Chipola

Hi to all, I would like to know how many charge nurses out there have to work a station. The company that I work for states that no charge nurse should be assigned a station. A station at my clininc includes four patients 1st shift, four patients 2nd shift, and three patients 3rd shift. I have to take a station because we don't have enough staff (what a big surprise). However, I am still expected to do all my charge nurse duties. I have been told we are fully staffed, and I am the only RN, except my FA who also is not supposed to be on the floor. We have 40 patients and work 16 hour days. Is this common practice in dialysis units. THANKS

I have been a Hemodialysis nurse (RN) for several years and I'm looking to do something different. I just applied to work at a local prison that is owed by GEO Group in North Florida. I just want to find out there pay scale, benifets, etc. Most importantly I want to know how they treat their employees. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

I have work in diaylsis a long time. I have work my way up from a PCT to an RN. This is a very physical job. My day starts at 4:00 am and ends at 7:00pm. Besides all my nursing duties (rounds, meds, paper work) I still have to put on patients, set up machines, and clean. In other words if you are looking for a less stressfull, less physical job don't go into dialysis.

I take some offense to the comments about techs. A tech is only as good as the nurse above them allows. If the nurse provides education (about hemodynamics, drugs, labs, ex.) to the tech then the tech can be a much better provider. I have been in dialysis for eight years. Six years as a tech, two as a LPN, and I graduate from RN school this May (YEAH). I gained the majority of my dialysis education through my tech years and if I may say so I was a pretty good tech. I'm not saying that there are not bad providers out there , but don't lump everyone into one catergory.

Just thought I would mention that Davita is the largest dialysis company, since they bought Gambro.

I have been working toward getting into nursing school for several years. Taking pre req course along the way and finishing LPN school about 9 months ago. Well, today I register for the LPN Mobility program and I start my first day of RN school tomorrow. This has been a long term goal for me ,and I have final reach the last stage (only 3 semisters). I'm really excitied and nervous all at the same time. This also is an introduction, I have been in the medical field for 8 years. I have climbed the medical ladder going from a PCT, EMT, LPN, and final RN school. I have been in Dialysis most of the 8 years and have to say it is my true calling. I have really enjoyed reading all of the post by you guys. I thought this would be a perfect oppertunity to introduce another male nurse to the forum. Thanks for letting me rant. Chipola--RN bound :studyowl:

That is horrible. My class was not like that at all. I got to see the test every time. And if I didn't understand why I missed one Dr. Kimmel would talk to me about it. And, if I could show with support from the text book why I answered the way I did he would give me the point. He had outlines for each Chapter, and if you study off the outline you could ace the test. Don't get me wrong I hand to study my butt off, but I had a very supportive teacher. If you are going to take AP II with edukan go with Timothy Kimmel.

I just finished AP II (8 week course) with Dr. Kimmel. It was great, and I made an A. It was a lot of hard work, but it was worth not having to go to a class room. I recommend it to anyone who is go to nursing school. I took AP I through a community college, and I didn't learn near as much as I did with the edukan course. I start nursing school Wednesday and am so excitied. Just thought I would share for those who are up in the air about taking on line courses. It is doable and well worth it.

My clinic is switching to the Gambro Pheonix Machine, does anyone have any comments good our bad about them.

I am new to the board, so first a shout out to everyone out there. I am a LPN in florida and work for a wonderful company. They have offered to pay 5,OOO.OO dollars a year (up to two years) for me to become a R.N. They told my I can take any route I want as long as it is accredited. I have been researching for several months and come to the conclusion that I want to use Chancellor's. Has anyone here used Chancellor's for the entire EC program and passed ? I am open to all comments and opions! Thanks