how did you guys become a Hemodialysis Nurse?

[jtanga]

I enrolled in a dialysis tech. course but I'm already BSN. I'm waiting for my other documents in order for me to become eligible to take the nclex exam. The reason why I did this is to have a background in dialysis. My sister told me that I shouldn't done that because some hospital teaches that skill to the nurse for free. Hmm so the hospital is gonna teach the nurse how to insert needle but what about other stuff? I have other stuff that I didn't know before I study the dialysis tech course like for example water treatment, theories about the dialysis etc. I think I did the best thing, in order to become a good hemodialysis nurse we have to start from the bottom to have a good foundation..

[ernbabjr, BSN, RN]

Well, your sister is right that some hospitals will really mold you with this kind of special skill. But I can't blame you if you really want to upgrade your knowledge on hemodialysis but the only thing why did you enrolled in dialysis tech instead of hemodialysis only because it will scope everything from basic to advance theories and actual skill? But don't you worry you still have enough time to adapt all this stuff after you work on an actual hospital or center setting. On my case I also enrolled directly in hemodialysis then after I got the job. So good luck on your career.

[workingmomRN]

In my state there are no dialysis training programs. I got a job at a dialysis clinic & got all on the job training. The clinics will train you in everything you need to know, they have classes that cover all of the aspects of the job. Then they have training beyond the basics of dialysis for the nurses that go beyond just the basics of the dialysis tech duties.

[Minnie02]

Hi! It always good to get some training before you enter the field. Some companies look for some experience before you start working them, and some companies train you for few weeks and then you are on your own. I would just think you did a good job on getting trained before you entered the field. Yes, a new grad nurse who has no experience would not know about inserting the needles or the water treatment. It always good to be prepared before you enter a new healthcare setting.