According to the National Kidney Foundation, over 20 million Americans have chronic kidney disease with an additional 20 million more at risk. A dialysis technician handles patients whose kidneys do not function adequately to eliminate waste from the body. They work under the supervision of physicians, primarily in hospitals and clinics.
Part of being a dialysis technician involves taking a patient's vital signs.
Responsibilities
A dialysis technician observes patients with kidney failure as they go through procedure. A technician makes sure the process runs smoothly and the dialysis equipment operates adequately. During consultation, a technician records a patient's vital signs prior to and after treatment. Also, technicians monitor blood chemistry to ensure wastes products are being eliminated properly. In addition, technicians instruct patients and their relatives on properly utilize equipment as well as counsel users when to seek medical assistance.
Education/Training
Dialysis technicians must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Technicians should graduate from a state-approved training program from which they earn a certificate or are granted a diploma in dialysis technology. Programs can last anywhere from six weeks to 12 months and include class work and supervised clinical experience. Programs are often available at community colleges, vocational schools, and hospitals. Technicians can also receive training on the job.
Qualities/Skills
Dialysis technicians interact with patients and their families on a daily basis and require interpersonal and communication skills. Patients on a dialysis machine rely on treatment for their health and technicians need to exercise compassion. In addition, technicians need to monitor and control various pieces of equipment and need to be precise, accurate and have mechanical aptitude. Technicians require knowledge of recognize and treat various injuries and diseases. The job also requires knowledge of preventive medicine and how drugs interact.
Work Environment
A dialysis technician can work in a variety of settings, such as out-patient centers or hospitals. Also, technicians may need to provide treatment at a person's home. The Employment Development Department of California states that the majority of dialysis technicians gain employment at out-patient facilities. The work environment for technicians is a sterile, climate-controlled setting. Seeing patients who have a variety of illnesses, such as AIDS and hepatitis, technicians can be exposed to infections. Chances for infection are lessened by following sterilization methods and by the use of protective gloves and masks.
Salary
The Top Dialysis Technicians Schools website (topdialysistechniciansschool.com) reports that a dialysis technician right out of college or technical school can earn on average $7 an hour for working in a doctor's office to $16 an hour working at a medical facility. Also, salary.com reports that as of April 2009, the median expected salary for a typical dialysis technician in the United States is slightly more than $30,000. Pay depends on a variety of aspects, such as experience, education and type of facility employed at.
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