Renal Career Fact Sheet - Dialysis Technician
Background:
In 1990 the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) appointed a Task Force to review public policy options and make recommendations concerning job descriptions for dialysis technicians. In 1992, the Task Force completed their work and as a result, produced a patient care technician role description outline that defined a person who performs safe, effective, and adequate hemodialysis treatments.
The elements of the job description and training outline are meant to supply basic skills and knowledge to people who provide dialysis treatment as part of a team.
Role Description:
Dialysis technicians function in multiple roles, which include dialyzer reuse, equipment maintenance and repair, water treatment monitoring, and direct patient care.
The Patient Care Technician (PCT) is the primary direct care giver for patients undergoing dialysis treatments. They work closely with, and under the direct supervision of, registered nurses as an important member of the patient care team. Through primarily on the job training, a PCT must learn and understand the scientific principles of dialysis, the process of the dialysis treatment, and how to respond to the physical and emotional needs of people undergoing dialysis treatments.
Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalency
Experience:
Courses in basic sciences; previous health care experience (such as Certified Nurse's Aide or medical technician/technologist)
Educational and Training Opportunities:
Training opportunities may include on-the-job training, employer-sponsored training programs, or vocational schools/community college programs.
Certification in nephrology technology is offered to those technicians/technologists meeting the necessary requirements to sit for the exam. For more information on organizations offering certification click on the following links:
- Board of Nephrology Examiners - Nursing - Technology (BONENT)
- National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO)
Work Setting:
Dialysis technicians are employed in dialysis facilities located in hospitals, out-patient facilities, or home dialysis programs.
Reporting Relationship:
In most dialysis facilities, the PCT is the staff person who is primarily responsible for performing the actual dialysis treatment, while the nurse is responsible for the overall care of the patient. The PCT works under direct supervision of the registered nurse, who is responsible for making decisions and providing guidance any time the treatment varies from normal parameters or the patient’s condition becomes unstable.
Duties/Tasks:
The list below is general, and may vary based on different state laws and facility policies.
- Assembles necessary supplies
- Prepares dialysate according to established procedures and the dialysis prescription
- Assembles and prepares the dialysis extracorporeal circuit according to protocol and dialysis prescription.
- Verifies absence of residual sterilants.
- Tests monitors and machine functions, including alarms, conductivity and temperature. Sets monitors and alarms according to unit and manufacturer protocols
- Obtains and documents pre-dialysis vital signs, weight, and temperature.
- Inspects the patients’ dialysis access. Administers local anesthesia, inserts needles, and initiates dialysis according to unit protocol and patient prescription,
- Documents treatment parameters and communicates patient condition and issues to Registered Nurse.
- Administers anticoagulant according to unit protocols and prescription.
- Measures and adjusts blood flow rates according to established protocols and prescription
- Calculates and adjusts fluid removal rates according to established protocols and prescription
- Monitors patients and equipment, responds to alarms, and readjusts treatment parameters as defined by established protocols and individual patient requirements.
- Changes fluid removal rate, and patient position, and administers replacement saline as directed by the registered nurse, physician order, or unit protocol
- Responds appropriately to dialysis - related emergencies such as hypotensive episodes, needle displacement or infiltration, clotting episodes, blood leaks, air emboli, etc. Initiates cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of a cardiac arrest.
- Discontinues dialysis and established hemostasis following unit protocol. Inspects, cleans, and dresses access according to unit protocol.
- Obtains and records post dialysis vital signs, temperature, and weight
- Discards dialysis supplies and sanitizes equipment according to manufacturer and unit protocol.
- Communicates emotional, medical, psychosocial, and nutritional concerns to the registered nurse
- Maintains professional conduct, good communication skills, and confidentiality in the care of patients. Participates in the multidisciplinary process
- Collaborates with the registered nurse in identifying and meeting patient education goals.
What is The National Kidney Foundation and how does it help?
More than 20 million Americans-one in nine adults-has chronic kidney disease, and most don't even know it. More than 20 million others are at increased risk. The National Kidney Foundation, a major voluntary health organization, seeks to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation. Through its 51 affiliates nationwide, the foundation conducts programs in research, professional education, patient and community services, public education and organ donation. The work of the National Kidney Foundation is funded by public donations.
