Question:
I am a med-surg nurse with 2.5 years experience, and I am looking to transition into another field in nursing. I have been looking seriously at dialysis, but when searching for jobs it seems like employers are not willing to train but require experience as a prerequisite.
Any suggestions on how to get started in dialysis?
Christine
Dear Donna replies:
Dear Christine,
I don't know where you're looking for employment in dialysis, but if you're concentrating on hospitals, look in another direction. Focus on private dialysis companies, most of which are often looking for nursing staff and are usually willing to train. Find them by doing an Internet search. I also often see these companies exhibiting at career fairs, and they always tell me they are willing to train.
Also, do some informational interviewing (www.Nurse.com/Cardillo/Interviewing) with nurses already working in dialysis. Find these nurses through the American Nephrology Nurses Association (www.anna.org). Attend meetings of ANNA as a guest, too. When there's something you want to do, it makes sense to rub elbows with those already doing it.
If all employers only hired experienced practitioners, all the experienced people would eventually die off or retire. Every experienced dialysis nurse once started out with no experience, and you can do the same thing.
Look in new directions for employment, do more networking, hang out with those doing the thing you want to do and move toward your goal. Persistence and determination will always win out in the end!
Best wishes,
Donna
Prepare for the CNN/CDN exam with the Nephrology Nursing & Dialysis Nursing Certification Review Course.
Nurse.com offers a fully online self-paced prep course.
