What Is the Job Description of a Dialysis Nurse?
A dialysis nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in caring for patients undergoing hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, both of which are life-saving procedures for those with severely impaired kidney function. Dialysis nurses fall into the general category of nephrology nursing, the branch of nursing specializing in care for patients with kidney disorders and diseases.
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Dialysis Defined
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Fundamental to any discussion of dialysis nursing is an elementary understanding of dialysis itself. There are two main forms of dialysis. When a patient's kidneys have failed completely or are unable to function properly, intervention in the form of dialysis is necessary to filter toxins and waste products from the blood. Hemodialysis involves filtering the patient's blood through a large machine and is usually performed in outpatient medical centers. Peritoneal dialysis, however, is done most often in the patient's home, utilizing the peritoneal membrane that lines the stomach to filter out impurities in the blood.
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Responsibilities
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Dialysis nurses assist patients with both forms of dialysis, although peritoneal dialysis requires nurses who make in-home visits. The essential responsibilities are the same. These include an intricate understanding of the mechanics of dialysis, regardless of type; assessing vital signs; discussing patient concerns and answering questions relevant to care; overseeing dialysis from start to finish; and monitoring patient reaction to treatment. Other important duties include verifying that patients are taking all prescribed medications, advising doctors of any significant change in patients' health and working closely with others on the dialysis team.
Requirements
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An ideal candidate for a job as a dialysis nurse is someone with concern for the health and welfare of others and someone who works well on a team and can function as a leader when the need arises. Other important qualities in all registered nurses include attention to detail, the ability to work under pressure, patience and the ability to quickly assess a patient's needs and take the steps necessary to address them.
Most nephrology nurse certification programs require completion of a four-year registered nursing program with additional training in the area of specialization.
Job Outlook
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The U.S. Occupational Outlook Handbook does not offer a separate classification for dialysis or nephrology nurses, but reports that the job outlook for all registered nurses is excellent. As of 2006, according to the handbook, just more than 2.5 million were employed as registered nurses; that figure is expected to climb by 23 percent by 2016. Job growth is expected to be even more robust in certain categories, climbing 39 percent for nurses involved in home health care services and 34 percent for nurses working at outpatient care centers.
Earnings
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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the mean annual earnings for all U.S. registered nurses was $65,130 as of early 2008. That figure varied depending on the specific area of health care in which the nurses were employed. The mean annual earnings were $58,360 in nursing care facilities; $61,490 in home health care services; $65,070 in doctors' offices; and $66,490 in general and surgical hospitals.
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- Photo Credit "Nurse me back to health" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: greggoconnell (Gregg O'Connell) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
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Comments
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joshuajroberts
Jul 12, 2010
This is a growing field and yet I have found it very difficult to find a reputable institution to attend for hemodialysis technician training in ohio. Owens community college, the largest community college in northwest ohio is considering offering a hemodialysis program but will need a minimum level of interest before they will offer the program. Is anyone else interested in hemodialysis technician training in ohio?
