If you’re considering a career in the healthcare field, dialysis nursing may be the perfect fit for you. As a dialysis nurse, you would provide specialized care to individuals with advanced kidney disease and their families. This job can be extremely rewarding but it is also important to understand the pros and cons before making a decision. In this blog post, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of being a dialysis nurse so that you can make an informed decision as to whether this profession is the right fit for you.
As a dialysis nurse, you will have the opportunity to work closely with patients and their families, providing them with education and support as they go through their treatment. You will also be able to use your knowledge and skills to provide quality care that will improve the lives of others. However, there can also be some downsides to being a dialysis nurse, such as long hours, challenging situations, and dealing with difficult patients. By exploring the pros
Pros of being a dialysis nurse
Some of the benefits of being a dialysis nurse include:
Fulfillment
The wellbeing of dialysis patients is maintained in large part by the dialysis nurses. This could provide your work with a sense of direction and meaning. Furthermore, since many dialysis nurses see the same patients frequently, there is a chance to establish long-lasting relationships with them. For instance, you might start working with a patient soon after their diagnosis, and after years of seeing them twice a week, you might notice that they are becoming more at ease and competent in handling their condition. Making friends with patients could make your shifts more enjoyable and satisfying.
Variety of settings
The healthcare sector offers a variety of settings for dialysis nurses to work in. Many work in dialysis clinics. Acute kidney injuries are typically the focus of others’ work in hospitals and intensive care units (ICUs). Some provide their services at the patients’ homes, especially when they are unable to travel to a facility due to physical limitations or distance. To care for patients who are residents of nursing homes or hospice facilities, dialysis nurses are frequently employed.
Travel opportunities
There is a global shortage of skilled dialysis nurses because the specialty is in high demand. You can apply to work as a travel nurse after a year of experience. Travel nurses typically earn more money, and in addition to your base pay, you may also be eligible for stipends, reimbursements, and per diems. Along with helping you advance your career, meet new people, and gain experience in a variety of clinics and facilities, travel nursing is a worthwhile way to see the country.
Job security
Fewer workdays
The majority of dialysis nurses work fewer days because they typically work long shifts. For instance, you might work three consecutive 12-hour shifts before getting four days off. Although schedules vary depending on the position, some dialysis nurses also take weekends off. You can use the extra time to pursue hobbies, spend time with family, or go on vacation. You can pursue a role that fits your scheduling needs.
High earning potential
Dialysis nurses typically earn upwards of $30 per hour. As you gain experience, your income will likely increase. With time and experience, you could make up to $80,000 annually. As we previously discussed, there are also opportunities to make even more money if you work as a travel nurse.
What is a dialysis nurse?
A registered nurse (RN) who administers dialysis to patients with kidney disease or kidney injuries is known as a dialysis nurse. They are experts in dialysis, a medical procedure that mimics the actions of a healthy kidney by regulating blood pressure and removing toxins like salt, water, and waste from patients’ bodies. Dialysis is frequently used as the main form of treatment for kidney disease patients. Each patient receives this treatment on average several times per week from a dialysis nurse.
Dialysis nurses typically work in one of three fields:
Cons of being a dialysis nurse
Being a dialysis nurse has many advantages, but the work has difficulties that may prevent everyone from being a good fit. These can include:
Emotional challenges
The work of a dialysis nurse can be emotionally taxing. Because they are caring for seriously ill patients, some people develop depression or other mental health problems. Maintaining awareness of your own feelings and putting a plan into action to look after your mental health may be helpful. However, the role’s emotional component can aid in your skill development. Being able to assist patients as they navigate the difficulties of illness can help you become a well-rounded healthcare professional.
Long hours
Unpredictable schedule
It can be challenging to plan for some dialysis nurses’ schedules. Many nurses have to be on-call at times. A dialysis nurse who is on call is technically off duty, but the facility may call them in at any time. A dialysis nurse might be required unexpectedly in the middle of the night or early in the morning, especially if they work in emergency units, because severe kidney injuries can occur at any time. Planning may be difficult, but you might enjoy the variety in your schedule. Additionally, a lot of people feel more fulfilled when they can assist in an emergency
High-stakes work
Heavy workload
There is a lot of work to be done, and many facilities and clinics lack enough staff. You may end up with more work as a result. However, handling a sizable patient load and a variety of duties may help you advance your career.
Long educational journey
Tips for becoming a dialysis nurse
If you choose to pursue a career in nursing, it is beneficial to be prepared for the job search process. Pursuing educational and certification opportunities can help grow your career. Here are some tips for becoming a dialysis nurse:
Earn a nursing degree
Employers demand that dialysis nurses possess a nursing degree and a nursing license. There are options available, so pick one that best suits your needs. You can enroll in a two-year nursing program to obtain an associate’s degree (ADN), or a four-year program to obtain a bachelor’s degree (BN). After finishing your education, you can take the NCLEX exam to become a licensed nurse.
Consider certification
If you’d like, you can become a certified dialysis nurse (CDN). Employers can be confident that you are knowledgeable about nephrology, the branch of medicine that focuses on the kidneys, thanks to this professional certification. You could become certified in nephrology after working there for 2,000–3,000 hours. Although not all employers require certification and some provide opportunities for on-the-job certification, certification may improve your job prospects or financial potential.
Learn about subfields
Patients of many different types, each with different needs, are prescribed dialysis. There are specialties within the dialysis field, such as pediatric dialysis, which treats young patients with failing kidneys, or geriatric dialysis, which treats elderly patients. You can develop your skills and elevate your value by concentrating on a specific patient population. This might also make you a strong contender for positions in distinctive healthcare settings, like pediatric hospital units or nursing homes. Additionally, by researching various groups, you might discover the types of caregiving that most excite you.
Pros and Cons of Being a Dialysis Nurse
FAQ
Is being a dialysis nurse stressful?
One of the most sought-after career paths for nurses today is dialysis nursing. With an hourly wage of $32, it’s also one of the highest paying specialties. 72 (as of March 2020). For nurses who are interested in concentrating in a particular area of nursing, it is a promising career.
Is dialysis nursing boring?
Dialysis nurses are exposed to high level of stress. Increasing workload can aggravate stress and cause burnout and exhaustion. Stress and burnout can negatively affect organizational productivity and present serious health and safety risks at work.
What makes a good dialysis nurse?
One of many patients’ stories is the one involving this one. They claim that the work is monotonous and routine, and that it never saves lives. Everyone is aware that a patient needs dialysis to extend their life and stay alive in the absence of a transplant.
