Nephrology Nursing Notes

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Nephrology Nursing Notes 

NephrOnline.com

11/29/07

During the 13 years spent in the dialysis industry as an acute and chronic unit charge nurse, I have observed that patient education is the key to successful treatment.

By Grace Santos, BSN, RN, CNN, Nephrology Nurse Specialist, Spectra Laboratories, Member of American Nephrology Nurses Association


Although I now educate dialysis clinicians and staff as a Nephrology Nurse Specialist at Spectra Laboratories, I observe that nurses are still faced with many of the same challenges associated with treating dialysis patients.

While the process of dialysis treatment is pretty much the same for each patient, the way in which you manage each patient varies. For example, when treating children with kidney disease the parents are naturally quite concerned and oftentimes more anxious than the child. These cases can be quite complex. While our primary focus is treating the young patient, we must also build a relationship with the family. As a nurse you figure out a way to deal with every situation case-by-case.

That said, dialysis is a major lifestyle change for patients and their families because the patients have to incorporate the treatment into their daily lives. Some patients want to understand the course of their disease, while others are afraid – or even in denial. In those instances, the family has to assume a larger responsibility and really encourage the patient to understand the importance of routine dialysis treatment.

Engaging patients and their families does not end after the initial dialysis cycle. Nurses play a significant role in bringing both parties together and remaining involved in the education process. Because patients are usually resistant to the treatment at first, you have to strongly encourage them to be committed to their care. No matter how much you train the family member to be supportive, success ultimately depends on the patient. In my current position with Spectra Laboratories, I build relationships with the staff while they develop relationships with the patients and their families. Ultimately, staff education and knowledge becomes an integral part of the patients’ overall dialysis experience. As a nurse, you educate the patients and prepare them mentally and emotionally for this considerable lifestyle adjustment.

It is also important for nurses to emphasize that patients on dialysis can still experience many aspects of a normal life. Kidney disease is devastating news to a family; however, we want to stress the positive aspects in order for them to maintain a balanced life. For example, patients can travel and even go on specialized cruises where dialysis is available. Dialysis can improve the quality of patients’ lives and allow them to continue to participate in many activities. Treatments have come a long way through technological advancements, which, in turn, allow patients to be more mobile.

Of course, dialysis centers and hospitals face challenges beyond patient care. Because nurses have to receive specialized training to work in the dialysis field, facilities are often faced with staffing shortages. Sometimes this can lead to delays in treatment.

One of the great things that remains the same about being a nephrology nurse is the rapport you build with your patients. Because you see patients on a routine basis, you become like a family member to them.

As a nurse, you take on a variety of roles such as social worker, educator, mediator doctor, and dietitian. Every treatment becomes an opportunity for nurses to further educate the patient. Education is key to helping patients live a productive life.

Grace Santos, BSN, RN, CNN, is a Nephrology Nurse Specialist for Spectra Laboratories where she supports Spectra customers in the Northeast region. She was a nephrology nurse for 13 years at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, N.J. Santos is also a member of American Nephrology Nurses Association.

* The views and opinions expressed by the author are her own and not those of Spectra Laboratories, Inc. or Fresenius Medical Care North America.

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