how do I get into dialysis nursing

Pamilina · Jul 27, 2007

Call Davita or Fresenius; they will train you and send you out to hospitals, or you can work in the clinics. Try calling them and speak with a Manager...good luck!

DeLana_RN, BSN, RN · Jul 28, 2007

Some larger hospitals (like mine) have their own dialysis units not associated with the large dialysis providers. They may be willing to train nurses, especially those with recent acute care - and especially ICU - experience.

I agree with pp that the large dialysis companies will train nurses, however, usually not directly for "acutes" in hospitals (in other words, they normally train you in their clinics and later, after you have some experience, send you to hospitals); again, there are exceptions, and it can't hurt to ask*.

Good luck to you, I think you will find acute dialysis very rewarding.

DeLana :)

*I would not recommend this approach, however, because in this case you will likely be on your own when you still have very little dialysis experience. On the other hand, in my hospital dialysis unit we are very rarely alone with patients (only on call, and we can double up for that as well).

Dialysis RN1 · Nov 22, 2007

Hello, I have been a RN for 10 years and about 6 of that in ICU the rest in step down units. I want to know how I can start doing dialysis in hospitals in the San Jose Ca area. Thanks

Put in your application

Training will be provided.

and remember, confidence comes with experience.

good luck

Animaniacs, BSN, RN · Dec 1, 2007

Call Davita or Fresenius; they will train you and send you out to hospitals, or you can work in the clinics. Try calling them and speak with a Manager...good luck!

I know that was posted a long time ago, but I'm looking to learn and possibly get into dialysis nursing. The only dialysis places I've been to was when I was going to school during clinicals. I was sent to the hospital inpatient hemodialysis unit.

My question is what do you mean by "you can work in the clinics"? I heard a friend of mine talking once that her sister works in a dialysis clinic. I wasnt sure what that means. what is a dialysis clinic anyways? Is there any difference between working dialysis in the hospital?

any clarfication is appreciated, lol

Trauma Columnist · Dec 1, 2007

Dialysis "clinics" are for outpatient chronic hemodialysis patients. Hospital dialysis units provide acute care dialysis. The outpt pts are for the most part stable whereas you have unstable pts in the hospital. HOpe this helps.

Animaniacs, BSN, RN · Dec 2, 2007

Cool, thnx for the clarification. which is better to work in with less stress for someone like me who wants to get into dialysis nursing? chronic or acute?

I'm just to stressed out with med-surg right now, I started there 18 months ago, i was a new grad then. I was hoping to get some floor experience before going to pursue dialysis nursing.