Starting a new job at Hemodialysis Floor

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Hello Everyone,

I am starting a new job at a Hemodialysis floor. I've worked at rehab unit for 6months now and I feel that I need to have a change in scenery. I am excited to start but also I feel nervous having no knowledge or experience in dialysis. Can anybody tell me what a typical day in dialysis is? Can you please tell me what the do's and dont's in dialysis? Complications and things to look for during the treatment? I really appreciate all your responses. Thank you!

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From reading your post, it appears that you will be working in a hospital acute dialysis unit. Is that correct? Or is it a floor with renal patients where the dialysis is performed in another unit and the patients are returned to your floor and you will be taking care of them pre and post dialysis? Some tips that may be helpful are 1) wash your hands constantly and wear gloves as appropriate. 2) read the flow sheets when the patients come back from dialysis 3) watch for fluctuations in BP and of course observe the patient for access bleeding. I could go on and on...but I won't :)

Best of luck to you.

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After re-reading your post it looks like you will be working performing dialysis treatments. You will receive extensive training. I could go on and on...pm me if you like.

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Specializes in Med Surg.

HD is a tough gig. Patients are extremely unhappy and often very ill. Lots of comorbidities. Some of them are ill and unhappy because they skipped dialysis and they are even unhappier that the only treatment for them is...more dialysis which already hate. Many take it out on the staff. The most cranky and disgruntled nurses I know are dialysis nurses.

But if you need a gig, it's a gig. As noted, you will receive a lot of training on how to perform the treatment and what to look for.

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Good post, ArtClassRN :) As a Nocturnal Home Dialysis patient, My advice is to treat the patients with respect and ask them what they want, clearly state choices and what the result of that choice will be :) Actually, the nursing staff at my unit is very happy. :) Most dialysis patients find being told how to live, while you do not live the same way, to be very irritating. My final piece of advice is from an Indiana University Home Dialysis RN with 35 years of experience, "Do not judge until you have walked a mile in my shoes." I hope it works out well for you in your new job :)

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