So, Tell Me About Dialysis...

JMomBaby · Nov 29, 2011

Well, I've read over this site for the last few weeks... very interesting :) I think dialysis nursing would be a good fit for me. Unfortunately, I applied to all of my local facilities and it doesn't look like they're hiring new grads. Well... if they change their mind I will be waiting! :cool:

lapoRtaN · Nov 29, 2011

Fresenius hire new grads. Go in the facility ask for the clinic manager and hand him/her your app and pray for the best. Lol! Good luck to you

MJB2010 · Nov 30, 2011

Sorry to be a Debbie Downer here, but be prepared for long hours, short staffing, and having multiple breaks deducted out of your check- even though you do not get to take them. Is the clinic near you a major Dialysis company or a smaller independent one? The patients are great, you really get to know them and their families. You get to know their history. It is a burnout job for sure. I loved it when I started now I loathe it. I feel like they want to work us all to death, then just replace us when we keel over. All the company cares about is making money and pinching pennies at the expense of you, your coworkers, and patients safety.

JMomBaby · Nov 30, 2011

Thanks for the info everyone. There are a mix of small, independent and large chain dialysis centers near me. I have been checking Fresenius' website but the postings are all for "experienced dialysis nurses," maybe dropping off my app would be better than the online route.

mxems · Dec 3, 2011

As a new grad, if you get to talk to the clinical manager or the charge nurse about a position there I recommend showing a lot energy and a lot of enthusiasm. You move all day long, you get to sit down at the end of the day. The majority of the days you don't get lunches. The one thing I always tell people who ask about dialysis is that "if you all your work done or you have some free time,,,,you're doing something wrong".

That being said, I absolutly love it. I wake up at 4am every morning and get home around 5 or 6 at night. Some nights during the month I make it a late night to really get all the little things done and I get home around 8pm or 9pm. But I love it.

Every work place really depends on your staff and your manager and your charge nurse. Working for a corporation you deal with the bottom line of money, but the right staff can make it so great. I'm fortunate enough to have that. I work in a place that where staff are recognized for their hard work so I'm one of the lucky ones. I've only been doing it about a year and half (new grad) but I love it.

It is a small specialty though so most of the nursing skills you may have learned you won't be using at the clinic. But I can see myself existing in this specialty.

Oh, and don't lollygag while your there. move with a purpose and get things done. Earn the trust and the respect of the techs, regardless of what kind of degree or liscense your just earned. They can make or break you.

Good luck