What helped you learn HD?

rn,lmt · May 28, 2006

Hi, Glad you decided to specialize in dialysis. You will be forever in demand and will be able to provide a wonderful service.

Each organization offers their own training program. This is usually a six to ten week program including a didactic portion that explains the physiological and clinical process of renal failure and the actual hands on portion that teaches the "how to do dialysis" aspect.

It is a great idea to have a good general knowledge base regarding dialysis prior to starting. DaVita Dialysis has a great website that has a ton of information. There are also books that you can purchase (one is Review of Hemodialysis for Nurses and Dialysis Personnel by Gutch, Stone, and Corea). You can order this (even used) through Amazon.com.

Don't fret about learning everything in a day! We nurses have a tendency toward needing to know everything TODAY. We also think we should be perfect from day one. This does not happen with dialysis. Take your time, understand that you will need to take one step at a time, and do not get frustrated. Ask lots of questions - ask them to your nurses, techs, dialysis aides, charge nurse, secretary, and biomedical tech. The more you ask, the quicker you will feel comfortable.

Hope this helps. Keep us posted on how it is going for you! RN, LMT

Natkat, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 1, 2006

Time and patience, dear.

I got into this field at 44. I admit it was tougher than if I were 22, but it's not impossible. For me the worst thing was adjusting to being on my feet all the time.

There is a very long learning curve in dialysis. It takes 6 months to a year before you really feel comfortable. Most people throw in the towel way too soon. I encourage you to give it a chance. Once you get the hang of it it's very rewarding. The days are fairly predictable. You deal with the same patients all the time -which could be a negative - and you don't see the doctors very often, which I personally think is a good thing.

If you stay in there long enough to learn it I think you'll find you like it a lot. I'm not a nurse but a PCT, and I love my job.

AustinRN · Jun 1, 2006

Thanks so much for the info and answers. And yes I think that staying on my feet for 12 hours after having a couple years off will be very hard... Good shoes, good shoes....

AustinRN

indigo girl · Jun 1, 2006

Thanks so much for the info and answers. And yes I think that staying on my feet for 12 hours after having a couple years off will be very hard... Good shoes, good shoes....
AustinRN

Consider support hose also, before you develop the need for them. Good luck.

dialyzern · Jul 11, 2006

I agree with all of the above. I would also say to remember that even though it is a great challenge to learn the machine and procedures, never forget that you are still nursing a patient. After 6 months the machine will be second nature.

There will be trying times with machine problems, turnovers, bleeding patients to name a few. Stop and take a deep breath and remember that you will get through it.

Also, try to be on the scene when problems occur to watch how situations are handled. There are many things that can happen during dialysis that you can read about or review in training the will make more sense when you see it happening.

Speed is not a consideration in the beginning as I was the slowest to catch on in my orientation class but I made it! Understanding and accuracy are what carry you through.

I love dialysis and have spent 20 of my 28 years of nursing in this challenging and rewarding area. Best of luck and keep us posted on your progress. :redpinkhe

Farkinott, RN · Jul 12, 2006

time