Essential Elements for Becoming a Respected Dialysis Technician
Dialysis technicians have become an instrumental part of the patient care team in healthcare facilities that manage kidney failure patients throughout the United States.
Although the technician typically has very little college education, they are qualified to perform many of the basic responsibilities involved in delivering high quality renal therapy to the patient population.
The recent increase in demand for dialysis treatment has led many facility administrators to expand their hiring efforts so that nurses and physicians can focus their time on managing complex cases and not on those responsibilities that do not require advanced medical knowledge or skills.
Individuals who are interested in pursuing a career as a dialysis technician must have a thorough appreciation of the elements that lead to a long and successful career in this field prior to seeking employment.
The technician is often expected to accept responsibility for a variety of patient care tasks including procedure preparation, equipment operation and maintenance, patient monitoring, vital sign collection, medical history documentation, and coordination of care.
The fact that most renal care facilities manage large numbers of patients means that the job can become extremely hectic at times.
Successful technicians are capable of keeping a level head when things get crazy and are able to manage multiple tasks in an efficient and effective manner.
At present, there are not enough qualified healthcare providers to meet the demand for care and members of the patient care team have to anticipate that they will sometimes have very long and strenuous days.
While this profession can be overwhelming at times, it is always a very rewarding feeling knowing that you were able to make a significant contribution to the health and welfare of patients as well as to the effectiveness of the medical team.
Technicians manage many routine tasks associated with patient care and are often required to supervise patients as they are receiving treatment.
Because dialysis therapy requires multiple sessions each week that last for a minimum of four hours each time, the technician ends up interacting with patients more than any other member of the medical staff.
Such a demanding treatment schedule has a tremendous impact on the lives of patients and often results in extremely high levels of anxiety, anger, and even depression.
Patients often rely on technicians for emotional support to help them get through the difficult periods throughout the remaining years of their lives.
Individuals who do not possess genuine empathy, concern, and compassion for the struggles that patients face are not well-suited for patient care and are highly encouraged to reconsider their interest in advancing their career in the clinical side of the dialysis industry.
Aspiring technicians who are passionate about high quality patient care and who have the ability to manage many tasks at one time can expect to become very successful in the dialysis industry.
Compassion in patient care, strong communication skills, an ability to work well with other members of the medical team, and a drive to continuously improve on one's knowledge and skills are traits that employers look for when they are searching for new technicians.
Prior college education and experience are viewed favorably, but are not a substitute for the character qualities that are required in order to last for many years in this demanding profession.
Administrators often hire individuals who have little education and experience because they know that the technical aspects can be taught to anyone, but the personality requirements cannot easily be changed.
Individuals who have conducted an honest evaluation of their suitability for a career as a technician are encouraged to explore this rewarding employment option in greater depth.
Few professions offer as much of an opportunity to positively impact the lives of others as does that of the dialysis technician.
Those who enter this field can expect to enjoy many years of strong job growth along with numerous chances to advance one's career through promotions, continuing education, and patient advocacy.
Although the technician typically has very little college education, they are qualified to perform many of the basic responsibilities involved in delivering high quality renal therapy to the patient population.
The recent increase in demand for dialysis treatment has led many facility administrators to expand their hiring efforts so that nurses and physicians can focus their time on managing complex cases and not on those responsibilities that do not require advanced medical knowledge or skills.
Individuals who are interested in pursuing a career as a dialysis technician must have a thorough appreciation of the elements that lead to a long and successful career in this field prior to seeking employment.
The technician is often expected to accept responsibility for a variety of patient care tasks including procedure preparation, equipment operation and maintenance, patient monitoring, vital sign collection, medical history documentation, and coordination of care.
The fact that most renal care facilities manage large numbers of patients means that the job can become extremely hectic at times.
Successful technicians are capable of keeping a level head when things get crazy and are able to manage multiple tasks in an efficient and effective manner.
At present, there are not enough qualified healthcare providers to meet the demand for care and members of the patient care team have to anticipate that they will sometimes have very long and strenuous days.
While this profession can be overwhelming at times, it is always a very rewarding feeling knowing that you were able to make a significant contribution to the health and welfare of patients as well as to the effectiveness of the medical team.
Technicians manage many routine tasks associated with patient care and are often required to supervise patients as they are receiving treatment.
Because dialysis therapy requires multiple sessions each week that last for a minimum of four hours each time, the technician ends up interacting with patients more than any other member of the medical staff.
Such a demanding treatment schedule has a tremendous impact on the lives of patients and often results in extremely high levels of anxiety, anger, and even depression.
Patients often rely on technicians for emotional support to help them get through the difficult periods throughout the remaining years of their lives.
Individuals who do not possess genuine empathy, concern, and compassion for the struggles that patients face are not well-suited for patient care and are highly encouraged to reconsider their interest in advancing their career in the clinical side of the dialysis industry.
Aspiring technicians who are passionate about high quality patient care and who have the ability to manage many tasks at one time can expect to become very successful in the dialysis industry.
Compassion in patient care, strong communication skills, an ability to work well with other members of the medical team, and a drive to continuously improve on one's knowledge and skills are traits that employers look for when they are searching for new technicians.
Prior college education and experience are viewed favorably, but are not a substitute for the character qualities that are required in order to last for many years in this demanding profession.
Administrators often hire individuals who have little education and experience because they know that the technical aspects can be taught to anyone, but the personality requirements cannot easily be changed.
Individuals who have conducted an honest evaluation of their suitability for a career as a technician are encouraged to explore this rewarding employment option in greater depth.
Few professions offer as much of an opportunity to positively impact the lives of others as does that of the dialysis technician.
Those who enter this field can expect to enjoy many years of strong job growth along with numerous chances to advance one's career through promotions, continuing education, and patient advocacy.