Transferability of skills learned in dialysis

[studentmom77]

Hi I am essentially a new grad, I got my LPN in 2011 continued right on and got my RN in 2012 and I am now working through my BSN online and will complete it in 5/2014.

Since I have been continuously in school my only experience has been at a LTC facility primarily on the dementia unit. I like it there and it is really been flexible with school.

I am not entirely sure where I want my career to take me but the areas I have found the most intriguing have been hospice, oncology and dialysis. When I was in ADN/LPN school my instructors constantly stressed the importance of getting some med/surg experience before trying to get into any specialty but I recently applied to a dialysis position and had an interview that seemed very promising, she said she would definitely be in touch with me next week.

My question is I think I will enjoy dialysis, but will I be able to move on from there? No matter which specialty I get into I really think I would like to try several different things throughout my career. Does it seem unrealistic that I will be able to leave dialysis after a few years and go into hospice or oncology. I would be ok with doing some time in med/surg at that point if it would help me transition.

After how many years do you think you get "stuck" in dialysis? Is there a magic number?

I see a lot of posts from people saying it is hard to get out of dialysis, that the perception of employers is that the skill set is too specific and limited, anyone here have a positive experience moving between specialties?

[jdethman]

It's always hard to change specialty. That said assessment, patient communication management of technical staff are just a few skill that transfer into any nursing field.

[LandD_RN_chica]

I never did med Surg. Totally not my cup of tea no matter how much people tried to shove it down my throat. I can only give you my experience but I've been an OR nurse for 2 years. Now per diem there. I did L&D for a little bit. And now I am a nurse home visitor for a teenage mom program and I love it. So I've jumped around and have been fine. Once you get some kind of experience under your belt an organization who really wants you will train you in their speciality. :) good luck

[studentmom77]

Thanks, glad to hear there are nurses who by-passed the med/surg route. I think you are both right, it can be hard to change specialties but it can also be easy. Probably depends on the market, the specific specialties you are looking to move between and just how well rounded and marketable you are as an individual. I'll never know till I try. Who knows I may end up absolutely in love with dialysis and stay forever too. I got the call this AM for a second interview on Thurs. so wish me luck.

[Erikadawn RN]

Try an acute dialysis program, the majority of in house hospital dialysis is run by Davita or Fresenius. But some hospitals have their own dialysis program. Working for the hospital is different because then you have more of an opportunity to cross train. After 2 years of dialysis I am getting closer to the hospital position. I love dialysis