A large percentage of dialysis technicians [1]in California have been unable to pass the state's certification exam after testing was revamped as part of a new federal mandate, according to a story by California Watch.
Within the state, the new rules have cut down the number of technicians working in an industry that is already stretched [2]in terms of staffing. Here's our former colleague, Christina Jewett:
The California Dialysis Council, which has administered its test to about 1,200 people so far, is seeing a pass rate of about 56 percent, according to the group's executive director.
Statewide, the workforce of dialysis technicians has fallen from a steady 5,200 to about 3,800, according to a Department of Public Health spokesman. That's a 27 percent drop in the number of certified technicians.
As we've reported, dialysis clinics rely heavily on unlicensed technicians, who can start work with a high-school diploma and in-house training. In 2008, Medicare rules changed to require technicians then at work in clinics to pass national or state certification tests within 18 months. Last April, the deadline passed to comply with those requirements.
REST AT http://www.propublica.org/blog/item/many-california-dialysis-technicians-fail-federally-mandated-competency-tes
I would suggest that President Obama take a look at the most recent 2010 surveys conducted in California. These surveys have a voice of their own and, in my opinion, support out group's thinking that there are more, than we would like to believe, facilities that are not implementing correct practices. If staff are trained and aware of correct practices, however, do not implement such, is this an intentional act on their part to place a patient in a situation of potential or actual harm? Surveys can be seen on www.qualitysafepatientcare.com
ReplyDeleteRoberta Mikles, RN
Director, Advocates 4 Quality Safe Patient Care
I was looking for Dialysis Technician Schools and I landed in this post. Had fun reading, I'll be visiting for more for sure
ReplyDeleteAs a dialysis technician, you can expect to work an average work-week of at least 40 hours depending on the needs of whatever hospital or doctor’s office you may be employed at. As with any job, schedules are known to fluctuate. Schools for dialysis Technician
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