A Look Inside Dialysis RN Jobs
... or go backIt is no secret that nursing professionals are in high demand all across the United States. In fact, the demand increases day by day to the extent that government labor statistics indicate nursing will see the highest increase of pay and benefits offered at least until the year 2018. This is remarkable given the general malaise of the U.S. economy and the fact that salaries are remaining flat or falling altogether.
Among all types of nurses, some of the most highly sought after are RNs for staff positions in renal dialysis. Dialysis RN jobs are available not only in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Houston, and Miami, but also in many smaller cities and rural areas. And with Americans living longer than ever, it's expected the need for dialysis will only continue to rise, prompting the need for more dialysis RNs.
Dialysis RN Jobs: Pay and Benefits
According to statistics compiled from healthcare HR reports, the average salary for a staff nurse working in a dialysis unit is just over $69,000 annually. Benefits include full medical insurance, paid vacation, generous vacation and personal time, paid vocational training, and much more. Obviously, dialysis RN jobs are worth more in major cities. But even at smaller hospitals and institutions dialysis nurses still do fairly well.
One of the fringe benefits that are not quantifiable in the statistics is the fact that the large demand for skilled RNs allows many of them to write their own ticket. Hospitals and clinics are not in a position to make unreasonable demands of their nurses because the unhappy nurse has unlimited options to work elsewhere. This does not mean being a dialysis RN is easy work; it's not. It simply means that the nurse has the upper hand controlling his or her own career.
Day-To-Day Responsibilities
In a smaller hospital or clinic a registered nurse may be required to perform the actual dialysis procedures as well as minor maintenance and repair of equipment. But in the mid-size to large facility that's usually not the case. Instead, dialysis RN jobs tend to be supervisory positions in which the staff nurse has several other nurses and technicians working underneath her. In such a case her responsibilities can be rather varied.
The dialysis RN is typically responsible for evaluating patients, developing a treatment plan, and making sure that plan is implemented accordingly. Whether the nurse actually administers the dialysis or not, they will work together with the department head, other health professionals and individual physicians. If the RN is indeed in a supervisory position he or she may also be responsible for scheduling, monitoring technicians and other nurses, and maintaining a safe and healthy environment for patients.
Dialysis RN jobs require a minimum two-year Associates degree in most states. In some states however, additional education and training is needed, and a specialized dialysis exam may be required for licensing. Check with the state nursing board where you live for specific requirements.
Search for Dialysis RN Jobs and Dialysis Technician Job Opening at Foundation Medical Staffing. Foundation Medical Staffing specializes in Dialysis Employment for Dialysis Nurses, Hemodialysis Nurses, Dieticians, Managers and Patient Care Technicians.
Article author: satrap D - click here to see more articles by this author
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