of my co-workers quit within 4-6 months after the take over. We hear everyday from patients that they wish it could be like it used to be, now they feel like herded cattle. I agree avoid FMC as a patient and as an employee. I am seriously looking for another job.

I agree that takeovers are horrid. But maybe if the pay is good and you ride with it you will be top dog. Keep a diary, that will be valuable. Did you ever work for davita, what city are you in? We went from County owned to Davita owned. There was a lot of wasted time and materials when the county owned it but everyone complained big time about the supplies, etc.after the takeover. Everyone was given about 5,000.00 to stay with Davita. they lost a lot to leave the county. It is true some of the priority shifts but no boss would be able to tell me that the patient comes second. just keep notes, write out assignment protests so your a** is covered should there be an incident. How do you even leave to go to the rest room? You can't leave a tech alone. Not in our unit. I wouldn't it's my liciense on the line. sometimes I leave them for 2 minutes exactly, to go get something. They have nothing to lose.

Each company is different, each unit in that company is also as good as the administrator. Each nurse is different. Hang in there and take care...Davita is who I work for. My FA is nice, I don't have too many issues, there are things but I am still trying to be a good worker.

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Nov 10, 2007

I currently work for FMC and I have to say that patient care is not a top priority, the almighty dollar is. Our 5 units were "bought Out" by FMC about a year ago, and it has been turmoil ever since. Everytime we think we have things under control and are doing it "the Fresenius way", they change policies or there is something else to do on top of everything that we already have to do. I am the ONLY liceensed staff in our 12 station unit. There are three other PCT's, no secretary, no one else but the 4 of us. I am responsible for all of the nursing duties, all of the reports and not to mention the mounds of paperwork that FMC requires. I have been in dialysis for over 12 years and it is my passion, but I'm feeling like the life is being sucked out of me by this company. Our area manager is always on us about keeping the cost per treatment and our TAP down. It has gotten to the point that co-workers in our other units will come in and start working without clocking in just so that they can get their work done and management is not riding their a$$. Before we were acquired by FMC our staffing was very stable and it was actually a great place to work, patient care was THE only priority. Now there is so much turnover that agency staff have to be used and the people that are being hired are leaving before orientation is even over. Many of my co-workers quit within 4-6 months after the take over. We hear everyday from patients that they wish it could be like it used to be, now they feel like herded cattle. I agree avoid FMC as a patient and as an employee. I am seriously looking for another job.

Wow... I see nothing's changed (except for the worse) in the two years since I left HD.. a Fresenius clinic, of course.

I have to agree with all the poster above just said. So very sad all the way around. And the very reason I left. HD would be a wonderful place for any nurse to work ... IF the conditions were right !!! :trout:

iriskkerry · Nov 11, 2007

Hi Cocoa and Jnette. I too had a wonderful charge nurse who had been at that difficult clinic for SEVEN years! They would not match the lousy 2$ pay raise that another clinic had offered her. What a shame, she was top notch, taught me alot and the patients loved her. It is so hard to accept that this company apparently cares nothing for their employees. In an industry that is training intensive you would think they would learn how stupid it is that we are so easily 'dispensible'. Dialysis is my passion as well, but, I'nm not sure I can work in an industry that values 2X2's more than dedicated staff, Kerry:angryfire