MA Externship in Diaylsis Center

Specialties Urology

Published

I just finished my class work for MA and I am now getting ready for my externship. I will be completing 160 hours in a dialysis center. I'm wondering what a MA would do in a dialysis center? I'm very excited and nervous too. I have been studying dialysis for the past two weeks. I understand a lot about dialysis, but curious to know what I will most likely be

doing when I get there. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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I imagine you will prob be doing the role of pct? Probably teach you how to string the machines, do vitals, they might teach you how to cannulate the fistulas and grafts, but not sure about that. What state are you in?

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Kentucky. I went today for my interview. It seems like it's going to be pretty interesting. You are right about the PCT. That's what I will be doing.

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You will learn a ton! Pardon my ignorance on what MA's do from state to state but I think you do assesments as well in your MA program? Dialysis patients are great for lung sounds and cardiac sounds. You are going to learn a lot about electrolytes, bood, fluid balance. They say that people either love or hate dialysis, I love it. I like that you get to know the patients, you get to know their normals. They come 3xs a week so you are a big part of their life. I hope you love it! Either way it is a great learning experience.

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