nossawja

When I was a clinical educator, we had a "fast track" for experienced nurses and technicians. They went to certain core classes that were basically review, they had to demonstrate skills in cannulation and machine set up, then they would take the final exam. They had one shot, and if they didn't pass the final exam, they had to begin from the beginning of the course. They were still hooked up with a preceptor for the first few weeks, but we could have experienced staff on the floor and working independently in a month.

Graduation is complete, I passed all classes, diploma is in the mail. Thanks for the order!

When I was a clinical educator, I always used the story of the patient I had who's venous needle dislodged. He was sleeping and covered in a navy blue blanket. The machine ran for a while before the air caused the venous pressure alarm. With the dark blanket, even with clinicians fairly close, we couldn't tell it was saturated with blood and with the blood pump continuing for so long, he exsanguinated and died. The patients may not care, but the staff sure should see how dangerous it can be. Good luck with improving compliance!

I worked in-center hemo for 12 years (different positions, one as clinical educator) and just started a job with home dialysis teaching both HHD and PD. I absolutely love it....

Did she say why it was a liability for the population you work with? Do you use heparin to keep CVCs patent? I've worked in acute dialysis and the docs prescribed heparin just like in the outpatient unit. Heparin has a fairly short half life, so mostly by the time a hemo treatment is over, the heparin has metabolized out. That confuses me....

I worked for Fresenius and DaVita both, but now work for an academic institution; both companies have job websites, which sounds like you know already. They both also have hiring events, but those tend to be in areas where there are many clinics. I don't see a problem with going in to the various clinics and introducing yourself. They will probably refer you to the job website, but it can't hurt. Just keep applying. Someone will call you, usually a recruiter. It sounds like you have the right credentials. Good luck!

Hi all, I graduated recently from an RN to BSN program. Obviously, I didn't have to take boards again (thank goodness), but I'm unclear as to when I can begin using "BSN" in my name. Since I graduated is it appropriate to start using it? I can't find anything online that gives guidance. Also, what is the appropriate listing for credentials? I also have a CDN certification. Any opinions on what order they should be listed? Thanks ?

Thanks! :-)

I've been waiting for my letter of acceptance for the LPN Articulation program at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, Illinois...and I was ACCEPTED! I am really happy to be starting the program After a little over a year as an LPN, with any luck and hard work, this time next year I'll be an RN! Just wanted to share the good news. :-)

WOO!! I got into the LPN Articulation program! So excited. Glad to finally know!

Dody, I know exactly what you mean. I got a PRN job at a hospital and I have to remember to take the needles out! Only leave them in when working HD! :)

OMG that is hilarious about the thinking its an alarm. Sometime when I'm at home, sitting all alone by myself, I'll turn around because I think I hear an alarm!! You know you are a hemodialysis nurse when....you give dirty looks to your family members when they gulp down huge glasses of fluid...then realize they can still pee...

rnbob has a good tip! Keep your eye on the bag. Even then, sometimes it runs dry. Everyone does it, and if they say they haven't they're lying. :)

Dialysis Related Whining: 1) No you cannot have GUM in your mouth while you are on the machine. If you pass out d/t hypotension, I'm not jumping up and down on your abdomen to force it out. 2) Yes, I've used stuck several people before. No, I do not need your opinion as to where the best spot would be. 3) The machine alarming does not mean you are dying. It elevated pressure. Go back to sleep. 4) Have you signed off your tx AMA twice a week for a month? No the doctor is not going to reduce your time on dialysis. 5) You feel sick? Dizzy? QUIT DRINKING LIKE A FISH!! 10 Kilos of fluid gain is NOT normal! 6) Your primary doctor has NOTHING to do with this tx. If you want him to order your dialysis, let our nephrologist order your colonoscopy. 7) I will get you some ice in just a moment...this patient that is not breathing needs my assistance. 8) I understand you sat at the pharmacy for an hour. It may have been a good idea to let me know that you were almost out of medicine before...you know...ACTUALLY RAN OUT. 9) Please don't treat me like an idiot. If you want to come off of your tx, I don't need to hear the 19th excuse this month. Just sign off. 10) Mr. XX isn't here today? No I'm not going to tell you where he is. Ask him when he returns. 11) No the machine isn't "junk". Its a computer, and sometimes they malfunction. 12) I CANNOT to anything about your cramping when we are trying to remove 14 kilos in your 3 hour tx. 13) Yes we are drawing labs. Its Monday. We've drawn them EVERY Monday since you started dialysis....six years ago. 14) I'm terribly sorry you got blood/bleach on your clothes. Perhaps it was a bad idea to wear your Dolche and Gabbana sweater to dialysis. 15) Its a 15g needle going into your skin....I'll try not to make it hurt....but I make no promises. Thats enough for now! )

Hi all, I'm an LPN that has applied for the LPN to RN Articulation Program at Southwestern Illinois College. I'm anxiously awaiting my letter of acceptance (knock on wood). I'm just wondering if anyone has gone through it and could give me some tips. Also, when do the LPNs start and when are we finished? Thanks in advance! ?

ok so yeah

I've worked for Fresenius for 6 years, 5 as a CCHT and a little over 1 as an LPN. I'm in RN school right now, but I'm still basically working as a CCHT. I'm not allowed to be the charge nurse, but I can do some things that the CCHTs can't. I do pre and post dialysis assessments. I can give nursing approval to initiate treatment for someone that has complaints. I give injections, TB tests, and medication that isn't IV push. (basically Benadryl and Tylenol) I'm certified to initiate IV piggy pack antibiotics, but the charge nurse does that. For all practical purposes I'm a tech but with some added functions. I love dialysis, so getting my RN is imperative if I want to make more money. As far as I know I make about $2 more than the CCHTs that I work with. Good luck with dialysis. Its a good field for nursing.

I haven't worked there, but I have friends that work there, and I did clinicals Med/Surg and OB clinicals there. I thought it was a great place. All of the nurses that I worked with were awesome and really showed me some valuable info when it comes to working in the real world. I also really like their RN Residency program for new grads. I'm and LPN now working on my RN, and I'm thinking of applying for it. The only complaint that I really had was when I worked Med/Surg on the 3rd floor...it seemed like it took forever to find a working thermomater or pulse ox. Overall though, I'd say St. E's is a good place to work.

I just graduated LPN school and got my license. I've worked as a tech for four years. Its everything Geaux said it is, but I love it! I work in a relatively small unit with only 7 chairs, but I love getting to know the patients. Its similar to LTC in that you see the same patients every day. I know that I'll be staying with dialysis after my RN program.

Does anyone know the scope of practice for LPNs in dialysis? I work as a certified clinical hemodialysis technician and just passed my LPN boards. Right now I'm working in Illinois which does not allow LPNs to push IV medication. In Missouri I know the CCHTs are allowed to push heparin. My question is about working as an LPN in dialysis. What is their scope of practice in relation to dialysis medications? Would I be allowed to push heparin? I know I can start IV fluids and pre mixed drugs, but the nurse practice act isn't clear in relation to dialysis. Anyone have experience in this area? I'd appreciate some advice! Thanks!

I PASSED!!!!!! WOO!!!!! My co worker had to hit the button the computer, because I just couldn't do it! HA! Such a huge relief!

Thanks Brown Eyed... I just graduated in December and have applied to an RN program. Hopefully I pass this test, because I need my license for the RN program. I guess my problem is in school, when we had a test, for the most part there was a right and wrong answer. With the NCLEX, I was certain about VERY few questions. Most importantly I just have to stay positive and realize that if I don't pass, it doesn't mean I'm a failure or going to be a bad nurse! Thanks for the encouragement!! :)

I just took my NCLEX-PN on Tuesday. I have the constant feeling that I need to vomit. I had several SATA and several "you are teaching a patient about XX, what would you include." Had three questions on phenochromocytoma, which I had NO idea.......then the computer shut off at 85! EVERYONE that I've talked to says that is a good thing. The valedictorian of my class had 85....but I still feel like I failed big time. Are these people realistic, or just trying to be nice? Is there truth to the "85 Questions is Good" thing? Please help!