The Dialysis Nurse provides specialized nursing care to patients with chronic kidney disease or acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis: Their functions include:
- Prepare patients for dialysis treatment, explaining procedures and addressing concerns.
- Perform pre-, intra-, and post-dialysis assessments, including vital signs, vascular access sites, and fluid balance.
- Initiate, monitor, and terminate dialysis procedures safely and according to established protocols.
- Administer prescribed medications and document treatments accurately.
- Set up, operate, and maintain dialysis machines, ensuring proper sterilization and calibration.
- Monitor and troubleshoot dialysis equipment during treatment, reporting malfunctions promptly.
- Adhere to infection control standards and hospital safety procedures.
Patient Education & Support
- Educate patients and families about kidney disease management, dialysis procedures, dietary restrictions, and lifestyle modifications.
- Provide emotional support and counseling to patients adjusting to long-term dialysis.
Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with nephrologists, dietitians, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient care plans.
- Communicate effectively with team members regarding patient status and changes in condition.
Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain accurate, detailed, and timely patient records.
- Report adverse events, unusual occurrences, or patient concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
Quality Improvement & Compliance
- Participate in quality assurance activities and continuous professional development.
- Ensure compliance with hospital policies, local regulations, and best practices for dialysis care.
The candidate must have a valid and current Registered Nurse license in the country, Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) or Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) - awarded by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) for those with dialysis-specific experience teams to. BLS certification and ACLS is preferred, especially in acute care or hospital dialysis units.