Dialysis Technicians

Dialysis technicians most often work in a hospital or special dialysis centers. The work environment is usually a clean and comfortable patient-care setting. Some technicians are qualified to administer dialysis in patients' homes, and their jobs may require local travel. Patients who use dialysis at home need education, assistance, and monitoring. Also, technicians may have to take care of patients when trained family members cannot.

A dialysis technician works a 40-hour week. Patients who work full time or part time often arrange to take their dialysis treatments at times that least interfere with their normal activities, therefore some evening and weekend shifts may be required. Flex-time is common in some units, offering four- and even three-day workweeks. Technicians in hospitals may be on call nights or weekends to serve in emergencies.

The spread of hepatitis and risk of HIV infection have necessitated extra precautions in the field of hemodialysis, as in all fields whose procedures involve possible contact with human blood. All technicians must observe universal precautions, which include the wearing of a protective apron, foot covers, gloves, and a full face shield.

The work of a technician can also be physically strenuous, especially if the patient is very ill. However, the equipment is mobile and easily moved.

Because the field of renal dialysis is constantly evolving, technicians must keep themselves up to date with technological advances and incorporate new technology as it becomes available. One advantage of being a certified technician is that professional organizations provide journals and offer educational seminars to members.

Although the daily tasks of a dialysis technician can be monotonous, the patients and staff are a diverse group of people. Patients come from all walks of life, all ages, and all levels of society. There is also a great satisfaction in helping critically ill patients stay alive and active. Some patients are carried through a temporary crisis by dialysis treatments and return to normal after a period of time. Other patients may be best treated by kidney transplants. But while they wait for a suitable donated kidney, their lives depend on dialysis treatment.