Would appreciate advice please

[NanikRN]

Hello

I am excited to be interviewing for a RN dialysis position next week. This iis a company that does off-site dialysis, not hospital. I have no experience with dialysis and they know this. They are willing to train.

Are there any sites that review dialysis companies in terms of job satifaction, performance, etc?

I don't even know enough to know what questions to ask other than general nursing questions.

Any input from you experienced dialysis nurses would be appreciated.

Nan

[mswim]

hey I am in the same boat. i am moving from med-surg to outpatient dialysis clinic. Let me know if you find anything.

[Tish88]

I would ask how long your orientation will be and if you don't seem to be getting it, can that time be extended?

Also, what is your nurse to patient ratio and tech to patient ration?

How long will it be before they put you in charge?

Will you have one preceptor for you entire orientation and who will that be? (nurse or tech)? Some clinics use techs to do part of the orientation process.

These are just some questions I would ask.

[anurseadvocate]

In addition to what Trish stated it is my understanding that

(1) training of new staff is about 9-12 weeks of classroom

(2) Preceptor on floor is a RN and a tech

(3) The Conditions only require minimum time in dialysis before one can be in charge so make sure you can trouble shoot machine problems, know correct interventions (not just cookie-cutter type). Because you, the RN, are responsible. Often after trained and on unit for required time, the company will put u in charge.

(4) Dialysis nurses have constantly told me that it takes years to be experienced, of course,, and dialysis is life=sustaining, but can become life-threatening in a second's time. You need to know that as the RN, esp if in charge, you are expected to ensure that techs are implementing correct practices, setting machines correctly, following MD orders, intervening correctly. Providers, have themselves, identifed not following MD orders as a major area when errors occur.