Phone interview with Davita tomorrow

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Specializes in ER.

An opening came up at the dialysis center near me, it's within easy biking distance from my rural home. I applied. I like my job that I'm at now for the most part, but it's an hour drive. I have a great manager there, and it's often kick back, there's a family atmosphere, and it serves a neat community.

The number one reason I'm interested in this job is that is close. I could come home for lunch. Also, I miss being tied in to my own community.

My fear is that it is an unknown culture. Some workplaces are minefields. I'd be learning a new specialty so would be going in as a newbie. The last 5 years I've been working ER, before that various units. I know going in as a newbie can make you vulnerable.

What can I expect during this interview? What questions should I ask? Any other insights would be appreciated.

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Definately ask how many stations are in the clinic your're applying for. ask whats the patient to nurse ratio. also, what's the pct to patient ratio. some states don't have limitations and you may be the only nurse with 14-16 patients. there are mot many "laidback" opportunities working in a chronic dialysis unit. you are constantly busy. if you are the only nurse on the floor, you cannot leave the building. many days it may be near impossible to get a lunch break. don't get me wrong, i've been a dialysis nurse for 10+ years and i love it. just make sure your're switching jobs for the right reason

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Specializes in LTC, Orthopedics.

Ask about the hours of the clinic, most clinics open around 4:30 am and close around 5pm depending on how many shifts your clinic has, if there is a full third shift expect to stay until 8 or 9pm. I would also ask what would my role is in the clinic because some clinics hire nurses and use them as technicians and in the end that nurse doesn't get to learn the true role of a nurse in a chronic dialysis unit

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Hmmm. I am an HD RN. Having worked both ER and ICU, I'd say think very long and hard about transitioning to an unknown (*especially* a chronic outpatient dialysis unit) if you like your present position.

If you're bored with your present job, feeling burnt out, etc., it might be a nice change.

Chronics can be great, but it depends on so many factors that I can't even begin to brush the surface of the why's/why-not's. It can also be horrible. Unless the unit is very small, It is almost never "laid back." It's a stampede to get patients in and out and complete meds/paperwork.

If you are determined to try the new job, keep your foot in the old one at a PRN capacity.

All that said, I love HD. I have great coworkers, a great, no-nonsense boss, and I even like the company I work for. But I work acutes--whole different kettle of fish.

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But I work acutes--whole different kettle of fish.

I would agree with this. I did a short stint in a chronic unit as part of my orientation. I could NEVER do that full time. Too many personality clashes. I work acutes and love it (even though I'm working 50 hours a week).

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Specializes in ER.

I finally heard back, I had my phone interview over a month ago, and was told that the nurse manager of the clinic would be calling, but then never heard from her. I figured they had hired an experienced dialysis nurse.

The gal said that there was actually a glitch with the online application. I've talked with the clinic director and am going to job shadow next week.

The director and I hit it off. Turns out she and I both worked in the same hospital unit, although at different times. We know many of the same people.

The job would consist of 2 days of clinic hemodialysis, and one day of peritoneal dialysis home visits, it sounded like.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Dialysis, Plasmapheresis.

That job sounds great!! It would be a nice change of pace to do home visits one day a week but not every day. Plus you get the experience of doing both hemo and PD and your doors will open from there! I would go for it... Just be sure to be informed of davitas benefits before you go. I've heard mixed reviews...

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Specializes in LTC, Orthopedics.

I really don't like their benefits. The medical is okay but the dental coverage is terrible, and doesn't cover that many dentist

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