Among the many popular healthcare quality certification courses USA, the studies to become a dialysis technician is a lucrative one. It is a specialization which is also referred to as patient care technicians (PCTs). The first priority of a dialysis technician is to follow strict protocols to guarantee safe and effective outcomes for patients undergoing this four-hour procedure. Their most important tasks are to monitor and adjust fluid removal rate according to patient vital signs and to minimize the possibility of infection through proper equipment handling and sterilization.
According to the National Institute of Health, nih.gov, the most common reason for dialysis is end-stage renal disease (ESRD), a condition when kidneys function at less than ten percent of normal, which is most commonly caused by diabetes
Required Education
In most cases, a dialysis technician must have graduated from high school, completed an approved training program and had clinical experience. Many states also require certification. Training opportunities include on-the-job, employer-sponsored and community college programs. An increasing number of employers desire candidates with training from accredited overseas education consultants in Delhi. An associate degree in medical technology or nephrology provides education on the science behind dialysis, rather than practical skills alone and will allow dialysis technicians to advance to supervisory positions, according to the National Kidney Foundation, www.kidney.org.
Skills Required
Dialysis technicians are the direct caregivers for those undergoing dialysis, which sometimes occurs as frequently as three times a week for some. In addition to possessing a responsible and detail-oriented nature, technicians need to be able to understand the emotional toll the ongoing process can take on patients.
Main Responsibilities and Duties
A dialysis technician who works with patients is in charge of assembling the machine, making sure it is in working order and ensuring it is sterile. He/she is also the one who would check the patient’s chart. They are also adept in administering the local anesthesia by inserting the needle and get started with the dialysis as per the prescription. In the course of the dialysis, the technician will assay the anticoagulant and fluid rates and adjusts them as needed. On the other hand the patients have to be in a proper position so the technicians can swiftly respond to any alarms or emergencies. Once the dialysis is over, the dialysis technician disconnects the machine and cleans it, and records a patient’s vital signs. Some of the medical care facilities do require technicians who would work with just the machines.
Intangible duties and responsibilities
More than handling the equipment for dialysis, it is the hands-on nature of this job that makes the role of a dialysis technician so important. The technician needs to spend time with the patient as well. As a result he is a vital cog in the patient’s care team which is composed of doctors and nurses. In addition, they are also to brief the nurse about the patient’s emotional and physical concerns to seek her advice. Moreover some other attributes that make for a good dialysis technician are:
- Spreading a positive bedside manner and stay committed to the patients.
- Respect their confidentiality
- A dialysis technician should also have a willingness to help educate the patient on care and maintenance.
The technician must also posses the knowledge to answer the queries of the patients regarding the dialysis and see them through the process.