Mandy Tilton, DNP, MBA, MSN, RN, CPPS, serves as Chief Nursing Officer at U.S. Renal Care, bringing more than two decades of dialysis and nursing leadership experience. Before joining U.S. Renal Care, she held the same role at BAYADA Home Health Care and previously spent 20 years with DaVita, where she advanced from Patient Care Technician to Chief Nursing Officer. Mandy is active in the kidney care community, serving on the Board of Directors for the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois. She holds multiple nursing and business degrees, teaches as adjunct faculty at Lewis University, and is certified in Lean Six Sigma and Patient Safety.
National Dialysis Technician Recognition Week
It's Happening NOW!
Empowering Dialysis Excellence: Technicians are the Power Behind Patient Progress
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Setting up a Patient Appreciation Center during National Recognition Week
I love the NANT printable appreciation certificates. It is an inexpensive personal way to show your technicians and technologists some much needed love during Nephrology Technician and technologists' week. I print out certificates for myself as the manager to write a personal note of gratitude and frame them for each employee. I also set up a station for our patients to show love to their NCT's as well. I set out printed certificates and colored markers and stickers and invite all patients to participate. At the end of Nephrology technician / technologist week the certificates are presented to the staff laminated. I have even introduced this idea to our Nephrologists rounding carts for out Nephrologists to show our technicians/technologists appreciation. A simple Thank you goes a very long way. As the backbone of the dialysis community Nephrology technicians and technologists deserve to be showered daily with Thank Yous for their selflessness and dedication to our kidney community.
Ryan White BAAS CCHT
Facility Administrator
President-Elect NANT 2024-2025
Empowering Dialysis Excellence – Technicians are the Power Behind Patient Progress
Your expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment make a profound difference in the lives of patients every single day. You are the steady hands and caring hearts behind the scenes, ensuring safety, comfort, and quality care.
This week is all about you — with certificates of appreciation, celebrations, and heartfelt recognition. It’s time to spotlight your contributions and celebrate the progress you help make possible.
Dialysis technicians, your work fuels hope and healing. Let’s make this week a powerful tribute to your excellence!
This week is more than a celebration—it’s a reminder that every role, every shift, and every act of care adds up to something extraordinary. Let’s fill October 13–18, 2025 with gratitude, laughter, teamwork, and pride. Choose at least one idea from each category above and make it happen in your clinic. The stronger we lift each other up, the stronger our patients’ journeys become.
You are the heart, hands, and heroes of dialysis care—and this week, the spotlight is all yours.
Want more ideas?
Download 2025 Ways To Celebrate at your facility provides suggestions of how this important week can be celebrated at work, with ideas for recognition, wellness, and gifts & treats
DTX43 Scholarship Application - Coming Soon!
Items ready for your use
The certificates below are designed to printed on 8.5” x 11” paper on a color printer for the best effect:
Certificate for patients – to download and complete to give to their own dialysis technician.
Certificate for supervisors – to download and complete to give to their dialysis technicians.
Certificate for nephrologists – to download and complete to give to their dialysis technicians.
Poster - for your dialysis unit break room bulletin board, or to put on the entrance of your unit during the week (17 x 11").
Brag Badge right click and save to add to your email signature
click here for instructions to add the badge to your email signature
News Articles
From ICU to Chronic Kidney Care:
How Dialysis Technicians Shaped My Path
Erica Lockley, Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Northwest Kidney Centers
After spending the first two years of my nursing career as an ICU nurse, I felt a desire for something different. While the care I provided felt meaningful, I often met families on the toughest days of their lives. The years of caring for "intubated and sedated patients" and constantly consoling grieving families was taking its toll. My career was consumed with caring for patients that were not expected to leave the hospital alive. I realized that I did not want to continually meet family members on the day they were saying goodbye to their loved one. I desired moments with patients who were alert and able to engage in conversations.
I explored several specialties and submitted several applications. Within 24 hours, I was contacted by a dialysis nurse recruiter, and within a week, I was interviewed and hired. The process was fast—but on my first day in the clinic, I quickly realized that dialysis care moved even faster.
Busy was an understatement. More than 60 patients arrived daily, each spending 5–6 hours in the clinic. I felt uneasy. It seemed impossible to monitor blood pressure readings across 21 machines, to know from a distance which patient suddenly needed Zofran, or to notice the exact moment a patient would experience leg cramps that required a saline bolus. It was overstimulating and overwhelming. I wondered: How could I ease this level of stress while learning a new patient population?
The answer soon became clear, the dialysis technicians. Knowledgeable, trusted by the patients and they made it look easy!
