certified hemodialysis technician & preceptor
Pros
Patients become family. You see them more than your own family and they are single handedly the one reason why I stick around. Always opportunity for Overtime hours Often you work 40 hours in 3 days Benefits Clinical outcomes bonuses. I have been awarded over $5,000.00 in 4 years They often buy you lunch. Who doesn't like catered lunch? Very in depth 3 month long training program implemented for new technicians.
Cons
Pay is terrible. Techs starting wage is laughable considering our role within the clinic and direct patient care. You have to work OT to make ends meet. They will hire anyone. The last tech I trained used to work at best buy. Another, a coffee shop. Short staffed. Clinics everywhere are short staffed which is why you have the ability to work as much Overtime as you want. Every clinic needs help and they will gladly pay you overtime and mileage. Most clinics opening duties begin at 345-400 am and your day can end anywhere between 4pm and 8pm. This is not an exaggeration. Facility administrators (if there is one) is often non clinical, so they cannot help with patient care if short handed. HIGH technician turnover rate often due to burn out and over working. No room for employee growth unless you want to be further away from the patients and sit on conference calls and answer emails behind a desk all day. And be salaried. Regional directors are also non clinical. I find that very peculiar.