New graduate in dialysis, future career issues

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Specializes in Dialysis.

I just recently started my first job as an RN in outpatient chronic dialysis, which was the only job I landed out of all my applications. So far I'm in my 2nd week of training, and it's not bad. In the first place, I didn't like the hospital med-surg setting from what I saw while I was a student, and this field feels a bit more likable.

However, I've been advised by others who are experienced in dialysis not stay too long in there because I'm still young. Some suggested I get med-surg or ICU experience, and another suggested I get trained in acute dialysis and work on becoming an NP.

I'm worried that by starting off in dialysis, I won't have the fundamental nursing knowledge/skills that I would've gotten otherwise from a med-surg, bedside nursing job. In the past, I've thought of getting a Master's in Nursing Informatics which isn't a guaranteed job at the moment. (At this point, IDK where I'm headed. I am an extreme introvert, and I'm detail-oriented. I like the idea of helping people... but not so great in socializing. So far, the technical side of dialysis is slightly intriguing to me.)

Any advice on how long I should stay in chronic dialysis, and if I should get a med-surg job as soon as I can to build up my nursing knowledge?

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Specializes in Dialysis.

get through your training. There is so much going on due to Covid, and many places aren't hiring, or are limiting hiring, and new grads are having a hard time with getting that first job right now. Get your 7 mos-1 year, then start applying if you want out. You will use many skills in dialysis, trust me.

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On 8/9/2020 at 5:48 PM, an2rn said:

I just recently started my first job as an RN in outpatient chronic dialysis, which was the only job I landed out of all my applications. So far I'm in my 2nd week of training, and it's not bad. In the first place, I didn't like the hospital med-surg setting from what I saw while I was a student, and this field feels a bit more likable.

However, I've been advised by others who are experienced in dialysis not stay too long in there because I'm still young. Some suggested I get med-surg or ICU experience, and another suggested I get trained in acute dialysis and work on becoming an NP.

I'm worried that by starting off in dialysis, I won't have the fundamental nursing knowledge/skills that I would've gotten otherwise from a med-surg, bedside nursing job. In the past, I've thought of getting a Master's in Nursing Informatics which isn't a guaranteed job at the moment. (At this point, IDK where I'm headed. I am an extreme introvert, and I'm detail-oriented. I like the idea of helping people... but not so great in socializing. So far, the technical side of dialysis is slightly intriguing to me.)

Any advice on how long I should stay in chronic dialysis, and if I should get a med-surg job as soon as I can to build up my nursing knowledge?

Hi! I'm in the same boat. I am a recent ADN-RN graduate in NY. All the hospitals here except 1 or two require BSN which I am completing a RN to BSN starting this fall. I had two interviews with Davita Dialysis, just waiting on the recruiter to call me to discuss how to panel interview went. I feel the same way. I feel as if though my opportunites will be limited. Only saving grace for me is 5 years as a nursing asst/tele tech at a very large hospital on LI.

Not idea if I should take the dialysis job or just keep working as a PCA/NA while I finish the BSN.

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Specializes in Dialysis.
On 8/24/2020 at 12:39 PM, nagab said:

Hi! I'm in the same boat. I am a recent ADN-RN graduate in NY. All the hospitals here except 1 or two require BSN which I am completing a RN to BSN starting this fall. I had two interviews with Davita Dialysis, just waiting on the recruiter to call me to discuss how to panel interview went. I feel the same way. I feel as if though my opportunites will be limited. Only saving grace for me is 5 years as a nursing asst/tele tech at a very large hospital on LI.

Not idea if I should take the dialysis job or just keep working as a PCA/NA while I finish the BSN.

How long until you start your BSN? I'm 1 month into the Davita training program, and it's not bad. The company treats its employees well, and the culture of the center I work at is very nice. Hope your interview went well! I think a job in dialysis as an RN will give you RN experience, although it's so much different from the hospital floor. So far I can see benefits of learning multi-tasking, patient assessment/intervention/education, CVC care, cannulation... etc.

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Specializes in Dialysis.
On 8/10/2020 at 9:32 PM, Hoosier_RN said:

get through your training. There is so much going on due to Covid, and many places aren't hiring, or are limiting hiring, and new grads are having a hard time with getting that first job right now. Get your 7 mos-1 year, then start applying if you want out. You will use many skills in dialysis, trust me.

Thank you for the reply! I realized dialysis, although very specialized, comes with many learning experiences as an RN.

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37 minutes ago, an2rn said:

How long until you start your BSN? I'm 1 month into the Davita training program, and it's not bad. The company treats its employees well, and the culture of the center I work at is very nice. Hope your interview went well! I think a job in dialysis as an RN will give you RN experience, although it's so much different from the hospital floor. So far I can see benefits of learning multi-tasking, patient assessment/intervention/education, CVC care, cannulation... etc.

I start my BSN September 8th. I just graduated in May. I was going to do an online program, however I was skeptical. The four year BSN is the top rated in the country (expensive LOL) but they are offering a really decent incentive for ADN's graduates so I'm excited. I got the job with Davita and am very excited to be starting!

I'm so happy to hear that the training is going well for you and that the work culture is great! I agree I think it will be valuable experience that is different and unit and will look good when applying to a hospital setting! I just don't want to be a sitting duck not working as a nurse while going to school for the BSN. 

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