Problem with techs

[LarryG]

The techs at my clinic seem to be afraid of me. They are always sticking me wrong and that can't seem to differ from vertical from horizontal. When I complain they seem to think it is my fault. It is my body I know what and how they need to adminster the needles. Don't understand their holier than thou attitude.

LarryG

[okarol]

I'm sorry Larry, sounds painful.
Have you considered self-cannulation?

[tyefly]

Larry it is your body.....  you know best....  and you should take control.....  tackfully of course....  So many people go in stick their arms out and then complain....  I was in center and did exactly that the first month...  I didnt know anybetter.......  but I learn fast  ( for the most part LOL)  .... Dont let them do anything they want to you .... stick up for your self.....  maybe consider home Dialysis.....   and self cannulation.... even if you are in center.... lots of people do it....   and you can too......

[RightSide]

Try demanding to speak directly to the head nurse of your dialysis center about this issue.

[rsudock]

ask your doc for the unit to start button holes. makes cannulation so much easier....
xo
R

[LarryG]

I have been trying to be more communicative with my techs. I think they need to be more professional in dealing with me and other patients. Most of the patience don't seem to speak up when there is a problem and need to be more assertive. I have spoken to the head nurse and at times I have been the designated patient leader in the group that has had to put together a petition at one point to complain about issues in the clinic. I think every clinic should have a patient representative because our social worker is pretty useless in that area. Non the less because I seem to be the only "educated" one in the clinic I had to get Wi-Fi and other TV stations implemented because after all these years that this clinic was running no one had brought a computer which surprises me. Anyway my approach with the techs and asking them why they are afraid and their answer is they are afraid to hurt me. Well if you are a professional is it not your duty to find a way to stick me without hurting me? I tell them shallow, not deep and you know there are times when what ever you do it just is going to hurt.

[GraphicBass]

I just started dialysis last month and treat the center team just like I would any other member of "my" medical team: friendly, but professional. After all, I am the one paying for their services (through my insurance premiums) and I choose to come to their center, thereby providing income. But like anyone, they appreciate being treated in a cordial, respectful manner.

My very first day, I introduced myself to the charge nurse and half the technicians, as well as the unit secretary. Over the next two sessions, i tracked down the medical director, the dietician, and the social worker. Each of them stops by to see me at least weekly, if not more often. I always have something to chat or ask them about, and make it clear that I am informed about my condition and the treatment they are offering.

This way, they know a face to go with a chart, and I know what each of them "do" at the center, just by engaging in conversations. I say "good morning" each session and chat while they're hooking me up, watching the process they go through.

So far, they've been extremely respectful and considerate when make a request (such as a chair with good light near a wall outlet, so I can use my laptop; or schedule changes). I have not yet run into someone who is careless or unresponsive, but if I did, center management would hear about it, and changes would be expected to be made.

Of course, it doesn't hurt to be appreciative in other ways. I brought some little gifts back from vacation for those who most closely work with me. A little bribery - er - appreciation goes a long way!

Personnel changes, of course, and I'll report back if I start to run into difficulties.

My $.02.

gary

[LarryG]

I agree with everything you say. I feel some in centers think they are in control only and don't have anyone to answer to. They need to be reminded that it is your body and you know what is best for you. In business I had learned that the customer is always right. The mission of the center is make the patient comfortable within reason.

[Riki]

At my unit, the nurses don't touch me until I'm ready, and I tell them where the best spots are to stick me, and I"m usually right.  When I was in NYC, I did the same with the techs there. They were quite friendly with me (though, I think they may have been told to be friendly with me, cuz I was paying cash. *L*) and I was able to tell them where to stick me as well, and they had no problems.