RN4840

The difference between the dialysis RN and LPN may vary in your state. Where I worked both RNs, LPN's and Techs could insert the dialysis needles into the graft or fistula and initiate dialysis. Only the RNs and LPN's could initiate dialysis through a central line or lifesite access. The Charge nurse oversee's all the RNs, LPN's and Techs. The tech can initiate dialysis, discontinue dialysis and monitor the patient but they are trained and need to let a nurse know right away if there is something unusual happening with the patient. The nurses and the Tech's should work as a team to help each other out. Of course as the one with the license you will need to know what to do if an adverse situation should arise. Where I worked we had 3 months orientation. The 1st month was spent in class and with the education coordinator learning how to thread the machines etc. The rest of the time was spent with a preceptor. The dialysis machines are not to hard to use. There are several different brands so I'm not sure what the center you are looking at uses. By the time you are done with orientation you should feel comfortable with the machines. My interview was like that of any other job. They ask why you wanted to be a nurse, why dialysis interests you, your experience, etc. You could ask them about how their center runs, how many patients they have, how many shifts they are open, ask them about their mission statement. I would ask about hours and benefits. Hope this helps RN4840:nurse:

Hi! I worked as a Dialysis nurse for 3 1/2 years. I only left the position because I got married and moved 2 hours away where there is not a dialysis center. Dialysis is the most rewarding, fufilling, educational job I have ever had! I miss it dearly. It is a demanding job. I'm not sure how big the center is that your interviewing at. The center I worked at had 22 stations so each nurse had 3-4 patients. Most patients come in 3 days a week for 4 hours. The dialysis nurse, or tech is responsible for initiating treatment, monitoring the patient during the treatment and discontinuing treatment. You are also responsible for giving certain medications on treatment, monitoring blood pressure, machine alarms, and patient teaching. Dialysis is a specialty and there is alot to learn. The machines are not intimidating, it's just a matter of getting use to working with them. You need to be flexible and a quick thinker. A person's blood pressure can drop, they can pass out on you or code in no time flat. You need to be alert and watch your patient's closely. The good thing is you get to know them well and develop special relationships with them. You will hopefully have a long orientation period and then work with a preceptor. If I can help more please let me know. Good luck~

"Can someone be an effective nurse without having so much an emphasis on loving her patient?" I don't think you have to love all of your patients. There are certain patients that will touch your heart and impact your life and there are those that won't. I do think you have to have a certain amount of respect for everyone you care for it order to be an effective nurse. You don't have to like them or the things they have done but you need to be non-judgemental in caring for them. A patient is more likely to listen to and respect a nurse who is not cold and heartless.:redbeathe RN4840

I was a CNA for 5 years, a LPN for 3 years, and have been an RN for 3 years. I truely went into nursing because I love taking care of other people. It gives me a great satisfaction at the end of the day to know I have helped another human being. Of course we all have bills to pay and need a job, but if you don't love your job what's the point? RN4840

Karen, I don't understand why nurses continue to insist on eating their young! As a new grad nurse working at a hospital you should have had atleast 3 months of orientation. It also would be beneficial to train with the same person. You also need to be trained by the policy and procedure, not by different nurses opinions. Each facility should have a policy on what to do if a Patient's blood sugar is below a certain level and when you should contact the Doctor etc. It sounds to me like your employer failed you. I would write a letter of complaint to the administrator of the facility from which you were recently fired. If you get no response go to the board. They need to know what is going on! Next time you apply for a job simply be honest with your prospective employer and let them know what happened. A new grad should not be set up to fail, which it sounds like you were! Keep your head up, stick up for yourself and things will work out! RN4840