struggling with learning the dialysis job

[ATCant]

started training as a dialysis nurse at the end of June. My anxiety level is very high and I keep forgetting little things as far as the set-up of the Phoenix dialysis machine. Things like turning off the KT/V but only on occasion or forgetting to put the prime line into the WHO when it is time to prime the darn thing. My Mentor (who is a PCT) keeps telling me that the she has trained other nurses who were not cut out for dialysis. Worked with another person this week who was more laid back than my present trainer and things went much better. I only forgot to turn of the KT/V once with the setups that I did. I enjoy the patient care and want to learn the nursing part of things. The other nurses tell me that I will never be as fast as a tech and that is not my job anyway but I do need to know how to take someone on and off the machine safely. I totally understand this. However I feel like that unless I am running around from machine to machine at take off and put on with my hair on fire that I am not keeping my mentor happy. I just feel like it is an impossible environment to learn the job in. If I were hiring on as a PCT I suspect I would have been booted out the door already. My manager is willing to work with me and I will be with the laid back trainer for another day then I need to make a decision as whether this type of nursing is for me. Any input from you dialysis types would be greatly appreciated. I don't know if I am just very intimdated by the technical nature of the job or if I am just too dumb to know that I am not cut out for this job.

[summer4me]

Learning dialysis is no different than learning any new clinical/technical aspect of nursing. For most with "letters" by their name they assume the expectation is they must know it all because of the RN ststus. Give yourself a break. IF?? you like the dialysis field, but are having issues with the technologies, be honest with your F/A. If like any job, you don't feel the support or wish to assist to meet your training needs, they have a boss too. Your nursing skills are numerous and each one is another addition to the expertise you will bring to the comprehensive critical thinking skills needed by any dialysis nurse. Learning the basics is a must so you can progress forward... If you are learning better from the 2nd mentor than ask to remain with them because of your learning needs that has nothing to do with the other person. There is no shame in wanting to master the basics correctly & asking to br given that opportunity.

[maddiedog]

I need to choose soon, I hope to like one over the other, because the other opportunity would be lost, but not sure. I would like any comments on pro's cons, (funny) of each.

[lpntoo]

I've been in dialysis for about 8 years and still remember the first 6 months...nightmare....I've also been a preceptor and as such would suggest you write out all procedures...that will help you remember it better...just be patient with yourself it will come in time...ask ask ask if your not sure of something...good luck...

[anurseadvocate]

None of us should ever forget that it is our license that is on the line, especially if we are in a supervising position. We are responsible for ensuring that patients receive appropriate care - right care at the right time for the right situation. RNs can also be reported to their licensing Boards when mistakes occur that are, for sure, preventable. To all RNs -make sure you know the machine workings as well as how to intervene in an emergency as well as signs/symptoms to be identified. Many RNs will tell you that techs often do not, for whatever reason, notify the RN to conduct an assessment when there is a change in vital signs, etc that warrants RN intervention - for example. Just know that it is your license and know your responsibilities. Been there - done that. RenalRuth:nurse:

[workingmomRN]

I hope your preceptor is letting you do as much as possible on your own while he/she monitors you before you really are on your own. Once your are on your own, you will develop your own routine. It really is hard at first. When I first started, I was going to quit every day ! My had the preceptor from hell, she would yell at me or put me down in front of the patients. I just made up my mind that if people that were hired off the street with no medical knowledge could master this job, then I was not going to let it get the best of me. I stuck it out & now 8 years later I am glad that I did. I would not want to go back through all of that, though. I had high anxiety for quite awhile. I wondered at times if I had made a mistake even going to nursing school to end up in such a stressful job. But hang in there & don't beat yourself up. Your experience is pretty much what all of us have had to go through. I hope your clinic has some supportive staff that will be willing to help you. If it doesn't, then you may want to look somewhere else.

[kariaini]

HI don't feel bad we all went through that. I'm currently working in acute where we use Rn only and people are very helpful. I started with 4 weeks at the hospital chronic clinic and i hated it because some techs were mean and will lough or mock when i made simple errors. I was very anxious when I started and i was always scared about air getting to the patient. I had days with air in the machine but never went past air detector. Key thing to remember if you are anxious and you are confused press the off key breath in and out and think what you want to do but don't wait for to long before the blood start clotting. I would advice you to try acute dialysis where you have two patient at a time and one if in ICU. The patient at chronic clinic are very inpatient and they can make you nervous, remember this patient knows the machine more than we know. This is one thing I have learn t in nursing, first know what are of nursing you want to work, don't listen to other people what they like because we are different and our wishes are different. I have friend who are like that is what you do. I love dialysis and i will be there for a while. I go to ICU 4 hours a day to dialysis the patient and it is hectic like anywhere else. I had a nurses who was busted by doctor because she did not know what some labs meant. Whatever area of nursing you want to work you will overcome the obstacles because you know deep in your heart that is the kind of nursing you want to practice and you will fight and work hard to get through. I bought a lot of books and read them like waiting to sit for nclex.

[A-Cute RN]

Hi! I'm a fairly new RN about 1 1/2 years....I started doing Acutes in May and love it! I work with a great group of ladies....although sometimes it's gets interesting being the only guy....but the hours are crazy and it does get soooo repetitive sometimes but it really does help to be able to pinpoint when there is something wrong. I still am a nervous wreck pretty much every day at work but it's getting better...it's just totally different than anything else. But it takes awhile to really be able to set everything up without any mistakes....heck I still make mistakes daily on "simple" things. But when I use to a few months ago get beside myself...now i just simply laugh it off...of course this is just when setting up before the patient is actually on. Just hang in there it gets better...for me...it's the great fit for a job.