Heh! Dialysis, Renal, Nephrology Nurses :)

[iln77]

Hi there. I am a new grad who has recently accepted a position in the nephrology unit. I am really excited about this opportunity and can't wait to learn everything there is to know about this specialty. I would love to hear from any nurses who have worked in Nephrology and gain insight on their personal experiences and what they feel a new grad nurse can gain from this experience. I am sure it will be a most beneficial experience for me!! I plan on obtaining renal nursing books just to give me a foundational knowledge base because I was reading that many nurses obtain certification before working on these types of units!! Look forward to your replies!!

[MichellefireRN]

It really depends on if you are going to be doing Nephrology nursing in a hospital vs outpatient setting.

If you will be doing dialysis, you kind of become a technician first in your knowledge base-our technicians are HIGHLY knowledgeable about not just the "hows" but also the "why's"-then you move on to the nursing knowledge, which is really just on the job training.

FYI, I know there is a difference in opinion about this subject ,but I really do feel I was best off doing med/surg for a few years before specializing. Just my humble opinion, though.

Good luck, and keep your chin up! As with any new thing, it will just seem to "click" one day and get a lot easier than it is at first.

[Aquamarine]

Hi there. I am a new grad who has recently accepted a position in the nephrology unit. I am really excited about this opportunity and can't wait to learn everything there is to know about this specialty. I would love to hear from any nurses who have worked in Nephrology and gain insight on their personal experiences and what they feel a new grad nurse can gain from this experience. I am sure it will be a most beneficial experience for me!! I plan on obtaining renal nursing books just to give me a foundational knowledge base because I was reading that many nurses obtain certification before working on these types of units!! Look forward to your replies!!

Nephrology is great, the MDs usually exceptional. A lot of details that I personally love. A great education on many aspects of health. I couldnt' say enough. Go for it and become the best in your field. Nancy

[BeautifulSteph]

Hi, I am a fourth year student doing placement in nephrology. I would love to have insight, advise and possible scenories that I will be experiencing. I would appreciate any bit of information.

[Tish88]

Are you speaking about dialysis nursing?

I always recommend new grads to get some med/surg, ICU or ER experience before doing dialysis - either in the chronic units or with the acute programs.

I have been doing dialysis for over 20 years and have seen many new grads fail without any nursing background.

Good Luck to you.

[Lacie, BSN, RN]

Are you speaking about dialysis nursing?

I always recommend new grads to get some med/surg, ICU or ER experience before doing dialysis - either in the chronic units or with the acute programs.

I have been doing dialysis for over 20 years and have seen many new grads fail without any nursing background.

Good Luck to you.

It can be difficult for an experience nurse at times but I have seen new grads enter dialysis successfully. I agree with Tish though get some m/s experience first if you are considering dialysis. Thats a whole different breed of patients and you become just as much as a psych nurse also. They can be very very difficult and angry over thier disease comparative to any other place I have worked in a hospital or otherwise. You have to be pretty tough skinned. Put on your armour and if it's what you really want then do so. Keep in mind it may affect you later transferring to other areas as most places dont consider it bedside nursing. I left hospitals for 3 years to do dialysis and left. Now consider with 25years experience in critical care before this I cant find a job!