Kinda lost right now

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 24, 2011

Since the prison is most likely a state or federal entity, the pay and benefits might be far better than what will be offered at the dialysis center, home health agency, or hospital. I don't know how old you are, but a nurse at any age should be thinking about planning for retirement. The prison gig, in all probability, has superior retirement benefits.

Skwidward · Mar 24, 2011

Since the prison is most likely a state or federal entity, the pay and benefits might be far better than what will be offered at the dialysis center, home health agency, or hospital. I don't know how old you are, but a nurse at any age should be thinking about planning for retirement. The prison gig, in all probability, has superior retirement benefits.

It is, and apparently it's 20 years service for retirement. The benefits are excellent, and they pay 100% towards tuition. I'm 30, so retirement etc. is something that is becoming a lot more pressing. Being able to retire at 50 would be pretty cool. It's just whether I can handle the inmates. I'm a pretty laid back person, and would describe myself as a very professional nurse-I don't get too personal with my patients; so it may be ideal.

I guess you never know until you try. It's just which rabbit hole to jump down.... :)

Thanks

Trauma Columnist · Mar 24, 2011

I'm an APN in dialysis and see pts at several dialysis clinics - all Fresenius units though.

Dialysis is very routine and specialized. There are some adrenaline-producing moments but for the most part, its very routine and you do the same thing over and over. Same pts too.

I don't think its necessarily the company (FMC or Davita), I think its the work itself.

That said, if I wasn't an APN, I would not have never chosen dialysis as a nurse. Too routine for me.

However, what kind of things do you like to do? I would think the benefits of the prison job might fit the bill for me. If you are into adrenaline-pumping action, maybe the ER or ICU? More of a predictable schedule? Dialysis or prison might be better.

canchaser, BSN, RN · Mar 24, 2011

100% towards tuition. Sounds great but the nights don't sound great to me. I have friends working for Davita and like it but it is a busy run. Plus I hear there are additional bonuses when labs are in line with the parameters. They get a lot of ot if u are interested. Benefits were pretty good, y not go for both and then see what meets your needs.

Dalla · Mar 24, 2011

I think the prison work sounds pretty good. Or, have you thought about the OR? Very different from floor nursing.

Skwidward · Mar 24, 2011

I'm an APN in dialysis and see pts at several dialysis clinics - all Fresenius units though.
Dialysis is very routine and specialized. There are some adrenaline-producing moments but for the most part, its very routine and you do the same thing over and over. Same pts too.
I don't think its necessarily the company (FMC or Davita), I think its the work itself.
That said, if I wasn't an APN, I would not have never chosen dialysis as a nurse. Too routine for me.
However, what kind of things do you like to do? I would think the benefits of the prison job might fit the bill for me. If you are into adrenaline-pumping action, maybe the ER or ICU? More of a predictable schedule? Dialysis or prison might be better.

Yes, I'm definitely not into the ICU environment. I have only been involved in a handful of codes, and although I found I was able to function pretty well and not panic, it's really not something I want to deal with throughout an entire shift. Maybe just lack of experience and not knowing exactly what to do has something to with that. I'm not ACLS certified.

The kind of things I like to do: I like sticking people, I like wound care, I like teaching, I guess I like the more technical side of things. Routine is more appealing to me than chaos. I really enjoyed home health for the teaching and wound care and calm. I just could not handle the constancy of it. I like my time off to be without a stack of paper work due and phone calls to make. I also don't like running my truck into the ground. :)

So the fact that it was too routine is the only reason why you would not have chosen dialysis as a nurse?

I think the prison work sounds pretty good. Or, have you thought about the OR? Very different from floor nursing.

Ideally I would like to work in the OR. I have considered getting my surgical tech certification and applying for one of the many jobs I see advertised for LVN/ST. The thing what that is for about the same amount of schooling I can get my RN and apply for a graduate RN position in the OR. Trust me, if they hired LVNs without their ST certification in the OR, I would be at the hospital now resume in hand :)

glutton4punishment · Mar 24, 2011

Hi there! Looks like you have some really good options, so that is a major plus. Since you asked for opinions....

Davita was my first job as a LVN. Not sure where you are, but I know that each facility is VERY different. I personally had a wonderful experience with DAVITA. The training program is awesome, I learned soo much. THE ONLY negative about my experience was the 16 hour shifts. Some people can do 16's with no problem, and I am not one of those people. The pay was decent, I think i made 20/hr. The benny's were good. And once you get it down, it's fun.

Secondly, once you get dialysis down, since you already have med/surg experience...you can do acutes. I personally wish i would have stayed with it a bit longer, because here in Houston, acute dialysis nurses make serious cash. Not sure what the rate is for LVN, but for RN's, they make $400 per treatment. Pretty enticing.

Anyway, hope this helps. Again, I have nothing but positive things to say about Davita. And personally, the more specialized experience you get, the better. That goes for any field of work you are in. Plus, you live 15 mins away??? There will ALWAYS be prison jobs. Take the dialysis. Good luck!

canchaser, BSN, RN · Mar 24, 2011

Wow $ 400 a treatment. That is very enticing, does that break down to $100 an hour for a 4 Hr treatment?? I had heard dialysis pays well but was afraid to " jump down that rabbit hole" to qoute a previous poster.

mtsteelhorse · Mar 24, 2011

You are young...go for the dialysis. I work in corrections and love it. BUT...it is a great job as you get older as well. Do all the interesting clinical stuff now...you can work in a prison later as you get older. Look upon it as another adventure in your nursing career. How large is the prison? If it's very large you'll utilize lots of clinical skills but it's an entirely different environment from anything you've ever done! Good luck with your decision.

Trauma Columnist · Mar 24, 2011

I enjoy chaos and love very fast paced environments. As a nurse I workedICU but mostly ER.

However there are different specialties for different types of people. I think you are getting a good range of opinions here.

tiredstudentmom · Mar 24, 2011

Please let us know which position you decide on. Inquiring minds want to know... : :coollook: