Question for California Chronic Dialysis Nurses

Published

Hi, I know that California nurses have a union, but do the dialysis nurses that work in a chronic unit have the same union? How many patients do the CA dialysis have to take care of in a chronic unit? I work as a charge nurse in a private dialysis clinic in South Florida and we have 16 stations and I am the only nurse on the floor with 4 PCts. Please tell me how is it working as a dialysis nurse in CA in a chronic unit?

Your replies will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

magnum68

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello Magnum,

I've worked as a travel nurse in chronic Dialysis for 3 years now. I'm currently working in California. I'm working in a privately owned unit with 19 chairs, one being iso. There are usually 3 nurses, but only 3 technicians. Nurses have to take care of catheter patients and the techs take care of most of the sticks. My WORST experience as a traveler has been working in Florida. I worked in the south of Florida last year in a 19 chair unit as the only license on the floor. They apparently count the clinical managers as a license, and most are not keen to run to your side when your drowning. Florida doesn't have a nurse patient ratio I guess. Also, alot of money was being spent to discourage unions through staff meetings and 'education'. I wish you the best! I hope this has helped at least a little.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hello Magnum,

I've worked as a travel nurse in chronic Dialysis for 3 years now. I'm currently working in California. I'm working in a privately owned unit with 19 chairs, one being iso. There are usually 3 nurses, but only 3 technicians. Nurses have to take care of catheter patients and the techs take care of most of the sticks. My WORST experience as a traveler has been working in Florida. I worked in the south of Florida last year in a 19 chair unit as the only license on the floor. They apparently count the clinical managers as a license, and most are not keen to run to your side when your drowning. Florida doesn't have a nurse patient ratio I guess. Also, alot of money was being spent to discourage unions through staff meetings and 'education'. I wish you the best! I hope this has helped at least a little.

Thank you so much for your input. It's shameful that Florida, especially South Florida, is a crappy place to work as a nurse. I do plan to move to California some day and be able to practice nursing the way it should be. Hopefully!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Magnum,

When you are ready to make the move, you may want to call an agency and ask what is available in California for travel nursing. There are agencies that only deal in Dialysis. This may be a great way to 'sample' the area and see if its to your liking while making decent money. I am unable to send a private message to you or I would give you the names of the agencies I've used and my experience with each of them. California seems to be a good place to work. Good luck to you and Merry Christmas!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion