Dialysis nurse

Dialysis nurses are part of the larger specialty known as nephrology nursing.

Becoming a nurse certainly seems like a rock-solid career choice. But what does a dialysis nurse do all day? You know there has to be more to being a renal nurse than this brief description! The nephrology specialty relates to the kidneys, so these nurses focus on treating patients who have or are at high risk for developing kidney disease. Kidneys filter waste and extra fluid from the body.

Dialysis nurse

Dialysis nurses, also called nephrology nurses, manage the care of patients who have impaired kidney function. Dialysis filters the blood to remove toxins, returns needed electrolytes, and removes extra fluid that the kidneys normally would excrete. Dialysis nurses deliver care to both adults and children who have developed kidney disease. Many of the patients have end-stage renal disease. This condition can be treated using hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Dialysis nurses are skilled technicians in both running the machines that provide this life-saving treatment and carefully monitoring patients to make sure they tolerate the procedure. Dialysis nurses also manage the care of those with acute episodes of renal failure, such as those in the ICU recovering from a severe illness or other medical conditions that have overtaxed their kidneys. Whether dialysis is needed temporarily or long-term, the dialysis nurse must teach patients and families what to expect and how to manage changes in their daily lives. Dialysis nurses often receive advanced training to improve their skills. Dialysis nurses perform some of the same activities as other nurses, but they are mainly focused on renal care. Dialysis care can be divided based on the technique used. Each has separate duties, though dialysis nurses are experienced in managing multiple methods.

It is a life-sustaining treatment for people with kidney failure or end-stage renal disease.

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Becoming a nurse certainly seems like a rock-solid career choice. But what does a dialysis nurse do all day? You know there has to be more to being a renal nurse than this brief description! The nephrology specialty relates to the kidneys, so these nurses focus on treating patients who have or are at high risk for developing kidney disease. Kidneys filter waste and extra fluid from the body.

Dialysis nurse

Dialysis nursing is one of the most in-demand career paths among nurses nowadays. It is a promising career for nurses who want to concentrate in a specialized field of nursing. Dialysis nursing is a nursing subspecialty under the field of nephrology nursing. By becoming a dialysis nurse, you will be skilled in handling patients with acute and chronic kidney diseases. Additional training is required in order to be certified in providing peritoneal and hemodialysis treatments. Patients undergoing dialysis need special nursing care that is different from patient handling in wards so obtaining continuing education units is important.

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Studies show that BSN nurses are associated with better patient outcomes and lower mortality rates. This website uses technologies to enhance your experience and analyze website performance. After the patient is connected, you are responsible for monitoring vital signs, particularly blood pressure, and administer any medications that are ordered throughout the process. Common Cases Dialysis Nurses Encounter. The Cons Difficult to care for patients with chronic diseases, sometimes for years Must stay with patients one to one, even if patients are difficult Limited help to troubleshoot machines if alone in a hospital setting or at a home. Get expert guidance throughout your journey. Apply as a new grad or from another medical-surgical setting 4. BSN programs offer a more comprehensive education as they take, on average, four years to finish. Some dialysis nurses also travel as part of their job. Join The Movement. Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for NurseJournal. What Does a Dialysis Nurse Do? Elizabeth Clarke is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. Jump to section Generally, travel nurses, including those in dialysis, enjoy competitive pay along with additional benefits like housing and travel allowances.

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Let's start building the life you want. A day in the life of an acute nephrology nurse may include providing urgent dialysis to just a few patients a day as they recover. Request More Information. We're here to help. Chronic Dialysis Nurses The approach to treating kidney disease and injuries can differ based on the situation. Dialysis nurses can keep growing in their careers by earning a master of science in nursing MSN. While you only need a BSN degree to practice as a Dialysis Registered Nurse, you have options should you want to advance your education even further. The program you have selected is not available in your ZIP code. Nurses working in a hospital setting, on the other hand, are more likely to work with acute kidney conditions. Dialysis nurses must be BCLS certified, some facilities also want ACLS certification, and it is highly encouraged that they become additionally certified after gaining experience. Plus, get exclusive access to discounts for nurses, stay informed on the latest nurse news, and learn how to take the next steps in your career.