High-Paying Travel Nursing Jobs for specialists | 2023
Is Dialysis Nursing Specialty Right for You? Why Travel RNs Love This Field
Nurses who work in dialysis are a subset of the overall specialty called nephrology. Nephrology is the study of and caring for kidneys. Dialysis registered nurses specifically work with patients who are suffering from kidney failure (also referred to as renal failure).
The dialysis treatments are usually administered by physicians, but the monitoring of and the supporting of said patients during the dialysis is the role of the dialysis nurse. Dialysis travel nursing jobs can be found throughout the nation as the population demand for dialysis remains high. Dialysis is typically administered in a clinical setting, whether it be in a hospital or a dialysis clinic. Normally, patients receive treatments three times a week and these treatments can last between three to four hours.
One important role of a dialysis nurse is to monitor the dialysis equipment, confirming that it is correctly mimicking the primary role of the kidneys and cleaning and filtering the blood for excess fluid and waste. Additionally, charting is an important skill. The importance of documenting patient self-reports and evaluating their physical and mental health is as important in this specialty as any other. Dialysis is a life-saving treatment, and while this can contribute to positive feelings towards job satisfaction, it also underscores the absolute seriousness of the role dialysis nurses play.
Good communication skills are important for dialysis nurses. They must be able to consult with the administering physicians to provide input on patient care and plans of action for patients. Just as important is their ability to communicate with their dialysis patients. The nurse is likely to spend more time with the patient than the administering physician because of their responsibilities in monitoring and evaluating the patient during the treatment. This extended time opens the door for establishing a rapport and trust with the patient. Not all nursing specialties provide opportunities for this. Building a rapport with patients can increase the impact you can have by providing guidance about making healthy life choices outside of dialysis treatment.
Travel nurses who are interested in specializing in the field of dialysis, should consider advanced training in kidney disease or research the various available certifications in nephrology.
Because dialysis is a treatment that must be scheduled and done routinely and frequently, schedules for dialysis travel nurses who take assignments in dialysis centers or private practices can be quite attractive in that they may be set for more “normal” hours. Dialysis nurses who work in hospitals, however, generally earn higher pay.
Job Skills / Requirements for Dialysis Travel Nurses:
- Valid BLS from the American Heart Association
- A valid professional license within the state of practice
- Specialty-related certifications are preferred and may be required for specific travel nurse positions
- Proof of right to work in the United States
- Experience as a dialysis nurse
Dialysis Travel Nurse Salary and Job Outlook
As more outpatient clinics and healthcare facilities offer dialysis services to an aging population, the demand for nurses who work in these environments continues to grow. Because the baby boomers are aging, more diseases are becoming prevalent, and it looks like the need for dialysis travel nurses will continue to rise, at least for the next few years.
Nurses working in dialysis literally save lives every single day because this treatment is often the only thing that is keeping a patient alive. Therefore, dialysis travel nurses report high levels of job satisfaction with this specialty. Dialysis travel nurse pay is highly competitive and the exact salary will vary based on the facility and its location. Typically, dialysis travel nurses earn more than entry-level travel nurses because this is a specialized field.
Elite Specialty Staffing also offers referral bonuses and other incentives that can further increase pay. Dialysis travel nurses who work with Elite Specialty Staffing can choose to take free, private, luxurious housing, or a generous housing subsidy. When you work as a dialysis travel nurse with Elite Specialty Staffing, you will gain all the lucrative travel nursing benefits we offer. Apply today!