Fresenius medical care...taking over dialysis unit HELP! - Page 5

Thank you so much for your advice, but my real concern is that we are really over staffed at the time, 6 Rn's, 1 Lpn and 4 Tech, and a D.O.N., for a 12/chair unit, and only 2 shifts. If someone had to go now, I feel they probably would keep the RN's and Tech's more to satisfy their patient ratio. My only hope would be that I really do the same job as the RN's on any given day,except the Med. nurse, in our state LPN"S can not give IV push meds, but I'm also half the cost. However, I do know that there is NO way that I would take a step backwards and work as a Tech. I was already talked to about the fact that I could work as either, once in a while maybe!, but I stated then and I state now not permenatly. Don't get me wrong they definitly work for their money, but I also have worked way to hard to get were I'm at now. Not to mention I'm 6 classes short of my RN degree which I'm also working on at the present time. I have to admit I am scared to death about the take over after reading this and past threads regarding FMC. I love my job and benefits now. thats another question what's your thought on already aquired PTO, should I use before they take over or will it roll over?, I hate to lose it. After setting the whole picture any different thoughts?

This is my personal opinion. Being that you are only 6 classes short, I do not see how they would choose a tech over a soon to be RN. You are trained and performing much like an RN. Are there any other associated clinics close by? I honestly do not see them letting you go. As for working as a tech once in awhile, if they do, it will be at the current salary that you are receiving right now.

As for the PTO, it depends. I would think they would allow you to keep it and roll it over. But it depends if they have a union and the union policies. PTO, unlike sick pay, is yours outright. They should pay you out should you decide not to use it. Here in Hawaii, that is the law. I do not know how it works at where you at. If I were Fresenius, I would definitely not let an LPN so close to becoming an RN go. Fresenius encourages LPNs and techs to further their education. So to let go an LPN, soon to become an RN, goes against their beliefs. Remember though, that every state is different though. But I honestly do not see it happening. You will become an RN and go to another dialysis company or unit already trained. Rns are in demand.

ok, thanks, but just one more question, what will they do with me personal/ sick time aquired?, no one has said anything about a union or not.

I am not sure what you mean by personal time acquired. Are you referring to vacation time or length of time you have been with the company?

In retrospect, a new company is taking over and they may not allow you to rollover your PTO because that means that they will be paying to you. You may want to consider using your vacation or selling it back to the company. Some companies only allow sell back at certain times of the year. You may end up losing it all. It all depends what Fresenius decides to you. Honestly, I do not see a company paying for vacation that was accrued from another company. It is money out of Fresenius' pocket. I honestly cannot say what Fresenius will do as far as PTO.

Would anyone out there happen to know what medications Patient Care Techs can give and by what route?

Thanks for the advice. I will definetly be looking into it!. As far as your question in our state Tech's. can not administer any medications, not even tylenol. Thanks for your help.

5-20-2007
I trained at FMC in Phoenix last summer. They have a good training program (in Phoenix), but the worst pay scale I have seen. I was not impressed by the way they treat staff (like cattle), not to mention, the patients. I swear they must use cow prods to get three shifts in and out in twelve hours! There was a lot of opportunity to move up the ladder, if you're interested. But, I prefer to have a personal life. 12 hours is more than I care to do, let alone management. They really jerk people around!

a21chdchic in AZ

It varies by state. Your state's board of nursing makes the determination about what meds you give.

For example, I am in Texas and techs give heparin (IV push) and lidocaine (intradermal). We don't give any PO meds at all. I have a co-worker who moved here from Louisiana and she said they weren't allowed to give heparin but could give Lidocaine. Another co-worker transferred from Mississippi and she said techs could not give any meds at all and couldn't cannulate patients. So you'll have to check with the clinic you plan to work in and have them tell you.

Our clinic has an LVN working there. As far as I know they hire LVNs. As for getting out, I have no idea. Dialysis seems like a good gig for a nurse. I'd stick around and see how it goes.