New Kidney Transplant Nurse

[RestoringHope]

As my first job as a Registered Nurse, I am thrilled to be working on a Kidney Transplant unit! Though we are a kidney transplant unit, we also care for those with a variety of patients with renal diagnoses and med- surg diagnoses outside of the renal system. I have completed my first several weeks of orientation and have a few more weeks to go til I will be working independently. Though my time management isn't perfect, I do feel that I have progressed significantly and fielding phone- calls/communicating with the rest of the health care team has become easier with time. I have two questions, really. First, to all renal nurses out there, what can I do to maximize the rest of my orientation? I have been studying renal/ transplant medications,diagnoses, dialysis, and transplants but what other concepts do you feel are significant for me to grasp? Also, my second question has to do with providing compassionate care. In the midst of learning/perfecting new skills, and juggling caring for multiple patients, as I knew might be the case, I am finding it hard to make time to be emotionally in tune and helpful to my patients in the rush of tasks to complete each day. I always vowed to myself that I would care for patients holistically, tending to souls and hearts, but I am finding it hard to make time as I am still learning the art of time management and focusing on perfecting skills. Any insights on how to be present in the moment for my patients while there is a milieu of tasks awaiting to be completed would be greatly appreciated!

[darkangelRN]

Hi RestoringHope!

I am a brand new nurse who will be starting off on a kidney transplant floor as well. I noticed you posted this a few months ago, perhaps now that you have some more experience under your belt, you could give me some guidance? Any books that you found helpful would be much appreciated. I have been studying up on transplants and renal issues and dialysis. I too find it difficult to be holistic when there is so much I'm trying to learn. Any input to address that would be greatly appreciated!!! I am very excited to begin my career as a renal nurse!

Hope to hear from you!