Demand for RNs who can provide dialysis care — a.k.a., nephrology nurses — is surging, with many employers turning to new graduates to fill this essential role. If you're a nursing student in search of a specialty, here are 4 things you should know about working a nephrology residency, and how it can help your career.
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What is a Nephrology Residency Job?
Specializing in treating conditions of the kidney, nephrology nurses deliver dialysis care to patients, including hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis (PD), and other treatment methods, as well as support for these procedures and general care. Because demand for these services is so high, some employers offer special nephrology residency programs that recruit new nursing graduates for these jobs.
5 Reasons to Work a Nephrology Nursing Residency
For nursing students close to graduation, or new grads seeking a great first opportunity, here are five reasons to consider working a nephrology residency.
1. Specialized, On-the-Job Training
By focusing on building skills and clinical best practices, nephrology residency programs offer new grads the chance to learn the ropes of dialysis care at an entry level while getting valuable on-the-job training on skills that are in high demand across the United States.
- Pro Tip: Even entry-level residency jobs may require basic clinical certifications like ACLS and BLS. Learn more about the certifications you may need to enter the nursing workforce here.
2. Direct-Hire Opportunities
Because these types of opportunities don't exist for many other specialties, nephrology residencies are a great way to set yourself up for a full-time offer at an early stage in your career, with the potential to continue working with the same employer after your residency is over. And if you choose to move on, your dialysis training will be a huge asset in your next job hunt.
3. Preparation to Work in New Settings
Kidney disease is growing at an "alarming rate," but our ability to treat it is quickly evolving, too. Today, renal care isn't restricted to treating chronic conditions in a hospital's dialysis department. It's also offered on an emergency basis in acute-care clinics and outpatient facilities nationwide, providing even more career opportunities for RNs who are trained in delivering dialysis care.
4. Learning New Equipment & Tech
Few medical fields are moving as fast as dialysis, where new technologies are quickly changing how care is delivered. The equipment used in dialysis and hemodialysis treatment — the processes that remove toxins from the renal system — is constantly being updated, both to improve outcomes and to enable better care in more locations.
Nephrology residency programs provide a chance to get up-to-date training on all of that equipment, giving you an instant advantage over other new grads. It also helps you show off your adaptability and your ability to learn new things, two of the most in-demand soft skills for RNs.
5. Community and Recognition
When you choose the right nephrology residency program, you'll also get the chance to work and bond with other motivated nurses, plus some well-deserved appreciation for your efforts and the impact you're making!
For instance, we recently celebrated Erica Canettieri and Kevin Harward, two graduates from the HealthTrust nephrology residency program in Utah as they wrapped up their training and offered some thoughts about their experience.
"Because the dialysis program was an extensive, long orientation and training, I felt I was as prepared as I could be to work solely on my own,” said Erica.
Kevin praised the program’s approach to training, adding that “one of the biggest benefits with the residency program is not getting thrown into the deep end!”
> Ready to try a nephrology residency? Search current opportunities here
Find a Nephrology Residency Opportunity Today!
HealthTrust's nephrology residency jobs offer more than specialized, on-the-job training for new grads, but also access to exclusive opportunities within a major healthcare system and comprehensive benefits like medical, dental, and vision, a 401k program, student loan repayment, and more.
If you’re a new grad or a student looking to embark on the best possible career, join the nation’s leading nephrology residency program by applying for an open residency today! And remember, when you work with HealthTrust, you unlock possibilities, raise the bar and become a part of a team that cares like family.
