I am working today disinfecting the water treatment system and resetting clocks, probably like hundreds of other techs in the U.S. Today also marks 33 years to the day that I started in dialysis, March 11, 1974.

Since many clinics first opened in the late 60's, the first generation of nurses and technicians would be retiring about now if they spent their entire career in dialysis.

Do you know anyone who started in dialysis, worked their whole life in the field, retired and lived to tell about it?

A former RTM in our area started out as a PCT I believe, then moved to Equip Tech, Chief Tech, Area Chief Tech, RTM, and eventually retired a few years back. However I don't know if dialysis was his first job.

I've held some jobs in construction related fields, but I went right from High School to get my Biomed Degree and started in dialysis out of school. So far, it looks like I'm going to be here a while!

Started in '87 as adialysis aide then a PCT then machine tech then assitant chief tech then chief tech now back to equipment tech.I think I will be here for a while too! Be safe

Dialysis has been very good to me. It started for me in 1980. I was an equipment tech. Great job, I loved it. So I dated a dialysis nurse. Wicked she was - why she could stick a fistula like nobody's business. Great gal, I loved her, so I married her! Well, we've been talking 'kidney' ever since. I like to call myself a 'systems analyst'now. I analyze dialysis systems - they buy stuff - I love it! I'll be here for awhile...

I started in 1981 - was working as an Operating Engineer and a friend of mine was the Adminstrator for BMA. They were looking for a Chief Technician - long story short in spite of discretion and good taste not to mention a whole lot of reservation on my part they offered me the job. So I quit my day job - at a hotel but kept my part-time night job at the Louisiana Superdome (just in case things didn't work out) and became a Chief Tech. One week later I quit my night job and have been "doing dialysis" ever since.

I worked at Bonanza in high school. I got fired but I still hold the record for the most steak knvives that stuck in the wall on one throw. I did 9. Then I worked at the country club here, I got fired there too. They said I couldn't finish peoples drinks if they left them on the table when they left. After that, I wore lots a shoes. I never was a shrimpin boat caption though.

shrimp stew, shrimp sandwich, shrimp gumbo, fried shrimp, broiled shrimp

I started out with about 1 year working on a private ambulance where I had to take a patient out of a dialysis clinic and thought it looked like fun so I applied. That was in 1980 and I'm still with the same company. I have seen a LOT of advances in technology over the years and as expected it really was fun, especially in the early years when we had to figure out for ourselves ways to do things. Advances in the technology has slowed but the ride aint over yet!

Chuck

I started in 1982 with Dennis but switched to the water side only and have enjoyed it.
Dennis call me

This past September marked my 33rd year in the business. As to whether I will live to tell tales remains to be seen, the day's not over yet!

Mark,

I salute another old timer.

Mark Halloran is my hero...I can say that cause I work with the old man...HAHA. This past June I celebrated 27 years in my one and only job....diaysis. Boy do I miss the old RSP's, blood dripping from the ceiling tiles, bently buttons etc etc

I'm not an old timer, but I've been in dialysis "only" 12 years. I started as a Reuse tech in 1995 at the tender age of 19, then got "promoted" to Biomed in 2001. Hooray!!! Just 36 more years until retirement!!!

Love every minute of it, by the way.

Richard,

Your check is in the mail!

Started out with BMA many , many years, ago...
love it and never regreted a minute of my job , even through the tough times,it has always been a very satisfing job...