Is there a set standard as to what functions certain caretakers have in the dialysis facility? As a PCT at the clinic I currently work at, I not only do tx initiation (cannulation, button holes AND catheters [easy to do, but isn't this the duty of the RN?]), but also transfer/transient pre-tx interviews, acid and bicarb mix, lab packaging, access flow study, potassium monitoring and back-up reuse, not to mention other duties not readily recollected right now.

What do the RNs do? I understand giving the meds and taking doctor's orders, but this isn't what entails the entire 14-17 hour work day, does it? I'm just saying that if getting paid 4 - 5 times as much as I'm currently making meant sitting behind a computer all day without ONCE touching a patient or machine save for asking "how are you? fine? good" as my lone patient assessment, then I'm in the wrong field of dialysis.

Just need some clarification on how exactly my pay befits my workload...

thanks

p.s. all that I do is somehow supposed to fit within a 40-hour work week. God forbid I get paid that extra 8 bucks...