Dialysis Technicians -Let's Talk :)

[RescueNinja2013]

hello everyone!

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[color=#483d8b]i am hoping that this thread becomes a success for all dialysis techs -experienced and new, to come together and just discuss the field, such as your daily work experiences as a pct in dialysis, your duties, concerns, questions, comments, etc... i am planning to obtain on-the-job training or course training in this field, and at this point don't have a clue what i am actually getting myself into, but i sure would like to know. any and all advice is appreciated, and judging by other site forums and even threads i've read on this site, i am not the only one with questions regarding the demanding world of dialysis. i hope we can all feel comfortable asking questions / opinions and respectfully learn from each other. :)

[RescueNinja2013]

hi anne36, i'm also waiting to take an entrance exam for a lpn program in chicago, then hopefully i'll score high enough and get accepted . i'm also waiting for the application period to begin for a few other colleges so i can apply for their rn fall 2011 programs. i also found the renal system in a&p to be overwhelming, because of all the chemicals / horomones associated with other organ systems, and the kidney itself has a gazillion systems lol, so i understand you there . btw, check your private messages.

[work67]

Hello JessiBoopCNA, I have been a dialysis technician for more then 15 years. Now (working per diem). I learned everything I know about dialysis on the job. There have been many advances over the years in the machinery and knowledge about the disease. Dialysis is very fast paced at times and you should be very organized and be able to multitask. In my opinion you either like dialysis or you don't. Last year I got my certification CCHT everyone at the unit I am at are now certified. If you want any questions answered and I can help I will try

[loveblossom]

What is the starting salary? What are the hours like?..I imagine that you all start very early but is it 10 hours shifts 12?

[work67]

I have been in dialysis so long I don't know what the salary for someone just starting would be. They like you to have some medical background.

We start at 5:00am, some work 8 hour shifts some work 10, I think all dialysis centers are different. Patient load is different for all states. My state has no max that a dialysis technician can have. In Mass I believe the max is 3 patients for 1 staff member. Lucky them. Good luck :)

[Californiagirl89]

Hello I am new to this I am just wondering what kind of degree do you need to have to be dialysis tech, or what requirements.. what kind of classes do you have to take in school?

[islandroots]

Hi everyone out there that is interested in dialysis. I have been doing dialysis for the past 23 years. I started as a tech. Then I became a Bonent certified tech, then an lpn, now an rn. The davys are long and the work is hard. But I love ( yes love) what I do. I saw a lot of things in nursing school, but nothing compared to dialysis.

It is fairly easy to get a job as a tech or a Rn, but if you are an lpn, you need to be creative to get in there.

[cookiemonster84]

I have just been offered a pct position with a dialysis company. I'll be training since I'm a cna & have no dialysis exp whatsoever. I live in california. I'm interested in dialysis because I find urinary/kidney/diabetes interesting, also my grandfather passed away due to a blood infection, and I would like to help others take charge of their health. I also would like to be a personal pct. I know you don't have time to chat or really really get to know your patients, but I do want to acknowledge them more than I see some techs/nurses do in the past. Of course, this was @ an acute dialysis setting, so maybe it's different. anyway. Not sure if I'll ever really go into nursing. I was all set to start nursing school (lvn) and had something happen so decided I'd come back to it. But at the same time, I love animals, and am hoping to apply to vet school someday. But I've been a cna for so long, most vet hospitals won't hire me, so I'm still doing hospice care. I need a break from hospice (too many family deaths this year myself) and thought dialysis would be great, since I'm more interested in helping people who are I'll vs people who just need ambulating or transfers at a snf. Whew what a long post.

well where does everyone work (hospital, clinic) what is the starting salary & what's the biggest challenge you've faced?

anddd what's your favorite part?!!!

[islandroots]

Take the position. I have found dialysis to be the most rewarding interesting job I have had. I have been here 23 years. The hours are long, but it is not a constant. Turnover is busy and then there is a lull. Know your labs, practice sticking a lot. Yiou will have plenty of time to get to know your patients. I had 1 patient for 7 years. 3 times a week. You do get to know them very well.

[cookiemonster84]

yes I told them I would love to take the job, they are doing a background check at the moment. It seems very fast paced!! Sort of similar to getting the rhythm it seems. 23 years wow!! Are you a nurse or a pct?

[islandroots]

I am an RN now,but when I started dialysis, I was a tech. I learned dialysis on the job. I tried to go to every learning opportunity that I could. I never let my job title stop me from learning something new. I also became Bonent certified as soon as I learned about that. Now certification is mandatory. Then I became an lpn. Now an Rn.Never a dull moment. Good luck in your new career. Reply if you have questions or get discouraged and need an ear:).

[cookiemonster84]

thank you, I sure will!!

yes I have 18 months to get certified, and I think even if I didn't have to do it, I'd still do it anyway.

what was the most challenging part for you when you started as a tech?

[esquil]

any dialysis tech jobs out there? please help! i have a certificate.