Dialysis Nurse
Dialysis Labs Need Nephrology Nurses Seeking Close Patient Relationships
Rewarding Work with Long-Term Patients
Dialysis nurses enjoy much longer and fruitful relationships with their patients. For this reason, many professionals report a much higher level of job satisfaction than other nursing specializations. It is common for nurses and clients to have regular interaction when the patient comes in for renal dialysis. This makes it easy for close connections to be formed over time.
Role of a Nephrology Nurse
The job responsibilities of the nephrology nurse vary, although the focus is on assisting patients with kidney conditions. Dialysis is at the core of nephrology, however not all patients are at the state where dialysis is necessary. Psychological support is also an important responsibility for the dialysis nurse, as patients have an incurable condition.
Patient condition is monitored regularly by the nephrology nurse, to assure maintenance of patient health. Everything from diet to sugar intake to exercise regime must be watched closely. Furthermore, other nephrology specialists and specializing physicians often work in collaboration with the nurse to give the patient the best treatment possible.
Dialysis Nursing: Common Challenges
There is a growing staffing shortage within the dialysis specialization. This has lead to overworked nurses in many institutions, with no sign of easing. Patient loads are also increasing, with no correlating increase in nursing staff. Aspiring nephrology nurses should be aware of this labor deficit, as it often translates to more work for the dialysis nurses on staff. However, this can also lead to higher salaries more job security.
Degrees & Training Requirements
Every medical institution has their own education and experience requirements. Registered nurses are preferred, although on occasion Licensed Professional Nurses can find opening in understaffed unites.
Advanced practice degrees that specialize in Nephrology or Dialysis open the doors to opportunities at the management level. Research and administration become the primary focus at this level, as opposed to the “in the trenches” responsibilities of those with lesser qualifications.
Certification
Three certifications are offered by The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) for the Nephrology Nurse. The options are as follows:
- Certified Dialysis Nurse Certification – Prereq: Registered Nurse license; 2000 hours clinical nephrology experience.
- Certified Nephrology Nurse Certification – Prereq: Registered Nurse license; Bachelors in Nursing degree; 2 years clinical nephrology experience.
- Certified Nephrology Nurse-Nurse Practitioner certification – Prereq: Registered Nurse license; Masters degree in Nursing; 2000 hours clinical nephrology experience.
