The employment potential of hemodialysis patients.

This study examined variables that may influence the employment potential of hemodialysis patients. The study group consisted of currently employed (n = 20) and currently unemployed (n = 20) hemodialysis patients. All subjects had been employed before starting dialysis and were currently judged physically able to work by their physicians. No significant differences were found in job satisfaction or job importance before starting dialysis. The groups did not differ on biophysiological status or perception of health. However, a greater number of the unemployed had held jobs requiring heavier physical labor and reported that uremic symptoms prevented them from working. They also encountered more job discrimination due to illness and had a greater loss of career and life goals. No significant differences were found between the two groups in life satisfaction or dependence. In both groups the more independent subjects reported greater satisfaction with life.