dialysis tech training

DeLana_RN, BSN, RN · Mar 8, 2007

The company I worked for until 2 years ago had the same basic training for nurses (RNs and LPNs) and PCTs, and machine troubleshooting was part of it. However, it can take a while for new employees to be exposed to all possible machine problems. The PCTs - and nurses as well - should have been told to bring anything that they are not familiar with to the (experienced) RN's and/or biomed tech's attention, and to pull any machine that displays alarms that cannot be cleared quickly (the machine should go into bypass mode so the patient would not be at risk. The blood should then be returned* and dialysis continued with a new delivery system).

DeLana

P.S. Personally, I do think that training for PCTs is inadequate, considering the highly invasive, dangerous medical procedure they are performing; some of ours had worked in fast food places before training as dialysis techs!

*In a few instances - such as a blood leak - the blood would not be returned.

LPN2RNBSN · Mar 8, 2007

This sounds frightening. I am learning more and more how dangerous it is if someone does not know what they are doing. Even yesterday, again, a new RN did not change a transducer when it was wet wtih blood, stating that it was not completely wet and that it would not get inside the machine until there was ALOT of blood. The experienced PCT came over, after I asked about it and that I thought I should change, and she said YES...

GeauxNursing · Jun 30, 2007

I have been a tech with Davita for close to 2 years. My training was 12 weeks: one week reading and studying, 2 weeks out of town at a "learning and doing" seminar called Davita Prep, and 9 weeks on the floor with a preceptor. I learned basic patient care, machine setup and operation, troubleshooting (most of which only comes with experience, though), cannulation, fluid assessment, and lots of other stuff. Only after these 12 weeks did I take my own patients. I was so scared! I knew enough technically to do it while under the watch of my preceptor, but nevertheless I was really scared. It all comes with time, and today my boss says I am the best thing she has ever done, (hiring someone wih no prior experience.) It all depends on the tech I think. I work with one person who is obviously burned out on his job. He does not help others, (We are really big on team work here at Davita), he cuts corners, doesn't pay attention to tx orders, and generally just has a bad attitude. We just have to deal with these bad apples until the FA decides it is best to let them go.

Anyways, my training was thorough and of the highest quality. I learned everything from my preceptor and my coworkers. I would hate to think that I could ever be one of those "mute the alarm without checking it first, don't bother to hook up the bath, and not periodically check the accesses" types of techs. I love my job. usually. if some of my patients couldn't talk it would be better. lol.

Natkat, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 8, 2007

if some of my patients couldn't talk it would be better. lol.

Isn't that the truth!

We have a few patients who abuse Phenergan and Benadryl so they'll sleep through treatment. They'll say "I'm itchin' real bad" or "I need something for nausea" every single treatment. Can't blame them.

We have a nurse who constantly fumes about the patients doing this. I told her "Heck, I wish we could give them ALL Phenergan." It would keep those belligerent and whiny patients out of our hair. Besides, it's not MY Phenergan they're getting. Medicare is paying for it.

Keren Huang · Jul 22, 2008

:argue: :yeah: :heartbeat:redbeathe:typing:lol2:

happy1974 · Oct 16, 2008

Hi GeauxNursing,

Sister thanks for your positive outlook in life...You gave me an extra energy today while agrreing to your opinion that dialysis tech and skills can be learned and be mastered with enthusiast and vigor, to love your profession, and to give quality care to our patient.

Yes, nursing afterall is caring.

Keep up the good work...

anurseadvocate · Oct 24, 2008

In reading through the posts I was wondering about the poster who addressed 'silencing alarms' versus looking further to determine any problems. I know this is NOT taught at FMC, or Davita, or at any other provider. So, what happens when one gets in the unit. Are there staff who do not realize the potential dangers of silencing an alarm without checking to see if the patient is having a problem? RenalRuth

Natkat, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 25, 2008

When I got my training through Fresenius we were given a trouble shooting guide for when the machines alarm. It's a sort of logorithm that we can follow to try and solve the problem depending on what is triggering the alarm. I remember being taught the first thing to do is look at the patient and to always keep the access visible. I can't explain why they didn't teach you that. I guess every facility has their own way of doing things.

anurseadvocate · Oct 26, 2008

I wonder why some will automatically silence alarms. Is it just some type of complacency that eventually arises, lack of supervision in units in order to prevent such. We check and recheck to ensure all is ok. RenalRuth:nurse:

philippians4:13 · Jan 8, 2009

I am a nurses aid and was wondering where would I go in Connecticut for training to be a dialysis tech? Thanks

philippians4:13 · Jan 8, 2009

Where do you go for training to be a dialysis tech in Ct? I dont see any schools in CT that offer this. Thanks. April