Living with Kidney Disease

Working While on Dialysis

Beginning dialysis treatment is a major commitment that will bring change to your life, but it does not necessarily have to disrupt your career. Your ability to continue working depends on a number of factors, including the kind of work you do and the type of dialysis you pursue. In fact, patients who can continue to work have better clinical outcomes and better quality of life.

For many patients, working while on dialysis makes sense financially and emotionally. With an understanding of your rights as an employee, you may be able to work with your employer to find a balance that suits both your work and treatment schedules.

Know Your Rights

There are laws that offer protections for workers, including the right to take leave or to seek accommodations in the workplace.

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits employers with 15 or more employees from discriminating in recruitment, hiring, promotions, training, pay, social activities, and other privileges of employment. It also requires that employers make reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities.
  • The Family and Medical Leave Act allows eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of insurance coverage.
  • The Ticket to Work Program aims to help Social Security beneficiaries go to work, get a good job and become financially independent while keeping their Medicare or Medicaid.
man smiling.

With some adjustment to schedule and lifestyle, many are able to continue working while on dialysis.

Beginning dialysis treatment is a major commitment that will bring change to your life, but it does not necessarily have to disrupt your career. Your ability to continue working depends on a number of factors, including the kind of work you do and the type of dialysis you pursue. In fact, patients who can continue to work have better clinical outcomes and better quality of life.

For many patients, working while on dialysis makes sense financially and emotionally. With an understanding of your rights as an employee, you may be able to work with your employer to find a balance that suits both your work and treatment schedules. 

Know Your Rights

There are laws that offer protections for workers, including the right to take leave or to seek accommodations in the workplace. 

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits employers with 15 or more employees from discriminating in recruitment, hiring, promotions, training, pay, social activities, and other privileges of employment. It also requires that employers make reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities. 
  • The Family and Medical Leave Act allows eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of insurance coverage. 
  • The Ticket to Work Program aims to help Social Security beneficiaries go to work, get a good job and become financially independent while keeping their Medicare or Medicaid. 

Living with Kidney Disease

man with glasses smiling

Traveling While on Dialysis

Traveling may seem like a daunting activity during treatment, but U.S. Renal Care will be there for you every step of the way.

grandfather and granddaughter playing soccer together in front yard

Diet and Exercise

Keys to a healthy diet and improved fitness.