How to Become a Dialysis Nurse
Dialysis Nurses are responsible for handling patients with chronic or acute kidney diseases. These professionals ensure that each dialysis session is effective, efficient and safe. They monitor patients during their dialysis treatments and teach them how to manage their disease through medication and self-care.
These nurses work in a variety of settings such as long-term care facilities, nursing homes, home healthcare agencies, outpatient treatment centers and hospitals.
If you want to learn how to become a Dialysis Nurse, then you have come to the right place. Skim through this guide to understand what steps you will have to go through in order to join this profession.
Should I Become a Dialysis Nurse?
Do you want to learn how to care for patients suffering from renal cysts, chronic kidney disease and various other kidney problems? If yes, then you should think about starting a career as a Dialysis Nurse.
The table below highlights the general requirements that Registered Nurses are expected to meet. This data has been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Education Required | Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, or a Diploma or an Associate’s degree |
| Training | On-the-job training is not a requirement. |
| License/Certification | Required |
| Key Skills/Qualities | Physical Stamina, Emotional Stability, Organizational Skills, Compassion, and Critical Thinking Skills. |
| Annual Mean Salary (2019) – National | $77,460 (Registered Nurses) |
| Job Outlook (2018-2028) | 12% (Registered Nurses) |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Outlook
The job prospects for Registered Nurses seem bright in the future. Job outlook data indicates that the job opportunities in this field will increase by 12% between 2018 and 2028.
Steps to Become a Dialysis Nurse
This section will highlight the steps involved in becoming a Dialysis Nurse in the U.S.
1. Complete a Nursing Program :First of all, candidates have to earn a nursing degree from an accredited school. They can either earn a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, an Associate’s degree in Nursing, or a Practical Nursing Diploma. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) usually takes four years to complete, whereas the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), and the diploma programs typically take two to three years to finish.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN :After completing the state-approved nursing program, the candidate has to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). If the individual fails to obtain a passing score on the licensure exam, he/she will not be issued a license.
3. Gain Experience and Get Certified!:Candidates who aim to specialize in Nephrology are advised to earn a relevant certification after gaining some professional experience. Individuals can obtain the Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) certification through the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission. They also have the option of obtaining the Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) certification.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Dialysis Nurse?
In order to work as a Dialysis Nurse, individuals have to first obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, an Associate’s degree in Nursing, or a Diploma program. These programs can be completed within two to four years.
Once the education requirements have been met, candidates have to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in order to become eligible for the state license. After getting licensed, they should work for a minimum of two years before obtaining a Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) or a Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) certification.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Dialysis Nurse?
In order to work as a Dialysis Nurse in the U.S., individuals have to satisfy the following conditions:
- The person must have completed an undergraduate program in Nursing (such as a Diploma, Associate’s degree, or a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing).
- The person must have cleared the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
How Much Does a Dialysis Nurse Earn?
Wage data for Dialysis Nurses is not available on BLS; therefore this article will mention the salary statistics of Registered Nurses. Occupational statistics indicate that Registered Nurses employed in the U.S. earned a lucrative yearly mean pay of $77,460 in 2019.