Archive for January, 2012
7 Steps on How to Become a Dialysis Technician
A dialysis technician is responsible for setting up and operating dialysis machines and monitoring kidney patients since dialysis machines help in removing toxins, waste products and extra fluids from the patient’s blood. You can become a certified Dialysis Technician by taking up a training program. Here are 7 easy steps on your way of becoming a Dialysis Technician!
Step 1: Learn about the job!
Know the job description!
Step 2: Know the career duties
A Dialysis Technician has to prepare solutions that are use to sterilize the patients’ blood before the dialysis treatment starts. She/he also has to record the blood pressure of the patient, his weight and vital signs both before and at the end of the treatment. Then, the patient’s condition has to be reported to a supervising nurse and physician, as the case may be.
Also, you will be prepared to respond quickly during emergencies involving dialysis treatments. The job also requires the technician to clean up, sterilize and also maintain the dialysis machinery.
Step 3: High School Diploma
A high school diploma or an equivalent of the diploma is a primary requirement for the training programs. In addition, you may also want to enroll in math, science and other health occupation classes to help you with your post secondary studies.
Step 4: Certificates and Licenses
In addition to the diploma, you will need a certificate as “Dialysis Technician” from any national organization. This can be any organization but ones like the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (Check out http://www.bonent.org), and the National Nephrology Certification Organization (Check out http://www.ptcny.com) are especially preferred among employers today. You can also get a national certificate as a qualification for the state licensure.
Step 5: Dialysis Technician training program
You will need to learn anatomy and physiology, CPR, assessment of a patient, and first aid. You will also need to know the correct method to set up and operate the various dialysis equipment. Along with that you will need to prepare dialysis prescriptions, and perform venipuncture and care for patients before, during and after treatment. You will also go through tens of hours in clinical training which will be supervised in the training programs.
Step 6: Education hours
To renew your Dialysis Technician certificates and licenses, you will need to complete a specified number of education hours as a prerequisite. Also the training can be a stepping stone for those who are looking to expand their career towards a registered (or even a licensed vocational) nurse.
Step 7: Work
Be ready to churn out any amounts of work hours that your employer may ask. Since jobs are hard to find now a days, you must be totally prepared to put in all the hard work that is required of you. Being a Dialysis Technician is not easy, but then again, what is? So, a final word to budding technicians out there: good luck!
Antibiotics For an Acne Dermatology Treatment
Teenagers and young adults often suffer from acne. It is characterized by whiteheads, clogged pores, pimples, blackheads, nodules, and cysts. Acne can permanently damage both the self-esteem and the skin. Almost all 12 -17 year olds will have at least one acne outbreak or pimple. In some cases, teenagers may suffer minor acne but develop into moderate to severe acne in their 30s and 40s. Stress, hormonal changes, heredity, and improper diet are factors that cause the onset of acne. Chronic acne sufferers are able to prevent acne with over-the-counter treatments, daily cleansing regime, and healthy diets that include drinking plenty of water. For severe acne cases, dermatology treatment may be necessary to control acne breakouts.
When to See a Dermatologist
There are wide varieties of skincare products available for purchase on the Internet, at drugstores, and through television shopping networks. Products, such as Proactiv, Murad, Clearasil, and Neutrogena are some of the popular brands. Acne causes are different from person to person. Therefore, finding one remedy that suits involves trying out different products. Teenagers or young adults entering the workforce may face ridicules in school or at work, and thus damage their self-esteem. Therefore, putting your “best face forward” is essential and time-sensitive. When does one need to see a dermatologist? If acne condition does not clear after several months of using over-the-counter products, it is time to see a dermatologist.
Several steps are involved in acne dermatology treatment. During the first appointment, the dermatologist performs a physical assessment with a health history taken. The dermatologist may require additional blood tests to rule out medical acne causes. Based on the acne seriousness and frequency, a cleansing regime is advised and specific creams, topical soaps, or lotions may be prescribed. Moderate to severe cases may benefit from oral prescription acne dermatology treatment. The dermatologist may start the acne sufferer on antibiotics. If antibiotics are ineffective after three to six months of consumption, stronger antibiotics is prescribed.
Strong antibiotics is known to cause depression, suicidal thoughts and birth defects. Dermatologists do not recommend this drug to people suffering from depression and women of child-bearing age. However, it is known as the acne cure. Four to six months of this medication clears up acne effectively for 60% of acne sufferers. In some cases, a second six-month treatment is necessary to prevent residual breakouts. No wonder strong antibiotics is a greatly desired and yet despised acne dermatology treatment.