rn new grad training as tech?

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · May 15, 2011

Hello, and welcome to allnurses. We're glad you are here. :nurse:

I do not have any experience in dialysis nursing. However, if they say: "you have to work as a tech for 18 mos first" I would be a bit nervous about that. You are a new grad- you need as many NURSING learning opportunites as you can get.

I would not hurt to ask some more questions about this position. It seems a bit unsettling to me.

All the best,

Diane, RN

madwife2002, BSN, RN · May 15, 2011

Yes welcome to allnurses

Tell me exatly what their expectations are, I work in HDx where nurses do train as techs so that if they need to they can function as a tech.

RN's and LPN's do function in some dialysis centers as both tech an nurse believe it or not

What do the RN's do at where you have been offered a job?

amrsaz · May 15, 2011

Thanks, I'm not really sure what the nurses do. They told me that was the standard training. I don't want turn down a good opportunity just because they used the word tech. I tried to google dialysis training for nurses and it seems like it's between 12-18 months so maybe that's what they meant - I would be tech until certified?

However if it's a tech job similar to CNA and I would have to do that for 18 months then it seems a bit long.

It's a crappy job market and I didn't want to sound negative especially since they are willing to train a new grad.

Minnie02 · May 15, 2011

Hey! Dialysis Tech and CNA are two different things. If you need training as a Tech, the best thing is to do the Dialysis tech program. I just finished my dialysis tech program in 4.5 months. If you are RN, you just need the training, and the 30 CE credits to be certified to work in a dialysis setting. If you need more information about the program and type of job the nurses do please email me at [email protected]

sese79 · May 17, 2011

I just wanted to let you that I shared the same experience. I here to tell you is you may need to relocate. From experience I apply to many RN diaysis position and was told you need at least year of experience & we can offer you pct position. I chose to relocate to Ok from NJ and was offer a new grad because there was no guarantee for nursing position

islandroots · May 18, 2011

The reasoning behind you working as a tech, is because as a dialysis nurse you must be able to do what the techs do. There may be the ability to read it in a book, but until you are doing it hands on, you will be clueless. Plus the patients want to know that if the tech cannot do something the nurse can. Dialysis, you either love it or hate it. I have been here 23 years. From a tech to lpn to Rn to manager. Put in the time. It will be worth it. :coollook:

sese79 · May 18, 2011

You had made a valid point, however for a new grad to take on a pct role as week as pay for 18 months is insulting! That just like me taking on nurse assistant role for 2 years before being consider a RN position. The only way that offer is reasonable is if the company provide you with experience rn pay after 18 months of service. Some people may disagree of what I'm saying but, I intend on valuing my worth. Myself speaking, find it that the nursing program was an uphill battle for me and when acquire my goal I need to set certain standards for self. As I said in my last statement I drove from Ok to NJ for a dialysis position, that because I refuse to compromise; most people told me to settle for a pct position. The reason why I stuck to my guns are 1st ; it is an easy way to cut down budget. Secondly, for financial reasons I can not afford to wait 1 1/2 year to play a role as a RN.

islandroots · May 19, 2011

It is not about playing a role. As a dialysis RN, there is a great deal of autonomy. You have to be able to think on your feet and know what you are doing.I am not saying that they should be paid what a tech is paid but to think that a new nurse out of school should make the same amount as an RN with 18 solid months of experience is not really feasible.

The RN has to know the water system, medication,labs,fluid, electrolytes, and lab values. They really do not teach that in nursing school. They showed us the unit and we kept on going.

I have seen RN's come in and not know anything about dialysis. They are immediately paired with a tech, to get the hands on training.

agape76 · May 20, 2011

Welcome to dialysis,

I don't know where you live,I have a new grad RN in my clinic with no clinical experiences.We hired her, gave her traing with PCT preceptor for 4-6wks and RN preceptor for rest of time(total: 3-month training)

She didn't have any other traing more than that,didn't go to dialysis school like other PCT go,too.

In my unit, we have 4-shift, 2 RNs on each side with 12-13 pts of 25 stations.I still back her up coz she's still new to dialysis.

From CA

islandroots · May 20, 2011

I did not say that 18 month as a tech was a good thing. If that what was implied I apologize. What I meant was that to walk into a clinic totally green, and think that one would be able to handle the unit did not make sense. Even when you are going to work in med-surg, you are preceptored.

My company has an in depth and very comprehensive training program for new RN grads. I know of some companys that bring in RNs with med serg experience and just put them on the floor. This makles it hard on the patients as well as the staff that has to work with them. A really good training in dialysis is always a good thing.

SoulSpirit_Rn · May 21, 2011

N-O!

Hi and welcome to the new grad world! I am also a new graduate with less than a year of RN experience, working in dialysis. The great thing is, they are still willing to hire new graduate rn's (unlike many hospitals) and train. There is no reason that you should have to be in the role of a PCT for 18mons. No way, no how. Yes, before you begin the role of a nurse, it is absolutely routine to do preceptorship with a PCT to learn the machine/set up. This should take no longer than a 1-3 months. But as a new grad (like me) you need all the experience you can get in the role of a nurse in order to build your skills. Don't let anyone rob you of your hard earned degree. I've noticed what usually happens in the dialysis unit, we are often short pcts and nurses. So we'll use nurse as a pct, and overwork the charge rn. My advice is to stand up for yourself and your needs. And find a position that is supportive of the fact that you are a new nurse. Its difficult to find that support is small private dialysis units, because they are not huge corporations like hospitals. The structure can be very independent with little order of training. You must advocate for you proper training as a new nurse. Again don't let any one hire you, with intentions of using you, but not facilitating your growth. It should be a trade off. No abuse of vunerabilty or needs:nurse: