Dialysis nursing in US

Specialties Urology

Published

Specializes in Dialysis Acute/Chronic.

Hi,

I am hoping to start travel nursing in the near future. Currently, I work in two different dialysis units. Until recently, both units were staffed completely with RNs. Now,we have several LPNs counted among us. I have read much about dialysis techs which we do not have. Would someone please explain their role in the team. Also, what is the normal ratio in a unit related to RN/LPN/dialysis tech and team member/pt ratios. Thanks. :)

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I have never worked with an Lpn in the dialysis setting. As for the tech the ratio is generally 4 pts to 1 tech. The tech basically performs all the duties that you as an RN performs on a daily basis, practically everything except for administering meds, giving antibiotics and blood transfusions. In some states, tech's cannot give heparin or access catheters. In my units they monitor the whole tx, with the R.N.

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Specializes in Dialysis Acute/Chronic.

How many patients per RN? Is it normal to have only one RN at a clinic with the remainder being techs?

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Specializes in ICU, previously Dialysis.

I think in most places about 12-15 and yes, depending on clinic size.

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Yes, I had 12 pts with 4 tech's and me. When I work prn at a clinic with 34 pts, there are 3 nurses and 8 tech's. It gets busy, but that's dialysis.

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