Travel Dialysis Nurse Salary Guide

A dialysis nurse oversees dialysis treatments in patients with advanced kidney disease. These treatments remove excess fluid and waste from the body, relieving swelling and other symptoms of serious kidney problems. Dialysis nurses inspect and maintain equipment, place vascular access catheters, maintain patient records and educate patients about what to expect during treatment.

How do you become a dialysis nurse?

You must become a registered nurse before you can oversee dialysis treatments. To become an RN, follow these steps:

  • Enroll in a two-year or four-year nursing degree program

  • Complete all required coursework and clinical training requirements

  • Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses, also known as the NCLEX-RN

  • Obtain a license to practice through the state board of nursing

Nurse licensure requirements vary by state, so check with your licensing body for more details.

What credentials/licensing does a dialysis nurse require?

You don't need a national certification to work as a dialysis nurse, but it's helpful to seek additional credentials to increase your earnings and help qualify for promotions. Dialysis nurses can seek Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN), Certified Hemodialysis Nurse (CHN) and Certified Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse (CPDN) credentials to enhance their careers.

The CDN, offered by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission, is for registered nurses with at least 2,000 hours of experience caring for patients who need dialysis. Before submitting your application, you must complete at least 20 nephrology nursing continuing education hours.

The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing & Technology or BONENT offers the CHN and CPDN credentials. To obtain the CHN, you must pass an exam covering dialysis and related issues, supervision/administration, environmental control and professional development. The CPDN exam covers education, administration, professional development and the nursing process.

Average Travel Dialysis Nurse Salary

$2,183/week

The average salary for a Travel Dialysis Nurse is $2,183 per week. This is 3% higher than the nursing US average of $2,109.

Last updated on April 25, 2024. Based on 764 active jobs on Vivian.com in the last 7 days.

Salaries for Travel Dialysis Nurse compared to Registered Nurse National Averages

$2,183/week

3% higher than the nursing US average.

$2,109/week

United States

Where do Travel Dialysis Nurses get paid the most?
StateAverage Weekly SalaryMax Weekly Salary
New Jersey$2,783$3,392
Hawaii$2,706$3,350
Wisconsin$2,385$2,885
New York$2,370$3,463
Massachusetts$2,333$3,043
Vermont$2,300$3,352
California$2,257$3,189
Maine$2,230$2,567
Arizona$2,212$2,486
Washington$2,210$2,630
Illinois$2,205$2,439
Pennsylvania$2,176$2,242
Montana$2,169$2,482
South Dakota$2,123$2,704
What cities pay the most for Travel Dialysis Nurses?
CityAverage Weekly SalaryMax Weekly Salary
Cooperstown, New York$2,764$3,042
Honolulu, Hawaii$2,706$3,350
Madison, Wisconsin$2,580$2,885
Portland, Maine$2,567$2,567
Arlington, Washington$2,525$2,525
Amsterdam, New York$2,508$2,790
Rome, New York$2,493$2,962
Cambridge, Massachusetts$2,400$2,400
Burlington, Massachusetts$2,389$2,473
Quincy, Massachusetts$2,343$2,343
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Travel Dialysis Nurse jobs?

Last updated on April 25, 2024. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

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Travel Dialysis Nurse Career Guide

Use our exclusive Career Guides to research the education, qualifications, skills and responsibilities for a variety of healthcare disciplines and specialties employers are hiring now.

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How can you increase your pay as a travel dialysis nurse?

If you have the flexibility, consider taking travel assignments to increase your earnings. As noted above, the average rate for a travel dialysis nurse is 30.5% higher than the rate for a staff dialysis nurse. Accepting travel assignments allows you to earn more money without taking additional classes or switching specialties.

How much does a dialysis nurse make?

According to Vivian Health's salary data for the week ending April 29, 2023, travel dialysis RNs earned an average of $2,184 per week, which works out to $28,392 for a 13-week contract or $56,784 for a 26-week contract.

Do travel dialysis nurses get paid more than staff dialysis nurses?

Many factors influence your pay as a nurse, but travel dialysis nurses generally get paid more than staff dialysis nurses. Per Vivian Health's salary data on April 29, 2023, staff dialysis nurses had an average hourly rate of $41.81. In a 40-hour workweek, that's just under $1,673. The average weekly salary for travel dialysis nurses was $2,184 on that same date, about 30.5% higher than the staff rate.

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Travel Dialysis Nurse FAQs

What professional certifications can potentially increase my salary as a Dialysis RN?

Earning your Certified Hemodialysis Nurse (CHN) often increases your salary potential as a dialysis nurse or makes you eligible for another position with greater responsibilities, which also might include a bump in wages.

Can having a Certified Hemodialysis Nurse (CHN) boost my salary as a Dialysis RN?

Yes, having a Certified Hemodialysis Nurse (CHN) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a dialysis nurse.

Where can I learn more about working as a Travel Dialysis Nurse?

Take a look at Vivian's Travel Dialysis Nurse Career Guide for more information, including required education, responsibilities, pros and cons and more.