I am trying to find out what i have to do, or who to contact in order to get training in the Dialysis field. I live in the Columbus Ohio area.
Would you help me, or at least point me in the right direction.

Thank you, Kristine!

Question is my dear, do you have medical experience? If so in what? The training for PCT's is usually over a three month period and three months longer w/ a preceptor, about the same for RNs but w/ charge nurse training. I wish you luck.

I am presently doing a correspondance course throught gGeorgian collegue for a dialysis tech. Or you can go do it on campus. To do the correspondance you must have 2 years dialysis experience and access to a lab.

This the web site of the course... http://dialysis.georgianc.on.ca

I am presently employed at a dialysis unit in Minnesota. I strongly recommen that you look else where for your career path. The dialysis field is one of most difficult medical field. I have been in the medical field for over 23 years. It has turned into more for profit than for the patient. I am currently seeking other fields of employment.
It is very sad what health care has turned into.

quote:

Originally posted by linda:
I am presently employed at a dialysis unit in Minnesota. I strongly recommen that you look else where for your career path. It has turned into more for profit than for the patient....

Thanks for sharing, Linda, I am looking for all shades of opinion on this. my first week of training as a dialysis nurse. I have been working in variety of nursing areas for the last 20 years, and I think you are going to be disappointed to discover that dialysis is affected no more nor less than all of nursing by the massive greed that seems to infect our society.

After a week at work, I am amusing myself by noting the numerous comparisons between dialysis units and airlines. One of the patients laughed and agreed: delays on the runway due to equipment failure, abrupt, sometimes rude attendants, and no peanuts!

Hi Kristine. I also live in Ohio and have been in dialysis for 12 yrs. I have worked as a staff nurse for 5 yrs. I am currantly the inservice coordinator. If you are interested in working in dialysis, all you have to do is find a dialysis center and fill out an employment application. Yes, dialysis is hard work but also very rewarding in a lot of ways. Not everyone is cut out for dialysis, but just maybe you are! Don't get discouraged, give it a good heathy try and then make up your own mind. Go girl!!!

the dialysis field is very rewarding. I've been a tech for 5yrs. and am the preceptor for our unit. you should check it out. try wwwrenalcaregroup.com[


QUOTE]Originally posted by Kristine:
I am trying to find out what i have to do, or who to contact in order to get training in the Dialysis field. I live in the Columbus Ohio area.
Would you help me, or at least point me in the right direction.

Thank you, Kristine![/QUOTE]

If you are interested in working in dialysis you should do it! Don't listen to any negative comments you may hear from those like linda from Minnesota. Get out there and try it. Form your own opinion. If everyone was discouraged from coming into dialysis, who would take care of these patients ? Sure there are some difficult days, and challenging patients, but there are also those days and patients that make you realize you are making a valuable contribution. Also, something to consider, there have been many occasions where I have been on the recieving end of a valuable lesson from one of my patients. Many of these patients have wonderful insight and wisdom to share. You see, your perspective on life changes when you face death everyday on a very personal level. Your priorities get re-aligned quickly. What's really important becomes glaringly obvious to you. this is a lesson we all need to review periodically.

What we do as dialysis caregivers is important. It's not easy. Very few things in life that are truly worthwhile are easy.
Those that feel dialysis is a thankless, penny pinching, unrewarding occupation should get out. We don't need that kind of negative energy weighing the rest of us down.

You should try dialysis. I have been a technician for 14 years. Have been certified for nearly 10. I love it. I am asked many time why I don't go back and get my RN. I tell them I love being an indian...there are way to many chiefs and I am good at being an indian. There is great need of good compassionate dialysis workers. These patients are exceptionally strong people and really it is a reward in itself to be able to be associated with most of them. Of course you get your usual nut cases and nasty characters as in any walk of life. So go for it girl!!!! You'll either love it or hate it not a occupation that you just go and punch the clock...pj

pj,
Welcome to Renalweb and thank you for your positive comments.

Being a dialysis care giver can be very rewarding. The attitude with which you approach the difficult times encountered make all the difference in what you can get out of the experience.

We need more people like pj in this profession!

Maybe if we used this forum on Renalweb to share the positive stories from our experiences in the dialysis unit we could get more people interested in coming to dialysis or help those that are currently working in dialysis to appreciate the gifts available to us everyday.

To Mary J Carefully evaluate your priorities before you leap into this exciting world of Hemodialysis.Do some background information on the clinic,or hospital that you are considering to work for.Tour the facility on different day's and shift's.Talk with the patient's,as well as all of the staff member's.Finally remember that in this field you either love it,or you hate it.

I'm replying to the e-mail from Kristine.I have been a Hemodialysis LPN for a little over 4 years now,and feel it's the best job i've ever had!!I've been an LPN for almost 10 years,and worked in many areas of nursing. Yes,it's a specialty,and can be extremely challenging at times in many ways,but that's one part of the job that i honestly love! Everyday is different,and the patients can be the best teachers.Go for it girl!One bit of advice would be to check out all clinics,as they ARE NOT THE SAME!I wish I was able to name mine,as I feel very fortunate to work there.

GO FOR IT!

I wish that all of the techs and RNs at my center were there because they want to be and enjoy the feild. Unfortunately some are just there because it is a job. The field needs more people who are genuinely interested in dialysis and providing the best possible care for hemodialysis patients. Good luck!

If you want to learn dialysis, call columbus North Adult. this is a seven month coruse, cost is 3,500.00 and you also get your bonet test in school.