we are starting to establish a technician program in our hospital based dialysis unit.
i have heard of some clinics were the nurse-tech ratio was 1 or 2 RNs to 10 to 15 TECHS.
i have a few questions if someone would not mind educating me. THANKS
1- what is the average RN:TECH ratio
2- what is the tech atient ratio
3- does your unit treat the hospitalized patients(if you are a free standing unit)
4- what are the tech responsibilities(can they put on and take off catheters)
5- do you administer blood or IV antibiotics
again and info would help

Donna,

The company I work for is a private not-for-profit company. In addition to having 9 outpatient facilities, we are contracted to provide acute and inpatient services at 3 hospitals.

One of the hospitals specified in the contract that only licensed staff would be used while we are free to use technicians at the other 2.

Our technicians whether working in a hospital or one of our clinics do initiate/terminate dialysis on catheters as well as do the catheter care. They do not give IV medications (except heparin and NSS) or blood products. Who can do catheter care as well as other parts of the treatment varies from state to state and you need to consult with your board of nursing.

Our patient:staff ratio in the hospitals are the same whether the staff member is a nurse or a tech, it is based on the acuity of the patients.

In the chronic facilities, the tech : patient ratio is 1:3 and there is a nurse for every 12 patients. Again, I know some states do mandate ratios.

I hope this helps.
Chuck

[This message has been edited by Chuck W (edited 11-05-2003).]