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Hemodialysis Technician |
Career OverviewHemodialysis (also haemodialysis) is a process for removing such waste products as urea and potassium, as well as free water, from the blood when the kidneys are not capable of doing it (a condition known as renal failure). A hemodialysis technician sets up and operates a hemodialysis machine. This machine cleans the blood and returns it to the patient’s body.
Dialysis patient-care technicians prepare the patient for dialysis, monitor the procedure, and are trained to respond to any emergency that might occur during the treatment. Prior to dialysis the patient-care technician measures the patient’s vital signs: weight, blood pressure, pulse and temperature. The technician takes blood samples and whatever other specimens that might be required. The technician then inserts tubes into a vein or a catheter. These tubes will carry the blood between the patient and the dialysis machine, which acts as an artificial kidney. While the treatment is in progress, the technician must be precise and alert. He or she must measure and adjust the blood flow rate, and check and recheck the patient’s vital signs. The technician must respond to any alarms that occur, and if necessary administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or other life-saving techniques.
Biomedical equipment technicians are responsible for the maintenance and repair of dialysis machines. Dialyzer reuse technicians take care of the dialyzers, the apparatus that actually filters the blood. After use these must be cleaned and bleached, then sterilized with formaldehyde. A dialyzer can be used for only one patient, so records must be accurate. Most hemodialysis treatments are done in hospitals, but the use of dialysis in patients’ homes is becoming more common.
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Career RequirementsHigh school students interested in becoming hemodialysis technicians should take courses in chemistry, biology, health and mathematics. Because communications are important in this profession students should also take English courses. Computer classes are also recommended, as well as a course in psychology.
Many current hemodialysis technicians entered the field from other patient-care settings and had on-the-job training. At present only a few technical schools and junior colleges offer two-year dialysis training programs, but there is a movement toward the provision of more formal training in the dialysis field. Training programs include study on such topics as patient care, supervised clinical practice, anatomy and principles of dialysis.
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Job OutlookThere will be a need for dialysis technicians as long as people suffer kidney failure. The principle cause of kidney failure is diabetes. In 2001 approximately 16 million Americans had diabetes. The National Kidney Foundation predicts that number will increase to 22 million by 2025.
Those who suffer kidney failure will need either kidney transplants or dialysis treatments in order to survive. Since one dialysis technician can look after only a few patients, the need for technicians will increase. Many regions already have a shortage of trained dialysis technicians.
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Career TrackSkilled and experienced dialysis technicians advance to positions of greater responsibility within their medical units and can work more independently. They can also advance to supervisory positions. Dialysis technologists generally have more training and greater responsibilities than dialysis technicians.
A technician looking for advancement may be required to take more formal training. Some dialysis technicians also become involved in social, psychological and counseling services because of satisfaction derived from working with patients and their families.
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CompensationA hemodialysis technician’s income depends on job performance, responsibilities, geographic location and the employer. Technicians earn $10 to $18 an hour, or $20,800 to $37,000 a year. In 2000 the average salary for employees in private dialysis centres was $33,300. Employees in government dialysis centres earned an average of $28,500. Technicians who rise to management positions can earn from $35,000 to $40,000.
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