Explore & Care: Discover Rewarding Travel Dialysis Nurse Jobs

When contemplating travel nurse jobs, one might typically envision nurses working in ICUs, ERs, or other hospital units. However, the realm of travel nursing extends across nearly every nursing specialty, including dialysis!

Travel dialysis nurses have abundant opportunities and can enjoy the varied benefits that come with this career path, alongside additional perks tailored to their specialized field. Therefore, for those pondering about the possibility of pursuing travel as a dialysis nurse, the answer is a resounding yes!

Travel dialysis nurse jobs offer a unique avenue for healthcare professionals who wish to combine their love for travel with their inclination toward healthcare. These roles allow nurses to explore different healthcare settings and geographical locations while honing their skills in dialysis care.

It’s an ideal choice for adventurous nurses seeking a fulfilling career on the move. Read this blog to understand how travel dialysis nurse jobs are beneficial.

Role of a Travel Dialysis Nurse

Travel dialysis nurses are crucial in delivering top-notch care to patients dealing with kidney disease and end-stage renal failure. They embark on short-term assignments, typically lasting 13 weeks, at dialysis clinics and hospitals nationwide, where experienced nurses are needed to fill staffing shortages.

Given that over 37 million adults in the U.S. grapple with chronic kidney disease, the demand for skilled dialysis nurses remains robust. Travel dialysis nurse jobs offer both adventure and competitive pay, enabling nurses to accumulate diverse healthcare experience across various settings.

Daily Tasks for a Dialysis Nurse

There are two types of dialysis and a dialysis nurse plays different roles in both.

• Hemodialysis: Here, the patient’s blood is filtered outside their body by a machine. The blood goes through tubes into the machine to get cleaned and then returns to the patient’s body. A dialysis nurse supervises this process in a hospital or unit, usually three times a week.
• Peritoneal dialysis: This is a daily procedure where a tube (catheter) is placed in the patient’s abdomen. Dialysis fluid is pumped into the abdomen through this tube to filter the patient’s blood. For peritoneal dialysis, a dialysis nurse’s role includes teaching the patient how to do this at home so they can manage their treatment independently.

A dialysis nurse performs these days on a day-to-day basis:

1. Evaluating patients’ requirements and devising tailored care strategies.
2. Ensuring timely administration of medications and preparing dialysis equipment.
3. Continuously monitoring patients’ health during treatment, documenting their progress, and adjusting care plans as necessary. 

Educational Requirements

Following these steps prepares you to embark on a rewarding career as a travel dialysis nurse, providing essential care to dialysis patients in diverse healthcare settings across the country.

1. Become a Licensed Registered Nurse (RN)– Start by completing either a two-year Associate’s degree or a four-year Bachelor’s degree in nursing approved by your state Board of Nursing. After graduation, pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain your RN license.
2. Gain Experience as a Registered Nurse-Gain at least one year of experience in a dialysis setting as an RN. Two years of experience is preferred, especially in nephrology nursing, which focuses on kidney health.
3. Earn Credentials and Certifications-Obtain certifications in basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). Once eligible, pursue certifications like Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) or Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) to demonstrate your expertise in travel dialysis nursing care.

Salary and Perks 

As an experienced travel dialysis nurse, you can expect an average weekly salary of around $2,100. Along with the great pay, many agencies throw in awesome benefits packages. You can expect things like health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, and stipends for travel and housing costs.

Plus, they often offer referral bonuses, tuition reimbursement, license fee reimbursement, and mileage reimbursement for commuting. Partnering with a good agency can really boost your overall compensation in travel dialysis nurse jobs.

However, your total earnings depend on various factors:

Years of Experience

Nurses with extensive dialysis expertise generally earn higher salaries than those new to the specialty. Your experience can give you the leverage to negotiate better rates.

Geographic Location

Assignments in high-demand regions, like major metro areas on the coasts, tend to offer salaries above the national average. Keep in mind that the cost of living is also higher in these areas.

Number of Shifts Worked

Working evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays can earn you hourly premiums. These differentials can significantly boost your overall earnings in travel dialysis nurse jobs.

Assignment Duration

Longer contracts, typically lasting 13 weeks or more, usually have the highest weekly base rates. This is to attract candidates willing to commit for extended periods to travel dialysis nurse jobs.

Overtime

Many dialysis nurses pick up extra shifts, logging 10-20 hours of overtime per week. This can significantly multiply your base pay.

Agency Reputation and Resources

Partnering with a reputable agency that offers competitive pay and has strong relationships with hospitals can lead to the best job packages. Choose an agency that pays above the national benchmarks for optimal compensation in travel dialysis nurse jobs.

Travel Dialysis Nurse Jobs: Choosing Wisely

With the rising rates of chronic kidney disease and increasing patient loads, dialysis clinics and hospitals are facing permanent staffing shortages. This is where travel dialysis nurses come in. Your specialized skills make you an invaluable asset, helping to fill gaps and maintain excellent care quality temporarily.

If you’re looking for travel dialysis nurse jobs, check out Wanderly. This platform offers a variety of travel nursing opportunities, making it easy for you to find the perfect assignment and compare several options. Head over to their website and explore the options today!