Dialysis Schedule & Planning

A steady schedule makes treatments easier on your body and your life. Most people do in-center hemodialysis three times per week; the key is consistency and small routines that reduce stress.

Your basic options

Standard shifts (3×/week): Mon–Wed–Fri or Tue–Thu–Sat; start times vary by center (early morning, midday, late).
Long nights (“nocturnal”): fewer centers offer this; slower, longer sessions overnight can feel gentler.
Home dialysis: separate program (more flexibility). Ask about training if you want more control.

How a treatment day flows

Arrive early: a few minutes for check-in, weight, BP, and a quick symptom review.
On machine: usually 3–5 hours depending on your prescription.
Coming off: rinse-back, needles out, hold pressure, re-check weight/BP (plan ~20–30 minutes).
After: give yourself a low-effort window. Many people walk a bit, snack, and rest.

Picking a shift that fits

Work/school: ask for first or last shift to protect your job hours and commute.
Rides: align start/end with your reliable transportation (family, paratransit, rideshare).
Energy: some feel best early; others prefer later—try for 2–3 weeks before switching.

Week-to-week rhythm

Early week (Mon/Tue): weekend gaps can mean more fluid/weight to remove—arrive hydrated and eat a small snack.
Midweek: often smoother; review any cramps or low BP with the team and adjust.
End of week (Fri/Sat): ask about weekend plans—fluids, salt, and activity so Monday/Tuesday isn’t rough.

Planning around life

Holidays & appointments: tell the front desk early—centers can sometimes shift you to another day/shift.
Travel: visitor dialysis is common; start requests 2–3 weeks in advance (longer for holidays). Your social worker can help fax orders and labs.
Weather/back-up: swap phone numbers with the unit, know storm policies, and keep a ride back-up plan.

If you miss or cut short

Call the clinic right away. They may add time next session, schedule a make-up, or adjust fluid removal.
Watch symptoms: shortness of breath, swelling, or chest pressure—report immediately.
Don’t “double up” fluids or skip medicines without instructions—ask what to do safely.

What to bring

Comfort: light blanket, layers, neck pillow, headphones, charger.
Practical: access arm warmers, lip balm, small snack (if allowed), a water bottle sized to your fluid plan.
Info: medication list with exact times, new prescriptions since last visit, questions for the team.

Small habits that help

Calendar it: put all sessions in your phone with alarms; add “leave by” reminders.
Evening prep: lay out clothes, badge/keys, and a small go-bag the night before.
Between runs: spread fluids through the day; keep salt low to reduce cramps and low BP.
Log it: jot post-run symptoms (cramps, dizziness) to fine-tune your next treatment.

People who can help with scheduling

Charge nurse/front desk: day-to-day shift swaps and time changes.
Social worker: rides, paratransit, work forms, travel coordination.
Nephrologist/dietitian: adjust time/ultrafiltration targets and weekly fluid/meal plans.

When to call (don’t wait)

Now: you can’t make your session, new fever/redness at access, bleeding that won’t stop, severe cramps or chest pain, shortness of breath.
ER/911: severe trouble breathing, chest pain that doesn’t ease, confusion, fainting.

Questions to ask: Can I try a different shift for two weeks? What’s the plan if I cramp or get dizzy? How do we handle holidays, storms, or travel?

Educational only. Your dialysis team will tailor scheduling and goals to you.