I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Introduction => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: Maurice2 on July 09, 2015, 09:13:03 AM

Title: My name is Maurice
Post by: Maurice2 on July 09, 2015, 09:13:03 AM
My name is Maurice and I have been a dialysis technician since 1991. It has been my pleasure to take care of some of the most wonderful people you could ever meet. I started working in dialysis  when I was living in LA, the first clinical experience was in a center in East LA. I can remember at the time the company that hire me (USHAWL Dialysis) didn't give me a lot of information about what I would be doing at me new job. At the time I can remember thinking that was quit odd, but I was assured that the position was legitimate. And every since that first day it has been my life's privilege  to be of service to those in need of this life extending process. I look forward to reading your post and trust that this will make me a better technician.

Please feel free to drop me a line and say hello!



Title: Re: My name is Maurice
Post by: Michael Murphy on July 09, 2015, 09:20:57 AM
Welcome it is always good to hear from people on the other side of the needle.  The nice thing about this site is the wide range of experience of the people who post here.
Title: Re: My name is Maurice
Post by: MooseMom on July 09, 2015, 09:47:04 AM
Welcome!!!  I'm sure you will learn a lot here on IHD about how many ways you can make a dialysis patient happier and more comfortable.  Please post often!

Based on your experience, if YOU were a dialysis patient, what changes in clinic practices would you like to see?  What would YOU do differently?
Title: Re: My name is Maurice
Post by: cassandra on July 09, 2015, 02:51:25 PM
Welcome to the site Maurice2

     :welcomesign;


And good questions Moosemum


Take care, Cas
Title: Re: My name is Maurice
Post by: PrimeTimer on July 09, 2015, 05:25:02 PM
 :welcomesign;  Welcome, Maurice2! Being a dialysis technician since 1991 says a lot about you -the patients you are helping no doubt are reaping the benefits of your caring attitude and experience.
Title: Re: My name is Maurice
Post by: Zach on July 09, 2015, 07:05:19 PM
Hello Maurice,

It's great to have you here and joining our community!

 :beer1;
Title: Re: My name is Maurice
Post by: Maurice2 on July 09, 2015, 08:07:44 PM
Thank you all for the welcome!!!
Title: Re: My name is Maurice
Post by: Maurice2 on July 09, 2015, 08:23:17 PM
MooseMom

Great question where do I start! I would have to start with education. As long as I have been a dialysis technician you would think by now that patients would be knowledgeable about the process. Yet most of the patients that start dialysis at my center know nothing about their condition or what happens during a dialysis treatment. This simple idea can change the culture of the whole clinic. This would help patients become engaged in their treatment process, even empower them to ask questions of the nephrologist. I could go on for days and from time to time I will certainly share my thoughts with you on what qualities a good center possess.

Thank you for the questions MooseMom!
Title: Re: My name is Maurice
Post by: Vt Big Rig on July 10, 2015, 04:43:17 AM
MooseMom

 As long as I have been a dialysis technician you would think by now that patients would be knowledgeable about the process. Yet most of the patients that start dialysis at my center know nothing about their condition or what happens during a dialysis treatment.


 :thumbup; :thumbup; I completely agree. My wife is in the business ( the dreaded dietitian) so I knew some of what was coming but it took all I had in me to walk into the clinic that first day for training. Luckily I hit the jackpot with my training nurse and she managed to calm me done and educate me.

Welcome to the site . I also think you perspective as a tech will be invaluable.
Title: Re: My name is Maurice
Post by: iolaire on July 10, 2015, 06:26:55 AM
I would have to start with education. As long as I have been a dialysis technician you would think by now that patients would be knowledgeable about the process.

Good advice, I was lucky enough to be under the care of a nephrologist for my last seven years pre-dialysis and I found the transition not that big of a deal.  It helps that the nephrologist had me get the fistula installed, added me to the transplant list (I got a call a week before Dialysis started!), and had me go to the dialysis options class.  Although I delayed each step a while, I ended up knowledgeable and prepared, plus I think I started Dialysis before much damage was done to my body so I started dialysis healthy which is a huge positive.  In the dialysis options class it was an eye opener because there I felt like I was the most knowledgeable patient there, already with a fistula and knowing some of the treatment options all because of my nephrologist's advice over the years. 
Title: Re: My name is Maurice
Post by: SooMK on July 10, 2015, 07:11:37 AM
Welcome Maurice! Never underestimate the difference you can make on someone's life. So great that you are here.