AustinRN

Thanks natkat. I'm going to give it a good long try. Now I just have to decide acute or chronic..... AustinRN

Thanks so much for the info and answers. And yes I think that staying on my feet for 12 hours after having a couple years off will be very hard... Good shoes, good shoes.... AustinRN

All out heart pounding excitment when something goes wrong? Was I told incorrectly? I am trying to get an idea of What things CAN go wrong in dialysis. Anyone want to give me a clue? Has anyone seen a patient code during dialysis? Had a big blood exposure? Wrong dialysate? wrong meds... Etc.... Thanks. AustinRN

Thank you so much. That is a great idea to ask a rep. I am actually just getting started in dialysis and trying to learn all I can BEFORE I apply for the position I want. So any info is helpful to me at this point. Thanks again. Kym

I have been an RN long enough to know that accidents happen. That nurses are not perfect ( even though we think we should be). Can you tell me what your worst experience was when working with HD patients? What were your "close calls"? I am seriously thinking of learning HD after 16 years Med/Surg, but the liability and responsibility for so many patients at one time concerns me. What happens if the dialysate is mixed incorrectly? What happens if there is too much K+ in the solution..... have you had anyone code on you in the chronic setting? Have you had fluid exposures? Was your company supportive of you? etc..... I am trying to decide between HD and Hospice.... any opinions/comments are very welcome.

Thank you very much for the information. I appreciate it. Any idea where a link to the Amgen information might be? I've tried google with no luck. Thanks again, AustinRN

What was most helpful to you when you were brand new and learning HD? At 43... I need all the help I can get to keep new info into brain of mine. AustinRN

Thank you everyone for your answers. I have decided to give it a go! I am actually excited about being able to learn and specialize in one area after being a generalist for so long. Thanks again. AustinRN

Whats your fav hemodialysis/nephro book? Which one do you run to when you need a quick answer.. which for more indepth study of a subject? Do they make Dialysis for dummies? ( kidding... I'm kidding) lol... But I am wondering if there is a "quick guide" type of book or interactive website? I am an RN of 16 year in Med/Surg, and I've decided its time to change. Thanks for your time. Kym

Found the Exam prep guide in pdf format here: http://cna-aiic.ca/cna/documents/pdf/publications/Nephrology_competencies_new_e.pdf

Hello, I am an RN of 15, oops... actually 16 years now. I have always done med/surg night. I have not worked in 3 years now and am thinking seriously about dialysis. From what I have read its very fast paced. But could someone please describe the details? How many patients do you have. What are your responsibilities. What do you love, what do you hate? Is the pay good? Awful? How much paperwork is there. What are the day to day duties of the RN. Is the liability worse than med/surg? ETc..... I am 43, and am wondering if my knees and brain and hands could keep up if I tried this. Thanks for your time.