Working as a Patient Care Technician? In a Dialysis Clinic?

Question

I just wanted to find out a little more about what the job entails..anyone who has past experience or current experience is greatly appreciated. Also does it look good when applying to medical school? Only serious answers please! Thanks in advance for future advice!!

Answer 1

YESSSSSS.......... it will look GREAT on your resume when applying to medical school.

To name a few things, and under the direction or the charge nurse and doctor, as a hemodialysis patient care tech, you will participate in team nursing and promote team concept throughout all clinic activities; assist other staff in the performance of their duties in accordance with policies and as allowed by state regulations; perform duties and responsibilities of other positions in the clinic.

Set up, operates, clean and disinfect dialysis and related equipment in accordance with policy and procedures.

Prepare, administer, and record medications in accordance with state and federal guidelines.

Initiate and terminate dialysis treatments with AVF (Arteriovenous Fistula), AVG (Arteriovenous Graft), catheters.

Monitor equipment and patient status during dialysis treatments. Documents treatment information in accordance with policy and procedures.

Report any significant changes in patient condition to the nurse.

Monitor water quality. Collect water and dialysate samples and follow procedures related to ensuring water quality per policy.

Disinfect water system. Conduct air quality testing and maintain accurate records and documentation.

Operate the flow measurement device for vascular access monitoring.

Prepare bicarbonate mixture using aseptic techniques, if applicable.

Prepare lab specimens.

Of course, you must obtain a certification as a Dialysis Patient Care Technician granted by either a State certification program or a national commercially available certification program (usually within 18 months upon hire). Some company's will work with you on this.