What Is Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is a form of dialysis where the blood is removed through the patient’s arm, cleaned with an artificial kidney, and then goes back into the patient. Dialysis also uses an artificial kidney, but the blood cycles through it, whereas with hemodialysis, the blood is removed from the patient and cleaned.
Hemodialysis uses a machine that filters out waste, salts, and fluids when the patient is in extreme kidney failure. The name of this machine is “dialyzer”.
Cope With the Stress of Working in Hemodialysis
Working with hemodialysis is incredibly stressful because of the longevity of care. Often, the procedure takes hours with multiple visits a week. Many patients see the same nurses every shift, so the nurses may grow fond of them – which makes it hard if a patient doesn’t make it. Here are a few methods to deal with the stress of working in Hemodialysis.
- It is not personal: Knowing the patient for an extended amount of time may bring on feelings of attachment, but know that making it personal is stressful. When the patient and family of the patient are already under stress, it may directly reflect you.
- Practice deep breathing: Practicing your breathing can help relieve stress in any situation. Combining deep breathing with meditation can also be very helpful. We recommend using a guided meditation app, such as the Stop, Breathe, & Think app. Slowing down your breath allows you to recenter and focus again on the task.
- Find a quiet spot: Find a spot away from the action. This location may be your best place to do deep breathing, collect your thoughts, gather notes, or just take a moment to yourself.
- Journal: Journaling or doodling is a great way to relieve stress. It can help you sort out your thoughts or bring your focus back to the task at hand.
- Communication: Working on your communication can help relieve stress. Nurses often have to take someone else’s perspective or talk through the situation.
- Talk with others: Find a co-worker to talk to or seek a therapist to help talk out any stress you may be feeling from being a nurse.
- Self-care is the best care: Taking care of yourself during and after a shift is a fantastic way to deal with stress. From a soothing bath to reading a book to treating yourself to time doing a hobby you enjoy, self-care comes in many forms.
- Stay Positive: Staying positive is easier said than done when it comes to nursing. The sickness surrounding your day-to-day can easily cloud-down the fulfillment that comes when helping someone. Focus on the right parts of your day to stay positive. Find other positive nurses to be around, and keep communicating between you and them.
- Stay Organized: Often, when we are stressed, it helps to keep one thing in place. It is a moment of control that can positively impact your day. Whether this is your paperwork, workstation, or your home, having one thing in order can make a difference in your stress level. Take the time to organize your day to prevent feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
Work With Us!
Being a hemodialysis nurse can be a stressful yet rewarding career. Using the tips above, you can take care of yourself while caring for your patients. For more information on becoming a hemodialysis nurse or to apply for nursing opportunities, visit New Directions Staffing.
