Newbie Dialysis RN

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So I've been offered position as a Dialysis nurse for Dialysis Clinic Inc. (DCI). I have some background experience in the ER, but not much with renal patients let alone dialysis.

Any tips or advice for the novice dialysis nurse?

-Thx!

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Specializes in Nephrology/Dialysis.

Welcome to DCI!! You will be trained both clinically and didactically to perform dialysis and recognize issues, deal with lab values, create care plans and the like. I have been in this field for almost 35 years and have stuck with it because I find that I use all my assessment skills. You will get to the point that you can recognize when there is something wrong with your patient - you may not be able to pin point the problem, but know something isn't right. I have caught DVT's, pericardial friction rubs, and other issues. I hope that you enjoy this field - it seems that you will either really like it or not like it at all! You will use skills that you never knew you had!

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On 10/23/2019 at 4:28 PM, rhyde said:

Welcome to DCI!! You will be trained both clinically and didactically to perform dialysis and recognize issues, deal with lab values, create care plans and the like. I have been in this field for almost 35 years and have stuck with it because I find that I use all my assessment skills. You will get to the point that you can recognize when there is something wrong with your patient - you may not be able to pin point the problem, but know something isn't right. I have caught DVT's, pericardial friction rubs, and other issues. I hope that you enjoy this field - it seems that you will either really like it or not like it at all! You will use skills that you never knew you had!

Thank you for responding and for your kind words! I am very much excited to begin training and learning how to do my role. Although I don't have an in depth knowledge of dialysis i have always been interested in this field. I'm hoping that it'll be something i come to love!

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On 10/23/2019 at 4:28 PM, rhyde said:

Welcome to DCI!! You will be trained both clinically and didactically to perform dialysis and recognize issues, deal with lab values, create care plans and the like. I have been in this field for almost 35 years and have stuck with it because I find that I use all my assessment skills. You will get to the point that you can recognize when there is something wrong with your patient - you may not be able to pin point the problem, but know something isn't right. I have caught DVT's, pericardial friction rubs, and other issues. I hope that you enjoy this field - it seems that you will either really like it or not like it at all! You will use skills that you never knew you had!

Thank you so much for your insight! This was the most encouraging response I have ever read. I've been an ICU nurse for 5 years, but I have been wanting to do dialysis for over half that time! Dialysis has been a burning passion of mine! I have always admired the nurses who would travel to the ICU to dialyze my patients at the bedside. I am finally taking the leap and interviewing for an acute position. It's nice to come across a fellow nurse who also enjoys the specialty. I hope it is everything I imagine it to be.

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Specializes in Oceanfront Living.
On 10/23/2019 at 3:28 PM, rhyde said:

Welcome to DCI!! You will be trained both clinically and didactically to perform dialysis and recognize issues, deal with lab values, create care plans and the like. I have been in this field for almost 35 years and have stuck with it because I find that I use all my assessment skills. You will get to the point that you can recognize when there is something wrong with your patient - you may not be able to pin point the problem, but know something isn't right. I have caught DVT's, pericardial friction rubs, and other issues. I hope that you enjoy this field - it seems that you will either really like it or not like it at all! You will use skills that you never knew you had!

You sound like a pro. What state do you work in if I might ask.

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Specializes in Nephrology/Dialysis.

Beachbabe86 - I am currently in Montana. Have practiced in Washington state, done some travel nursing in Indiana, N. Carolina and Kentucky then came back and settled here. I really love it! And I have been doing this a few years so I guess that qualifies me as a pro!! Thanks!!

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Hello,

Did you take end up taking the dialysis position? I have my interview with a dialysis clinic today that is actively seeking to fill an RN position.

One of my concerns is not taking a hospital RN position as my first job right out school. Will I be missing out on essential training or skills in the case I chose to move into a hospital job or acute care position in the future? I'm wondering if you share these same concerns.

I did an internship and I have an offer from a local hospital but they are in a hiring freeze through July, possibly August. I really cannot afford to wait that long unemployed.

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No, I did not take the acute dialysis position.. I now work in the CTICU. Many of my classmates went on to be dialysis nurses right out of school and had no regrets/transition difficulties. What do you WANT to do?

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