Licensed Practical Nurse - How to Become a Dialysis Nurse

Dialysis nurses are licensed practical nurses who are involved in the care of individuals having kidney problems. Most of the time, these patients have either acute or chronic kidney failure, conditions that involve failure of the kidneys to perform normal metabolic and excretory functions leading to waste build-up in the body.

A dialysis nurse may also be called a nephrology nurse or a renal nurse. These nurses are equipped with the expertise of handling dialysis machines, assessing, monitor, evaluating, and providing comfort to patients undergoing dialysis treatments.

If you are interested in engaging in a career as a dialysis nurse, here are the processes which you must undergo to successfully become one:

First, you must be a graduate of an accredited academic institution in nursing. Since nursing programs vary, you may enrol yourself in an associate degree or the BSN degree which takes four years to complete. There are online programs which can be pursued as well but be certain that these programs are also accredited. This is a matter of importance.

After completing your degree, an examination must be taken for you to become a certified nurse. Being a dialysis nurse would also mean passing the Certified Dialysis Nurse Examination. There are requirements which depend upon your state and you may contact the state board of nursing in your area to inquire for such.

Of course there are people having various conditions who you would encounter as you work in your field, conditions varying in severity and nature. To be equipped in dealing in with these, you must study and read on the different disease conditions of the kidneys and do your own additional research.

Finding a good job as a dialysis nurse can be somehow challenging which means that you should have a number of options to choose from. There are a lot of information provided all over the internet pertaining to the dialysis nurse’s salary, training, job opportunities, and the like.

A working environment that is complex and challenging is much expected in this area. Ready yourself for this in all aspects. Usually dialysis procedures are being done in different settings such as the hospital, in clinics, and patients’ homes depending on individual preference and convenience.

As a dialysis nurse, you should also be knowledgeable on the maintenance of the machine itself apart from being able to operate it successfully. Being familiar with its maintenance is necessary even if a separate technician is available to handle it.

Licensed practical nurses possess qualities and skills such as the ability to perform detailed, focused, and comprehensive assessments, good and therapeutic communication skills, and the motivation to do patient teaching and further research.