Professional Organizations for Dialysis Technicians
Professional organizations exist for most jobs in the medical field. In fact, professional organizations exist for most career fields. As a dialysis technician, this is no different and there are several organizations that are geared towards dialysis technology. Before discussing the various organizations, let’s first answer the question of why you should join professional organizations in the first place.
There are several good reasons to join a professional organization. Here are the main reasons to do so:
- You can meet other like-minded people
- You can get access to speakers and other experts in your specific field.
- Adding membership to a professional organization to your resume is always a good thing.
- You can get discounts on publications and other information that will help you stay current in your field.
- It is a good place to gather professional references.
- It is a good way to connect with other people when you are looking for work.
- Most professional organizations will offer free training in the form of actual workshops or webinars.
- It’s a great way to showcase your talents and background to potential employers doing random candidate searches.
Now that you know the benefits of being part of a professional organization, we can now see the organizations that you, as a dialysis technician, can participate in!
American Society for Artificial Internal Organs (also known as ASAIO):
This organization brings together people from many fields to discuss various topics in their fields. It includes not only dialysis technicians but scientists, doctors in all fields, engineers, etc. dedicated to keeping the study of artificial organs evolving. There are currently around 800 members and they come from 30 different countries. The benefits of belonging to this organization include a free online peer-reviewed journal, invitations to its annual conference, and open access to all information on the ASAIO website that is intended for registered members only.
National Kidney Foundation:
The mission of the NKF is to dedicate itself to the prevention of kidney disease and how to help patients and their families manage the health problems in their lives. They are also advocates for kidney donation. They have a special membership for nurses and technicians in the medical field. When you become a member, you get access to new and up-to-date data, tools, and much more. You will be provided with the latest information from the Council of Nephrology Nurses and Technicians, plus access to four professional medical journals. You can also nominate and be nominated for awards and grants for professional research.
National clearinghouse for kidney and urologic information:
NKUDIC’s mission is to provide information on diseases of the kidneys, as well as the urological system as a whole, to help those who suffer from these diseases and those who care for those who suffer from them. This organization distributes publications to patients and their families and provides them with education and support. The benefits of being a member of this organization include workshops, publications, and continuing education in your field.
National Association of Technicians / Technologists in Nephrology:
NANT is an organization for the advancement of education. It gives its members the opportunity to learn as much as possible about their field, including new developments. Membership benefits include four newsletters each year, discounts on select publications for each practice area, discounted rates for attending conferences and webinars, a subscription to major nephrology journals, membership card, and more.
TO WRITE:
This is a nonprofit organization that acts independently with its research to improve the quality, safety and cost effectiveness of the care that all patients need. Its evidence is unbiased and educates people in the medical field about drugs, medical devices, and procedures. ECRI is made up of more than 5,000 organizations of medical professionals from a variety of different fields.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases:
The NIDDK supports and conducts basic and clinical research on diseases that affect a large part of society. In addition to their research, they organize conferences and share information about trials with other colleagues. Being part of this organization allows you to access possible grants, research funding and get closer to other professionals who are doing the same type of work as you.
International Society of Technicians and Technologists in Nephrology:
The ISNTT is a professional association that includes educators, biomedical technologists, providers, patient care technicians, and more to raise standards of treatment and education for those treating those with kidney failure. However, these things are accomplished as a series of established initiatives. Membership benefits include discounted rates on continuing education programs, study guides, professional news briefs, networking skills, and more.
American Association of Nephrology Nurses:
ANNA is one of the leading organizations bringing nursing and nephrology together for a common cause. Its mission is to promote appreciation and excellence in the field of nephrology nursing in order to make a real difference for those with kidney disease. It was founded in 1969 and now has more than 10,000 members. Membership benefits include a subscription to the Nephrology Nursing Journal, professional development educational programs, access to grants, awards and scholarships, networking opportunities, and much more.
These are just a few professional organizations that are open to dialysis technicians. For a complete list, you can visit http://www.renalweb.com/topics/technical/technical.htm#webresources where you will find a wealth of other information that is geared toward dialysis technicians and others in the medical field. Consider joining at least one of these professional organizations as it can only help you in your future and career.