New Grad - Dialysis Nursing? Looking For Advice Please!

[Areby]

Hi!

I just graduated with a BSN and will (hopefully) pass my boards at the end of this month. I live in Chicago and, from everything I've heard and experienced, new grad positions are hard to come by here.

Through familial connections to both DaVita and Fresenius, I may have a very good shot at getting a position with either company. I would be hesitant to work for either, because honestly, I'm not sure if I'm really interested in doing dialysis nursing. Ideally, I want to start in med/surg to get my feet wet... but dialysis nursing could be another option if I can't find a job. However, I'm afraid that if I start with dialysis nursing, I may dislike it and I won't have relevant experience to be hired at a hospital.

Current or former dialysis nurses: do/did you enjoy dialysis nursing?

What is your opinion on dialysis nursing for a new grad? ...and how difficult would it be to transition to working acute care in a hospital? ...would my experience with dialysis nursing be of much benefit/relevance?

Any info/advice if greatly appreciated!

[courtlynn4]

If you can you I would start in a hospital. A medical floor would be great! Many managers around here want nurses that have previous experience that way you can identify problems before they start while on dialysis. If you can't find a job and have to take one you can take one at one of the outpatient units. Then if you really want to go to the hospital you have a background in dialysis and can take a job in acutes doing dialysis to get your foot in the door in the hospital. From my experience you either love or hate dialysis nursing.

[Erikadawn RN]

I am a dialysis nurse who did not start with med surg. My sdvice to you is to take a job that is offered to you. I have met new grads who try waiting fir a med surg job and then look for a job for over a year. They then wish that they accept ed the other jobs that were offered to them. I started in long term care, I tried to learn all I can. I now do dialysis in acutes. There is not a nursing shortage, jobs are difficult to comeby, especially for new grads.