Hemodialysis

nutella, MSN, RN · Jan 25, 2016

Are you talking chronic or acute dialysis?

Chronic dialysis in a center starts super early and some places do offer nocturnal programs - meaning overnight dialysis. Usually you get hired specifically for that shift but if somebody calls out or vacation they may ask you to cover.

Mornings can start very early - usually the techs mix the baths but if your first pat shift starts at 6 am you can imagine that the start is early.

In acute dialysis most treatments are done during the day but you have on call - I had some days where I worked 20 h and more because of heavy on call activity.

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 25, 2016

Most outpatient dialysis units do not have graveyard shifts. There are a few who do have nocturnal runs but most don't.

My shift runs from 0520 to 1400 each day.

If you work in acute dialysis (hospital) your shifts will vary and will ebb and flow with inpatient census. They can run from 8 hours to over 16 or more. Not predictable at all.

Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP · Jan 25, 2016

I worked in acute dialysis for several years. We'd take on call but the actual times I had to go in late at night was extremely minimal. Most times I'd start at 6.30 or 7am and work through to 4pm. Sometimes I'd stay late, sometimes I'd leave early. Sometimes I'd be getting in the car to go home and the pager would go off. Other times I'd lay my head on my pillow and the pager would go off. It didn't happen enough to be a problem.