Five technicians worked each shift, moving across the treatment floor as if performing a choreographed dance. They greeted 136 patients each week with warmth and a smile. They weaved in and out of each pod, making quick stops at the tech station and frequent visits to the nurse station. They made sure I knew about every hypotensive episode, every wave of nausea, and every severe leg cramp. They were my eyes and ears, tirelessly working to keep our patients safe.
They taught me about each patient and demystified the intimidating water room. They noticed when I took too long to string a machine and stepped in with encouragement, giving me the space to focus on building my dialysis nursing skills. Above all, they provided me with something invaluable: ease. They saved me from walking away from this specialty and turning my back on members of my community who rely on dialysis to survive.
Dialysis technicians helped shape me into the nurse and leader I am today. As I reflect on my journey in dialysis care and now in my role as Associate Chief Nursing Officer at Northwest Kidney Centers, I am deeply grateful for the guidance, dedication, and support I have received. I could not have reached this point without the incredible mentorship and teamwork of Shawntay, Patrick, Morgan, Ken, Jasmine, Barak, and so many others I’ve had the privilege to work alongside over the past eight years.
Providing life-saving dialysis treatments every day would be impossible without dialysis technicians. They have had a profound impact not only on my career, but also on the health and well-being of our communities.
Dialysis technicians—we salute you. You are the heartbeat of every clinic.
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Erica Lockley, BSN, RN, serves as the Associate Chief Nursing Officer at Northwest Kidney Centers. With over a decade of experience in dialysis, including previous roles as Operations Director, Area Team Lead, and Nurse Manager, she brings deep clinical insight and a strong commitment to advancing health equity and patient-centered care. |
Celebrating Our Dialysis Technicians
By Tina Livaudais, Chief Nursing Officer, DaVita
As Chief Nursing Officer, and someone who began my career as a dialysis technician more than 30 years
ago, I have seen firsthand the incredible impact dialysis technicians make every day. They are the
foundation of safe, high-quality care—protecting patients’ health, ensuring every treatment runs
smoothly, and supporting the entire care team. Throughout my journey, I have been continually inspired
by the compassion, skill, and unwavering commitment shown by dialysis technicians. Watching them
build trusting relationships with patients and provide comfort during challenging times has been truly
moving. Their gentle touch and reassuring presence not only make a difference in clinical outcomes, but
also in the lives and spirits of those they care for. Their dedication goes beyond duty; it’s a calling that
brings hope and healing to every patient, every day.
From October 13–18, we celebrate National Dialysis Technician Recognition Week, a time to pause and
honor the professionals who keep our patients safe and our teams strong. This year’s theme,
“Empowering Dialysis Excellence—Technicians are the Power Behind Patient Progress”— underscores
the significant role technicians play in patient care. Progress may encompass improved health
outcomes, reduced hospital admissions, or enhanced confidence in daily living. These achievements are
made possible through the dedication and expertise of dialysis technicians.
Join me in making this recognition visible. Share specific gratitude, highlight technician leadership in
safety and quality, and support the growth that helps technicians thrive.
To every dialysis technician: thank you for your expertise, dedication, and heart. You truly are the power
behind patient progress.
Click here for a special message from Carrie Chamblin, DaVita's VP of Clinical Improvement.
Tina Livaudais is the Chief Nursing Officer for DaVita Kidney Care, where she focuses on clinical talent, patient experience, and safety. She has over 25 years of experience in nursing leadership, having started as a patient care technician in 1995 and advancing through roles including Facility Administrator, Regional Operations Director, and Vice President of Clinical Services. Tina is passionate about continuous education and often shares her expertise through lectures and presentations to nursing groups nationwide. In 2017, she received the Chairman’s Award for her inspirational leadership and strong advocacy for nurses and PCTs.
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Honoring our technicians during National Dialysis Technician Recognition Week
By: Michelle Carver, Chief Nursing Officer & SVP, Nursing & Clinical Services and Mark Gray, VP, Technical Services
As we celebrate Dialysis Technician Recognition Week, we want to say thank you to our dialysis technicians for the role you play in delivering safe, high-quality, and compassionate care.
Dialysis technicians are often the first people patients see when they arrive and the last ones they see before they leave. You’re the steady hand delivering treatments and the attentive eye that notices even the smallest changes. You’re the experts who keep our equipment safe, reliable and ready; making it possible for every treatment to happen with confidence. You’re the reassuring presence care teams and patients count on.
Whether at the chairside or behind the scenes, you make an extraordinary impact. You bring skill, compassion, and heart to every aspect of care. We notice that. And patients notice it too.
