Running late

[draven]

Hi guys

i was wondering how many of you have dialysis units that run late and you end up going home later than you are supposed too.
My unit has gone through some renovations and is looking very nice. but they are almost constantly running late.
My Dialysis Sessions are Mon ,Wed,Fri and from 10:00 till 14:00.
I show up at 9:15 but i only get put on the machine after 11:30. !!!!! and sometimes end up going home at 16:00 !!!!

Thats 6 +Hours.

They also have this new excuse that they must disinfect the machines before using it on a new patient. so I'm sitting in the chair all needled up and waiting at least 30 minutes waiting for the machine to start up   

Anybody have similar experiences

[Deanne]

I usually think I'm pretty patient, but that would drive me to  if it was a regular thing. I'm not on dialysis yet. I hope this isn't the "norm" in dialysis centers! It seems like disenfecting should be calculated into their schedules and should happen *before* your appointment, not as part of your appointment.

[silverhead]

Wow, in my mind there is no excuse for that kind of scheduling, when Sharon was doing her hemo in-center they were really efficient at keeping patients on schedule, even the patients were good about reminding them occasionally to bring over the jug of vinegar to have it ready to go when they were unhooked from the machine. The staff would calling us at least once a month and asking if we wanted to come in early because of an opening that day. More often than not we were on a little early rather than late. Did not realize until we joined IHD how good we had it compared to other centers. Of course being a well run non-profit makes a big difference......
Tom

[circleNthedrain]

Hi draven, I'm sorry you have to wait so long, that would make me crazy!  I would be worried about clotting the lines if you are "stuck" 30 minutes before starting.  Hope things improve soon.

[Robby712]

If you are supposed to be getting on at 10 and they aren't starting treatment until 11:30...and it is happening every time, or almost every time you go in...I would start showing up at 11:15.  That gives them 15 minutes to get you weighed, do the little checkup, and get your needles in.

If they complain you are showing up to late I would then ask to talk to a social worker.  Waiting an hour and a half on top of your 4 hours on the machine is unacceptable.  Your time is worth just as much as theirs...don't let anybody else try to convince you otherwise.

[monrein]

I'd be writing letters and asking to have a meeting with someone in charge.  I'd also refuse to sit in their waiting room.  I'd call them to see when my machine would be ready and leave home according to THAT schedule.   That much delay is inexcusable.

[kitkatz]

    It is ass whipping time!

[draven]

With regards to the clotting on the machine while i wait. the do a little Heparin in the lines.

I have shown up after 10 and waited less time to go on. but on the very rare occasion the run on time (like 1 once every 2 weeks)
or there is a spare seat.

The patients on my shift have finally started talking about this issue. and we will be sending a letter to the head offices.

I also feel really sorry for people on the late shift, they are on from 15:00 till 19:00.  they go on after 16:00 and go home after 20:30   

[twirl]

I would be upset
your time is important
show up late and see how understanding they are
it is not right
  on them

[Trikkechickk]

I avoid this by going on the "1st Shift" - 7am.  I show up at 6:40am and am usually on the machine before 7.  Downside, I have to go to bed early to get up early.  Bathing w/a cathater takes alot of time!