Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Dialysis RN Roles – 2025

Preparing for a dialysis RN job interview? Here are 20 up-to-date questions and simple answers that will help you showcase your expertise, experience, and fit with the role. Whether you’re applying for a position in a hospital, clinic, or dialysis center, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell me about your experience as a dialysis RN.
  As an RN, I have been working in the field of dialysis for the past 5 years. I started as a new graduate in a hospital setting and have since moved on to work in outpatient clinics. I have experience with both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis and have also trained in home dialysis setups.
• 2. Why do you want to work in dialysis?
  I have always been drawn to the intricacies and complexities of the renal system. I find it fulfilling to help patients with kidney disease manage their condition and improve their quality of life. Additionally, the fast-paced and team-oriented nature of dialysis work appeals to me.
• 3. How do you handle a difficult patient?
  I believe in approaching difficult patients with empathy and understanding. I try to establish an open and honest dialogue with them and address any concerns they may have. If necessary, I involve the patient’s family or other healthcare professionals to help find a solution.
• 4. How do you prioritize your tasks as a dialysis RN?
  As a dialysis RN, I prioritize my tasks based on patient acuity and urgency. My top priority is always patient safety and comfort, followed by medication administration, documentation, and communication with other healthcare professionals.
• 5. Have you ever had to deal with a medical emergency in the dialysis unit?
  Yes, I have had several experiences with medical emergencies in the dialysis unit. One example was when a patient experienced a severe drop in blood pressure during treatment. I quickly assessed the situation, alerted the physician, and initiated appropriate interventions to stabilize the patient.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Tell me about a time when you had to handle a challenging colleague or team member.
  In my previous job, I had a colleague who was notorious for being difficult to work with. I approached them calmly and addressed the issue, while also making sure to listen to their perspective. By actively communicating and finding common ground, we were able to improve our working relationship.
• 7. Can you give an example of a time when you had to troubleshoot a recurring problem in the dialysis machine?
  There was a recurring issue with one of our dialysis machines in the clinic I worked in. After consulting with the technician and reviewing manuals, I discovered that the problem was with the calibration settings. I adjusted the settings and the issue was resolved.
• 8. Describe a time when you had to advocate for a patient’s needs.
  I had a patient with limited mobility who required more assistance during their treatment. The clinic was understaffed, so I advocated for an extra nurse to help with the patient’s care. I explained the situation to my supervisor and they were able to provide the necessary support.
• 9. Tell me about a mistake you made and how you handled it.
  One time, I accidentally administered the wrong dose of medication to a patient. I immediately notified the physician and supervisor, and together we monitored the patient closely. Thankfully, the patient did not experience any adverse effects. I took responsibility for my mistake and made sure to follow proper protocols in the future.
• 10. Can you give an example of a time when you had to provide patient education about their condition?
  I had a patient with newly diagnosed kidney disease who was scared and confused about their treatment plan. I took the time to sit down with them and explain their condition, treatment options, and necessary lifestyle changes. I also provided resources for them to continue educating themselves.

Situational Questions

• 11. What would you do if a patient refused to continue with their dialysis treatment?
  I would first try to understand the reason for the refusal and address any concerns the patient may have. If necessary, I would involve the patient’s physician and other healthcare professionals to try and find a solution. My priority would be to ensure the patient’s safety and provide alternative options if needed.
• 12. How would you handle a situation where a patient developed complications during treatment?
  In this situation, my first step would be to assess the patient’s condition and call for help from the physician and other team members. I would then initiate the necessary interventions, such as stopping the treatment and administering emergency medications.
• 13. If faced with a tight schedule, how would you ensure proper documentation is completed?
  I would prioritize my tasks based on patient acuity and urgency, and allocate specific time blocks for documentation. During these blocks, I would focus solely on documenting patient information. If necessary, I would delegate some documentation tasks to other team members.
• 14. How would you handle a patient who is non-compliant with their medication?
  I would first try to understand the reason for their non-compliance and address any concerns they may have. I would also reinforce the importance of taking medication as prescribed and the potential consequences of non-compliance. If necessary, I would involve the patient’s physician and explore alternative solutions.
• 15. What would you do if a patient was experiencing pain during their dialysis treatment?
  I would assess the patient’s pain and take appropriate measures to manage it, such as administering pain medications or adjusting the dialysis prescription. I would also communicate with the patient and ensure they are as comfortable as possible during treatment.

Technical Questions

• 16. What is the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?
  Hemodialysis filters blood through a machine outside the body, while peritoneal dialysis uses the membrane lining the abdominal cavity to filter blood. Hemodialysis is typically done in a clinic or hospital, while peritoneal dialysis can be done at home.
• 17. How do you prepare a dialysis machine for a new patient?
  First, I would check the machine for any leaks or malfunctions. Then, I would clean and sanitize all parts of the machine that come in contact with the patient and the dialysate solution. I would also make sure the machine is calibrated and set up the dialysis prescription according to the patient’s needs.
• 18. What laboratory values would you monitor for a patient on dialysis?
  I would monitor electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and hemoglobin levels, as well as the patient’s blood pressure and body weight. I would also monitor for any complications, such as fluid overload or anemia.
• 19. Can you explain the process of setting up a home dialysis machine?
  First, I would educate the patient and their caregiver on proper hand hygiene and disinfection techniques. Then, I would help them set up the machine, connect the necessary tubes and filters, and prime the machine with solution. Before starting treatment, I would ensure the patient is comfortable and understand how to use the machine.
• 20. What are some potential complications of dialysis treatment?
  Some potential complications include hypotension, infection, electrolyte imbalances, access site complications, and fluid imbalance. It’s important to closely monitor patients during treatment and address any complications promptly.