Nephrology nurses care for patients with kidney disease or are at risk for kidney disease and therefore specialise in kidney health.  These nurses play an important role in the assessment, diagnosis, education and treatment of these patients. Care of a patient can last for most of a patient’s lifespan and therefore, the relationship between the nurse and the patient is key to the patient’s outlook and quality of life.

The initial patient’s assessment includes a thorough examination of the patient, a review and analysis of their current symptoms and also of his or her medical and/or family history. Diagnosis includes urine and blood tests and can also include an internal imaging procedure (e.g. ultrasound/CT scan), which the nurse may also assist with.  The nurse is also responsible for educating the patient on the causes, management and treatment of the disease. 

During the early stages the disease is managed strictly through diet and exercise as well as through the prevention or proper management of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.  Nephrology nurses also administer medication and dialysis treatment, which is given in the latter stages of kidney disease and is a necessary treatment for prolonging life. Patients and their nurses usually develop bonds due the length of time spent together during dialysis treatments, which is usually about four hours, three times each week. This treatment can span decades until a transplant is received or at the end of the patient’s life.

Nephrology nurses need to remain knowledgeable of the other health problems that can impact kidney disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes and substance abuse and should also know how to treat them.  As kidney disease does not discriminate, these nurses also have to care for all ages, sexes, cultures, races and class of persons.

In the Caribbean, there is a shortage of qualified and/or experienced nephrology nurses and with the growing number of cases and awareness of the disease, there is an urgent need for more. Nephrology nurses, as with any other profession are expected to keep abreast of developments in the area of kidney disease and enroll in continuing professional development.

• 10 tips for dialysis patients – Nurse Abiola, T&T.

References:

Price, J. (2015, October 30). What Does A Nephrology Nurse Do? Retrieved from https://www.gapmedics.com/uk/blog/2015/05/12/what-does-a-nephrology-nurse-do/