Your First Dialysis Appointment
As you prepare for your first treatment, knowing what to expect can help you feel more calm and confident. Each dialysis treatment will take about 4 hours and our experienced care teams will be there to support you every step of the way. Learn more about what to can expect and how you can prepare.
Before your first dialysis appointment
What to wear
Wear comfortable clothing to help your care team easily see your access.
- For catheters in the chest: A button-up shirt
- For fistula or graft in the arm: A short-sleeved shirt
- For access in other locations: Ask your care team at your chair for suggestions
What to bring
- Blankets
- Headphones
- Phone, iPad, or Kindle
- Reading materials, including books or magazines
- Crossword puzzles
When you arrive at a U.S. Renal Care center
- You will meet your care team and discuss your treatment plan.
- You will take a tour of your center, including the hand washing station, waiting room, and treatment floor.
- You will complete your admissions paperwork.
- You will complete a health assessment with your nurse who will listen to your heart and lungs, record your height and weight, and take your blood pressure.
During your dialysis treatment
Your safety is our top priority. Your care team will keep a close eye on you throughout your treatment.
- Your vital signs will be taken every 30 minutes, or more depending on your condition during treatment.
- Your nurse will give you your dialysis medications.
- Your care team will provide relevant kidney disease education.
- Tell your nurse or PCT if you are not feeling well or have a concern.
- When your dialysis treatment is finished, you may feel lightheaded or tired. We recommend someone else drive you to and from your appointments until you get used to dialysis and feel safe to drive.
Get a glimpse of a U.S. Renal Care center
While each U.S. Renal Care center is different, there are standard features present in each of our centers that help contribute to your experience.
- Wi-Fi
- Televisions
- Sliding doors
- Heated massage chairs