Abstract: FR-PO541
Work Experiences and Turnover Intention Among US Dialysis Technicians: A National Association of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists (NANT) Survey
Session Information
- Home Dialysis, Policy, Novel Approaches
November 04, 2022 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Orange County Convention Center‚ West Building
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 701 Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis
Authors
- Plantinga, Laura, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Rickenbach, Fran W., National Association of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists, Dayton, Ohio, United States
- Urbanski, Megan Anne, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Morgan, Jennifer Craft, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Douglas- Ajayi, Clarica, National Association of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists, Dayton, Ohio, United States
- Hoge, Courtney E., Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Bender, Alexis A., Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Jaar, Bernard G., Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Background
Turnover among dialysis staff is high, leading to understaffing, increased training costs, and decreased quality of care, but little is known about dialysis technicians specifically. We examined dialysis technicians’ work experiences and turnover intention.
Methods
We administered a one-time, anonymous, online survey to NANT members, who were recruited via postcards distributed at professional conferences, newsletter and social media announcements, and direct emails. Surveys included items related to participant and work characteristics and turnover intention.
Results
A total of 222 actively working dialysis technicians completed the survey (3/22/22-5/5/22). Representing 39 U.S. states/territories, respondents were primarily middle-aged (42.6% aged 35-49), female (83.9%), white (67.8%), and non-Hispanic (85.3%). Most (80.4%) had at least some college. The majority (75.0%) worked in a freestanding outpatient hemodialysis facility. Half (50.0%) treated >9 patients per day, and 72.8% worked ≥40 hours per week; 23.7% worked at multiple facilities. While most respondents reported being certified (most commonly, Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (73.7%) or Certified Hemodialysis Technician (22.4%)], fewer than half (45.5%) reported receiving formal (i.e., not including on-the-job) training. Free responses reinforced perceived excessive work burden and lack of training. Only 52.6% reported that they plan to be working as a dialysis technician in 3 years (Figure).
Conclusion
Our results suggest that NANT members experience heavy workloads and have limited access to high-quality training. Even among this relatively engaged group of technicians, turnover intention is high, and with nearly half intending to soon seek new careers. Because of the critical, frontline role of dialysis technicians in hemodialysis care, strategies to improve training and working conditions and reduce turnover are imperative.