Activities Often Performed by the Dialysis Technician

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Dialysis Technician

• An Overview of Common Work Responsibilities

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What is a Dialysis Technician?

• Unlicensed provider working in the dialysis
  specialty
• Member of the patient care team
• Performs routine tasks that do not require
  professional skill
• Supervised by nurses and physicians
• Spends more time with patients than anyone else

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Dialysis Treatment

• Used to filter water and waste from the
  bloodstream
• Generally reserved for end stage renal failure
  patients
• Must be performed three to five times each week
• Typically lasts for three to five hours each
  session
• Can be highly disruptive to patients daily
  routine
• Restores a portion of renal capacity
• May be able to self-administer treatment at home
• Most patients travel to a clinic for therapy

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Role of the Technician

• Greet patients
• Record medical and surgical history
• Document changes in health status
• Measure vital signs and fluid dynamics
• Answer patient questions
• Attach tubes to vascular access site
• Monitor treatment
• Operate and maintain equipment
• Provide emotional support
• Alert advanced personnel about concerns
• Schedule follow-up appointments
• Much more

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Entry Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Basic in-house training
• Independent training program may be accepted
• National certification examination within 18
  months
• Previous patient care experience is a plus
• Relatively few barriers
• Excellent option for those who do not want to
  spend several years completing a college degree

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Personality Traits

• Commonly included in the job description
• Essential for working in a service based economy
• Outgoing
• Energetic
• Friendly
• Compassionate
• Intelligent
• Generous
• Enthusiastic

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Administrative Tasks

• For those who have a few years of experience
• May be asked to assume managerial
  responsibilities
• Interviewing job applicants
• Instructing new technicians
• Supervising groups of employees
• Delivering performance reviews
• Administering disciplinary actions
• Implementing quality improvement initiatives
• Monitoring operational efficiency
• Contributing to business strategy meetings
• Much more

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References

• Dialysis Technician Job Description
• www.dialysistechniciansalary.org