Your work is essential, your impact is lasting, and your presence makes a difference. We’re proud to celebrate you this week—and every week.
With gratitude,
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Michelle Carver |
Mark Gray |
Celebrating the Heart of Dialysis: Honoring the Technicians Who Bring Hope and Healing Every Day
Across the country, dialysis technicians are making an incredible difference in the lives of patients every single day. As someone who began my own career as a patient care technician 25 years ago, I understand firsthand the skill, compassion, and dedication this role requires. My introduction to this life-saving work came from my mother, a retired dialysis nurse, who inspired me to serve others in the same way she did—with heart, precision, and an unwavering commitment to patient care. From setting up life-sustaining treatments and maintaining a safe environment, to ensuring comfort during challenging moments, dialysis technicians are essential to providing care to patients.
To every patient care technician and biomedical technician working in dialysis—thank you. Your work is not only vital, it is life-saving! Your presence brings reassurance, your actions bring healing, and your commitment brings hope. This week, we celebrate you for the extraordinary care you make possible every day!
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U.S. Renal Care Honors Dialysis Technicians: Leadership Voices Their Support from the Top Down
During National Dialysis Technician Recognition Week, the leadership at U.S. Renal Care proudly celebrates the essential role of dialysis technicians. Click on each name below to view a short video they've prepared. Their words reflect deep appreciation and respect for the dedication, skill, and compassion technicians bring to patient care every day.
Mark Caputo, Chairman and CEO, underscores the foundational role technicians play:
“Technicians help care for patients, keep patients safe and healthy, and help keep our clinics open every day.”
Dr. Mary Dittrich, Chief Medical Officer of U.S. Renal Care and Satellite Healthcare, expresses heartfelt gratitude:
“Your role is vital and your impact immeasurable.”
Dr. Thao Pascual, Associate Chief Medical Officer for Home Therapies and Value-Based Care, highlights the precision and empathy technicians bring to their work:
“Behind every smooth treatment is the vigilance of technicians and attention to detail – you make complex things simple. You bring expertise and compassion to every treatment – we can’t do it without you.”
Dr. Gopa Green, Associate Chief Medical Officer, U.S. Renal Care and Satellite Healthcare, emphasizes the trust placed in technicians:
“Technicians are entrusted with the care and safety of the patients.”
Tom Allocco, SVP of Technical Services, reflects on his own journey and the noble calling of the profession:
“You have taken on the noble profession of taking care of CKD patients.”
Welcome to the first day of National Dialysis Technician Recognition Week!
Empowering Dialysis Excellence – Technicians are the Power Behind Patient Progress
Dialysis technicians are more than caregivers—they are the indispensable link that makes high-quality kidney care possible. As I shared in my recent Healio Nephrology article, “Nephrology technicians: Indispensable members of health care team,” technicians are the steady hands, compassionate hearts, and highly skilled professionals who help patients navigate one of the most challenging journeys of their lives.
Dialysis technicians, your expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment make a profound difference in the lives of patients every single day. Behind the scenes, dialysis technicians ensure safety, comfort, and quality care. Dialysis technicians prepare machines, monitor treatments, prevent complications, and, most importantly, bring humanity into every interaction.
This week, October 13–18, 2025, is all about celebrating and recognizing Dialysis technicians and BioMed —with certificates of appreciation, celebrations, and heartfelt recognition. It’s time to shine a spotlight on your contributions and honor the progress you help make possible.
Dialysis technicians, your work fuels hope and healing. Every patient you support gains more than treatment—they gain dignity, encouragement, and confidence. You are the power behind patient progress.
This week is more than just recognition—it’s a reminder that every role, every shift, and every act of care adds up to something extraordinary. Let’s fill this week with gratitude, laughter, teamwork, and pride. I want you to choose at least one idea during this week—team appreciation, patient engagement, and staff development—and make it happen in your clinic. When we lift each other up, we strengthen the journeys of our patients.
To every dialysis technician: you are the heart, the hands, and the heroes of dialysis care. This week, the spotlight belongs to you. May it remind you that your dedication, skill, and compassion are not just noticed—they are celebrated.
Let’s make this week a powerful tribute to empowering dialysis excellence and honoring the technicians who make progress possible for patients everywhere.
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Clarica J. Douglas-Ajayi, CHT, has been a dedicated dialysis technician since December 18, 2018. Her passion for patient care and professional excellence has guided her journey in the dialysis field. She currently serves as the 2024–2026 President of the National Association of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists (NANT) and also leads as President of the NANT Baltimore Chapter. Clarica is committed to advancing the profession and supporting dialysis technicians nationwide. Click here to visit the National Dialysis Technician Week website. |
