Interview for Acute Unit

I've been in the acute setting for a few years and like it, some days more than others. I wouldn't think they would expect you to know their forms and procedures off the bat, that should be part of OTJ training. Same goes for water testing. If you are blessed enough to have a tech then that probably won't be an issue, otherwise there's not a lot to it. You will be understaffed. I have no idea where you are, but I would just go ahead and expect that. Any questions about your workload will be given generalized answers. It's very rare that I get called in, but it's a small clinic about 80-100 tx per month. Also be financially prepared for feast or famine pay periods, I've had 18 hour days and 18 hour weeks. Good luck :-)

1.) Be sure to ask if the dialysis at any of the four hospitals is room to room, or has an actual inpatient tx area. This can be a game changer. Room to room dialysis can mean one is expected to work 16-18 shifts. Not only that, but you are shut in a patient room for four to five hours...this means you are a captive audience for any and all family and friends all day. :)

2.) Call is a big deal. Be sure to ask exactly how much call you will be required to take. More than two call shifts a week can be a recipe for burnout if these are busy hospitals. Keep in mind that call is usually taken on your "off" days. This means that while you might be technically scheduled for three shifts a week--two more nights of call mean you are effectively tied up five days a week, even if you are not called in. Six days a week if you **are** called in because you will be sleeping most of the following day...

3.) Acute dialysis is a blast...just be sure you know what you are getting into and how to make it work for you personally so that you are providing great care to the patients and service to the company, look forward to work, and still have your own life.

4.) Good luck and I hope it works out for you!

You can pretty much guarantee that you will be floated and you will be on call. If you know that going in you won't feel blind sided. Yes to everything the above poster said. Sitting in a room for hours makes the patient and visitors think you are there for their amusement. You have to be careful because it can be emotionally draining when people who are anxious and lonely want to talk to you for hours. But what's great about the job is the autonomy. You don't have to deal with politics and bullying co workers. You won't have people watching over you and tattling for trivial BS. In my experience, once renal doctors get to know you and trust you they generally treat you with respect and listen to your opinions. There is good and bad. You just have to decide if those things balance out for you.

And you will make a lot of money, which is nice if you have student loans or want to save up for a down payment on a house.