Just started as a dialysis nurse. And as a nurse in general. Two weeks since I started. While first week was only computer now I learn to work on the floor as a pct for a first month and then the nursing part will start as well.
Last week my preceptor showed me how to set up a dialysis machine himself, and then moving on to another machine during turn over asked me to set that one myself, which I didn't do that well. So I asked him to walk me through the process while I am doing it, which helped me much better then just observing him. it was three days (that I worked that week) on the floor, the last day I felt like I did much better at setting up/priming the machines. I am also very anxious about everything and feel pretty overwhelmed, for there is still so much new info to learn. But today the nurse told me that I am being too slow, and the preceptor cannot move on to another tasks cause I am not good at priming the machine I really thought it was the matter of practice. I tried to work faster today but then I make pretty silly mistakes. So it is just really discouraging.
For those who once were new to dialysis, how much time did it take for you to learn the machine and work at a normal pace. And how did the learning go in general?
Hi, I hope all is well with you. Off topic, but I meant to ask, is it required to have a solid medsurge nursing hospital experience to get in to Dialysis field? I'm a new RN as well with minimal experience.
Hi, I hope all is well with you. Off topic, but I meant to ask, is it required to have a solid medsurge nursing hospital experience to get in to Dialysis field? I'm a new RN as well with minimal experience.
I haven't worked in an acute (hospital) setting in 10yrs. The company I work for says they feel like talent can be developed with the right people. Go for it! The worst that could happen is they don't hire you. But you never know until you try. Good luck!
I am new to dialysis as well, I too am a bit disillusioned. I would like to do Acutes but the on-call requirements don't sound doable with a family and young children. The turf wars between techs and nurses are really disheartening.
If you are considering acutes, ask those doing it now what their actual call is like. A lot depends on the docs and whether or not they are reasonable about it, along with the number of facilities you are expected to cover. Maybe it's only the one you work in. Are you also responsible for CRRT setups in the middle of the night if they clot? Do you do PD? In general, acutes w/call and a young family isn't easily possible. Chronics, though, with more regular hours, may require you to get to the clinic at 4AM. So, pick your poison.
I really thought it was the matter of practice. I tried to work faster today but then I make pretty silly mistakes. So it is just really discouraging.
ms_vee
9 Posts
Hi, I hope all is well with you. Off topic, but I meant to ask, is it required to have a solid medsurge nursing hospital experience to get in to Dialysis field? I'm a new RN as well with minimal experience.