PCT Training is being phased out....Bummer!

Onekidneynurse · Dec 31, 2009

I live in CA and was looking to get into the PCT training program with DaVita, despite all the negative things I have been reading about them.... but apparently at some DaVita clinics they are phasing that out. So now you definately have to be a CNA prior to PCT training. That is what the gal who answered the phone told me today. Just an FYI.
Happy New Year to All

I would call back and ask to speak to the Facilty's Administrator. Some times secretaries don't know all the latest issues. They just might not have an opening there so she told you they aren't training. DaVita is still probably training in other units.

caligirl2 · Dec 31, 2009

Thanks, I will actually call and ask for the FA tomorrow. I actually asked to speak to the hiring manager and was not able to get past gal answering the phones...she was trying very hard to not have to put me through if you know what I mean. I don't have a CNA so this would be a great opportunity for me if only it would work out. I had a year of nursing school many years ago, and would love to get back in again.

caligirl2 · Dec 31, 2009

Well, I called and FA's are not taking any phone calls...relating to a position. They must be receiving lots of calls. : (

Onekidneynurse · Jan 1, 2010

Well, I called and FA's are not taking any phone calls...relating to a position. They must be receiving lots of calls. : (

Next thing is to make an appointment. Or at least fill out an app.

Lacie, BSN, RN · Jan 1, 2010

Fill out an application on line and in addition send a well prepared cover letter with your resume to the specific FA. Call the clinic and get her name, title, and the correct address. Continue to do periodic follow up. I had one person who called me monthly for 6 months until I finally hired him lol. He turned out to be a fantastic PCT!!!

caligirl2 · Jan 1, 2010

Thank You OneKidney & Lacie,

I actually sent my resume to them with a cover letter a couple of days ago...I am anxious. Hubby's been laid off and is a

2x colon cancer survivor and I am feeling like a big change is needed. I know I would do an awesome job, just don't think I look that great on paper....no CNA. Nursing school years ago....so we shall see.

I will probably do a follow up call next week...again : )

Thanks again for listening, 2010 is going to be a year of great change I can feel it already!!!

God Bless!!!!

caligirl2 · Jan 1, 2010

Lacie, If you don't mind me asking...are you an FA for a Dialysis Center? If so, which one?

Lacie, BSN, RN · Jan 1, 2010

I was a charge RN at Davita then FA/DON at another company KRU Medical (located in Cali, New Jersey, and Florida).

anurseadvocate · Jan 2, 2010

According to the Conditions a dialysis technician is only required to have a high school diploma .. there is NOTHING that says a requirement is to have a CNA certification. This might be a facility policy, but not a federal or California state regulation. In fact, the new Conditions mandate dialysis techs be certified and Calif has will be, if they have not, initiated their own process for this, from my understanding.

I have not heard that Davita is not training new techs, but that might be so in some areas.

IMHO it is often scarey when a new tech is trained in classroom, then with a preceptor, usually another tech (the RNs do not have time to precept or even observe, again, imho)... so, hopefully the tech preceptor is on top of everything. Some facilities even count in as numbers new techs who are not fully trained,, this is even scarier.

If PCT tech training is being phased out...well, I can not even imagine...... with new facilities opening, new patients and more facilities needing to expand hours, I just can't imagine providers not having training for newly hired techs.

ANurseAdvocate

Lacie, BSN, RN · Jan 2, 2010

As nurseadvocate stated it would be hard to believe they would phase out or quit training pcts. Even as a CNA they are not taught anything related to dialysis in thier regular training protocol. It's a very specialized area with what I feel is a significant more responsiblity then what the generalized CNA programs teach.

It could be that they are currently only looking for Experience Dialysis trained PCT's. I know my clinic got to the point where we didnt even look at a resume unless they already had chronic dialysis experience. Primarily due to cost, risk that the applicant would be trained then leave, also due to our staffing situation I didnt have time to train someone new with no dialysis background. We further did the same with Nurses. It wasnt a corporate thing but the needs of the individual clinic itself. As I previously posted if you apply - keep trying and dont faulter. Sooner or later that FA may hear you and give you a shot.

anurseadvocate · Jan 2, 2010

As nurseadvocate stated it would be hard to believe they would phase out or quit training pcts. Even as a CNA they are not taught anything related to dialysis in thier regular training protocol. It's a very specialized area with what I feel is a significant more responsiblity then what the generalized CNA programs teach.
It could be that they are currently only looking for Experience Dialysis trained PCT's. I know my clinic got to the point where we didnt even look at a resume unless they already had chronic dialysis experience. Primarily due to cost, risk that the applicant would be trained then leave, also due to our staffing situation I didnt have time to train someone new with no dialysis background. We further did the same with Nurses. It wasnt a corporate thing but the needs of the individual clinic itself. As I previously posted if you apply - keep trying and dont faulter. Sooner or later that FA may hear you and give you a shot.

Agree with Lacie, there is no way that a CNA is anything similar to a dialysis technician,, like apples and hot dogs.

The only benefit of a new tech being a CNA would be a familiarity with vital signs, working with patients... but as far as requirement for dialysis,,,, NO WAY... Dialysis Technicians basically provide most of the care for patients as most do not have catheters, etc... as well as monitoring all patients, including those with catheters. It is my opinion that they do not get enough training now, as it is, and most of it is cookie-cutter in style and often due to their lack of knowing individual patient medical problems...this can result in negative outcomes, etc. dialysis technicians have most of the responsibility in the units and must be able to identify potential problems in order to relay to RN who also must be adequately trained and experienced...