What is the standard orientation time for HD?

foxy1112 · Sep 10, 2015

It's usually 8-12 weeks in our unit. I don't know with other facilities.

SmilingBluEyes · Sep 12, 2015

I agree, no less than 8-12 weeks. More for a new grad RN/LPN.

kdunurse · Sep 12, 2015

So I talked to my clinical coordinator about this, and she's not bending on the idea that new staff (we have 3 new hires with no dialysis experience) need to be practicing independently (no preceptor) after 6 weeks. Are there any regulations or standards of practice to back up the need for a longer orientation?

SmilingBluEyes · Sep 12, 2015

Are you with one of the "big two" (Fresenius or Davita) by chance?

kdunurse · Sep 26, 2015

I'm not with Davita or Fresenius; our dialysis clinic is hospital basis (our hospital is part of CHI). I think the orientation is 6 weeks because that's the standard orientation time in our hospital. And most of the first week is taken up by general nursing orientation stuff, not dialysis related orientation. So it's only a 5.4 week orientation.

Our unit is in a world of hurt right now. We've had a number of staff resign, so we will be orienting 4 staff members at once. This, while being extremely short staffed. I have no idea how to make the orientation experience remotely good for these new staff members. Anyone have an ideas?

cubs fan · Sep 27, 2015

6 weeks is unrealistic. I started in dialysis after working in a CVICU for years, and it took me 12 weeks to feel comfortable at all. As I found out later, other nurses took even longer. If you have never worked directly with dialysis machines, it takes at least that long to have a level of comfort with them. Expertise? That takes longer. Couple that with having employees new to the system having to learn new policies, new EMR's, new docs, and having 4 at the same time ( on top of being short-staffed, and hey, why did all those nurses up and quit?), and thinking they can do it in 6 weeks is a recipe for disaster. Your clinical coordinator, to put it simply, is a fool.

ANNA, the professional organization for nephrology nurses, has an orientation manual available that I have not seen but should give you some good ideas about how to go about the process. Good luck. You will need it.

Twinmom06, ASN, APN · Sep 27, 2015

I just started working with one of the big 2 and I did 8 weeks in a clinic and will now be doing 3 more months in a hospital. (Acute inpatient job). We didn't even start cannulating patients until week 5. 6 weeks is completely inadequate for someone with no dialysis experience. No wonder your turnover is so high.

aleshapie · Nov 10, 2015

Davita is the only JC credentialed acute program. Their average new hire orientation is 12 weeks, extending to 16 if needed.

AcuteHD · Nov 10, 2015

Davita is the only JC credentialed acute program. Their average new hire orientation is 12 weeks, extending to 16 if needed.

I had to look that up, sorry I doubted you :blink:

We are audited by JC as part of the hospital accreditation, what's the difference?

Sorry, OP for the sidetrack, but you've gotten some good answers.

Chisca, RN · Nov 14, 2015

I think the orientation is 6 weeks because that's the standard orientation time in our hospital. .

This is called the sink or swim method of orientation. I predict 1 of the 4 nurses will survive this. Your manager will blame you for the other three failing and you will be accused of not being a team player.

GeauxNursing · Nov 17, 2015

I echo Chisca. They won't last long, due to no fault on your part. Pushing new ppl in dialysis causes stress, doubt and more likely quick exit from the job. Shame on admin.