The dialysis industry is a unique branch of the medical system that was created in order to care for the needs of individuals who suffer from end stage renal disease. There are several health conditions that can result in kidney failure, but the two most common in the United States include high blood pressure and diabetes. At present, it is estimated that there are approximately 1 million Americans enrolled in the federal governments program for dialysis patients and many industry experts believe that this number will continue to increase as chronic diet and exercise related illnesses become more widespread. Trends like these have resulted in the creation of hundreds of new dialysis clinics across the country as well as many new employment opportunities for those who want to work in the specialty.
Before deciding to pursue a career as a dialysis technician, it is generally a good idea to review common tasks associated with the position to determine if this is an appropriate employment option given ones personality and long-term objectives. Technicians who work in the dialysis industry are unlicensed team members who are required to work under the supervision of a registered nurse and who are typically responsible for routine tasks that do not require professional knowledge, judgment, or skill. A few of the most common activities that are assigned to unlicensed personnel include things like the welcoming of patients, appointment scheduling, pre-procedure health metric documentation, post-procedure health metric documentation, equipment operation and maintenance, vascular access, treatment monitoring, patient education, communicating concerns to advanced providers, and much more.
When evaluating the appropriateness of a career in this industry, it is important to understand that the treatment process for end stage renal failure patients is one that requires three to five trips to the clinic each week. This demanding protocol can create tremendous amounts of stress for patients and might even lead to prolonged periods of depression. Because entry-level personnel spend more time with the patients than any other member of the team, they must possess several personality traits that are well-suited to managing complicated patients. In general, employers look for applicants who are enthusiastic, outgoing, friendly, personable, compassionate, energetic, caring, empathetic, and intelligent. Individuals who help manage chronic kidney disease must be willing to offer emotional support and encouragement to patients who are struggling to accept their condition. Those who lack these character qualities might find that this career path is a poor choice for them and often decide to pursue a different option.
As demand for treatment continues to expand and the number of facilities increases, the administrative opportunities available to experienced technicians will gradually rise. Individuals who have mastered the basics of comprehensive care and who have demonstrated an affinity for leading others may be asked to accept responsibility for a variety of managerial activities. Some of the most common tasks that may be included in the managerial dialysis technician job description include things like interviewing applicants, training new employees, supervising a small group of providers, reviewing performance evaluations, and implementing quality improvement initiatives. Although an administrative promotion is not always the best option for those who want to focus on clinical practice, it does represent an excellent opportunity for those who want to earn more and who have an interest in business operations.
Employment as a dialysis technician provides several unique options for helping improve quality of life for individuals who suffer from a devastating medical condition. Those who possess the necessary personality traits to become successful in this profession are strongly encouraged to consider acquiring the technical skills needed to provide care to patients. Few opportunities within the healthcare sector benefit from the same level of job growth and advancement potential.
Before deciding to pursue a career as a dialysis technician, it is generally a good idea to review common tasks associated with the position to determine if this is an appropriate employment option given ones personality and long-term objectives. Technicians who work in the dialysis industry are unlicensed team members who are required to work under the supervision of a registered nurse and who are typically responsible for routine tasks that do not require professional knowledge, judgment, or skill. A few of the most common activities that are assigned to unlicensed personnel include things like the welcoming of patients, appointment scheduling, pre-procedure health metric documentation, post-procedure health metric documentation, equipment operation and maintenance, vascular access, treatment monitoring, patient education, communicating concerns to advanced providers, and much more.
When evaluating the appropriateness of a career in this industry, it is important to understand that the treatment process for end stage renal failure patients is one that requires three to five trips to the clinic each week. This demanding protocol can create tremendous amounts of stress for patients and might even lead to prolonged periods of depression. Because entry-level personnel spend more time with the patients than any other member of the team, they must possess several personality traits that are well-suited to managing complicated patients. In general, employers look for applicants who are enthusiastic, outgoing, friendly, personable, compassionate, energetic, caring, empathetic, and intelligent. Individuals who help manage chronic kidney disease must be willing to offer emotional support and encouragement to patients who are struggling to accept their condition. Those who lack these character qualities might find that this career path is a poor choice for them and often decide to pursue a different option.
As demand for treatment continues to expand and the number of facilities increases, the administrative opportunities available to experienced technicians will gradually rise. Individuals who have mastered the basics of comprehensive care and who have demonstrated an affinity for leading others may be asked to accept responsibility for a variety of managerial activities. Some of the most common tasks that may be included in the managerial dialysis technician job description include things like interviewing applicants, training new employees, supervising a small group of providers, reviewing performance evaluations, and implementing quality improvement initiatives. Although an administrative promotion is not always the best option for those who want to focus on clinical practice, it does represent an excellent opportunity for those who want to earn more and who have an interest in business operations.
Employment as a dialysis technician provides several unique options for helping improve quality of life for individuals who suffer from a devastating medical condition. Those who possess the necessary personality traits to become successful in this profession are strongly encouraged to consider acquiring the technical skills needed to provide care to patients. Few opportunities within the healthcare sector benefit from the same level of job growth and advancement potential.
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