krups

Cocoa Girl I just read your post. I can't believe you don't get a break or lunch. We are crazy too, but we must make time to eat. That is so unfair to ask of the staff on a daily basis. Your company should be ashamed, and I am sure it is an illegal work practice. Look into the laws of your state.

It is a nightmare! I used to go in early, but decided to stop. I too wish management had to do this job for one day. Every day is physically & mentally exhausting. Don't know how much more I can take.

Sounds exactly like my clinic. I like the "drooling to get on early". Yeah, that's dialysis.

Thanks Valerie for the detailed reply. We basically do all that you mentioned. Problems arise because there are so many variables with dialysis. A pt who is not normally late, arrives late. A system may clot for whatever reason, and a new setup takes a staff member away from a takeoff, etc, etc. If it is a busy clinic, which mine is, then we anticipate a crazy turnover. If it goes smoothly then it is a pleasant surprise. We are constantly trying to improve our turnover. This is the reality of outpatient dialysis.

Our turnover is a mess too. 26 pts out and 26 in over a span of 2 hrs. Everyday is a nightmare. We have a lot of staff, but it's still stressful.

What company do you work for? I can't imagine working under those conditions. We have supply carts on the unit, and a stock room if we need more.

I have worked for them for almost 10 years. It is a very good company. Not for profit, and good pt care is the priority. Benefits and staffing are good. I have heard, and read a lot of comments about other companies and I think I work for the best one. I am happy, and plan to retire in a few years from DCI. If you get a chance for an interview take the opportunity to hear what they have to say.

If you don't know a lab value and add lytes to a bath you could kill someone. I can't imagine a clinic following this type of practice. I also never heard of falsifying records. These are not common practices.

In my county in PA there are access vans that transport our pts. The pts. have to sign up for this service in advance. Once signed up the van picks them up and takes them home after tx. We encourage our pts. to use this service because it is safer than if they drove themself home after tx. There is a small fee for this service, however I don't know the exact price. The majority of our pts. use the vans. These vans also transport the elderly to grocery stores, beauty shops, etc.

I have worked for DCI for 8 yrs. The salary may be slightly lower than others, but it also depends on how much experience someone has. The retirement benefits are the best. Get into the plan ASAP. I am happy working for the company. Working for non profit is nice too. We are frugal, but don't have to account for every band-aid we use. Our staffing is good too. When I read some of the posts about other units it is unbelievable what is expected of the staff.

Some dialysis clinics require an RN to have critical care experience, however most only want the RN degree. If you are an old or new RN start applying at different clinics and you will probably get hired somewhere if you show an interest. Lots of energy and a postitive, willingness to learn attitude are necessary in dialysis.

Thanks for explaining the button hole technique, but I don't think I would be comfortable using it.

Just curious as to button hole needles. I've worked in dialysis almost 7 yrs. I have never heard of these needles. Please explain the difference.

I just discovered this great forum. I have been in dialysis almost 7 yrs. I started as a new grad. My only regret is not having some hospital experience even if it would have only been 6 months. Since dialysis is all I know as an RN I can tell you some days I love it, and some days I don't. However, this would be the case with any field of nursing I am sure. My setting is chronic outpatient. The clinic runs M-W-F two shifts. It does take at least a yr to really feel comfortable at the job. Once you learn the machines you could put pts on and take off in your sleep. It all looks crazy and difficult in the beginning, but the repetition makes it easy to learn. Patience and compassion are traits that will serve you well in dialysis. All clinics are not created equal, and having a good group of RN's & PCT's that get along really makes a huge difference. Through the yrs I have worked with the good & bad. Right now it is mostly good, so hopefully it will stay this way for a long time. If the field interests you at all then I advise you to look into it because there are many opportunities for the future and your nursing career. Robert, I was hired at about the same age as you. I hope to retire as a dialysis nurse. Hope this helps a little. If you have specific questions then this looks like the place to ask them.