Complete Story
07/10/2025
"What If We Let Technicians Lead? (Spoiler Alert: I’m Trying It)" with Dane Dunker
What If We Let Technicians Lead? (Spoiler Alert: I’m Trying It)
Let me be honest: when I stepped foot in my first dialysis clinic, I wasn’t thinking about leadership or advocacy or starting a professional movement. I was mostly thinking, “What have I gotten myself into and why are there so many alarms?” Like many new technicians, I came in wide-eyed, a little nervous, and just trying to make it to my break without breaking anything important. (I may or may not still break at least one thing a month.)
But overtime, something happened. Between the early mornings, tangled lines, and patients who slowly became like family, I realized I loved this job. I also realized something less heartwarming: dialysis technicians do a lot - and get credit for almost none of it.
We cannulate fistulas, calm anxious patients and their families, troubleshoot machines that are probably possessed by the Devil himself, and still manage to keep things moving. We’re the f irst in the clinic, the last to sit down, and often the last ones people think to ask for input.
And that’s when I had my Oprah “Aha!” Moment.
What if we stopped waiting to be heard and just started talking louder? What if we had a place to support each other, learn from each other, and to finally remind the industry that we technicians aren’t just an ancillary part of the team… we ARE the team?
Enter my next bright idea: starting a local NANT chapter for Southeast Idaho.
Yes, I’m starting one. No, I don’t entirely know what I’m doing - but that hasn’t stopped me before. What I do know is that techs deserve more. More community. More recognition. More opportunities to grow without having to abandon the clinic floor or become a nurse (no offense to all the nurses - you’re amazing but not all of us want that path). I also know that I have an amazing organization like the NANT to fall back on for support in my journey.
And you know what gave me the push to finally do it? Winning the NANT Scholarship that allowed me to attend DTX42 in Las Vegas.
At DTX42, I was able to meet and network with others who actually understood what we go through - the alarms, the clotted accesses, the patients who bring you homemade tamales served with a side of their entire family trauma. I left that conference with more than just pamphlets, phone numbers, and a sweet new backpack. I left with a mission.
What if we let techs lead?
What if we were in the rooms where decisions where made and ideas were collaborated on? What if the people doing the work were also the ones helping to shape the future of the industry? That’s what I want this chapter to be about. Not just networking and free snacks (although snacks will still be provided, don’t worry), but a real, supportive space where techs can learn from each other and have the freedom to say, “Hey, this could be better,” and could all work together to find the best solution.
Now it’s time for your “Aha!” Moment: You can do this too.
You don’t need to have all the answers, a fancy title, or a five year plan (Lord knows I don’t). You just need a reason you believe in and a little backup. I found mine. The NANT can connect you with current chapter leaders who can help guide you through the process and keep you from reinventing the wheel - or at least help you push it in the right direction. Starting a chapter isn’t about doing more work. It’s about doing better work together. So if you’ve ever thought to yourself, “Someone should start making some changes around here,” congratulations, you’re that someone. If I can do it over here in Idaho (i.e. the middle of nowhere) I wholeheartedly believe you can do it too.
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Dane Dunker |
