Dialysis nursing has become an in-demand profession over the past few decades. Analysts project nursing careers to grow by 15% until 2026, much faster than the national average of other professions. This is because more and more nurses are in demand in the healthcare industry as the population ages.
 
This drastic increase in demand for healthcare staff is often more than a medical facility can keep up with. This is why travel nurses play such an important role. Traveling nurses travel across the country, filling in gaps where needed.
 
Dialysis nurses are one of the most sought out traveling nurses today. The number of dialysis patients is on the rise, requiring frequent treatments to prevent kidney failure.
 
Each new job location has its own challenges, but travel nursing is rewarding and lucrative. Here is everything you need to know about dialysis nursing and whether this profession is right for you.
 

What is Dialysis?

 
Dialysis is a treatment used to stabilize the functions of the kidney. This helps avoid kidney failure, a deadly disease. It is a clinical process that purifies the blood. But, this is a temporary solution for supporting the function of the kidneys. This is why dialysis treatments are usually needed frequently, and thus these nurses in high demand. Dialysis is also needed when a patient starts to develop end-stage kidney failure. This is a critical condition where the patient loses about 85 to 90 percent of their kidney function.
 
As the kidneys start to fail, dialysis stabilizes the patient’s body by:
 
  • Removing waste, toxins, salt, and extra water, preventing the substances from building up in the body
  • Maintaining a safe level of necessary minerals in the blood, such as potassium, sodium, and bicarbonate.
  • Aiding other systems in the body with regulating blood pressure.
 

What Does a Dialysis Nurse Do?

 
Dialysis nurses provide patients the necessary treatments they need by administering life-prolonging procedures such as a dialysis treatment process. They are part of a much larger specialty also known in the medical field as nephrology nursing. They also have a wide and in-depth knowledge of kidney diseases and their respective treatments. Dialysis nurses have a responsibility to support, medicate, and track patients throughout their treatment process. They also must educate patients about their conditions and counsel them on various lifestyle choices.
 

Why Become a Traveling Nurse?

 
There are a lot of reasons why you should become a Traveling Dialysis Nurse, but here are some of the highlights you might want to consider:
 

A Flexible Work Schedule

 
Dialysis nurse positions vary depending on the length of time of the assignment and the location. You are able to specify your positions based on your needs. Travelling can be exciting but also tiring. But, having the flexible work schedule of a travel nurse allows you to take necessary rest between assignments. In some agencies, you can even arrange your weekly schedule to allow for long weekends and shorter workweeks.
 

The Adventure of a Lifetime

 
One of the main reasons to become a traveling nurse is having the chance to explore. Being paid to travel the country is one of the best jobs available. You get to take in beautiful sights across the country while earning a competitive salary and benefits.
 

Learn New Skills

 
You will be able to improve your nursing skills while developing a wide variety of other skills. Working in various locations, assignments, and teams force you to think critically. Changing assignments teach you to adapt to diverse working environments and groups.
 

How to Become a Dialysis Nurse?

 
Now you have seen the wonderful opportunities that a traveling nurse has to offer. To become one you have to complete all the necessary requirements of your travel agency.
 
The main requirement is having an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. Any experience with the dialysis process is also a big plus. You will also have to take the NCLEX-RN exam and get a state license.
 
New Directions Staffing can help you find the best Dialysis Nurse jobs that fit your skills.