Are you interested in helping patients who suffer from kidney concerns? If so, nephrology nursing may be the ideal career path for you.
Keep in mind that you need to have specific credentials and certifications before you can start working in different healthcare settings. Moreover, it’s best to know exactly what a nephrology nurse is all about.
So, here’s a guide on what you need to know before becoming one! Let’s start.
What is a Nephrology Nurse?
A nephrology nurse is mainly responsible for working with patients experiencing or at risk of developing different kidney complications. Generally, they provide specialized treatments and care for these patients, regardless of age or the type of kidney concern.
The duties of a nephrology nurse can vary based on the facility or healthcare setting. It’s important to note that you can work at a clinic or hospital, or in patient homes.
Regardless, the following are some of the duties you will likely perform:
- Assess patients showcasing symptoms of kidney diseases or problems.
- Treat patients who have or are at risk of developing kidney issues.
- Review a patient’s medical history and background.
- Administer proper medication to patients.
- Assist patients with dialysis treatments.
- Help patients when going through diagnostic procedures.
- Assist kidney transplants and other similar processes.
- Work with other professionals and teams that contribute to the patient’s needs and welfare, including family and caregivers.
Keep in mind that you may still be tasked with the typical duties of a registered nurse. So, it’s important to get a good grasp of the basics to ensure the best possible care and performance.
Nephrology Nursing Certifications
To become a nephrology nurse, you need to have specific certifications. The following are those that are recognized by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission:
- Certified Dialysis Nurse CDN
- Certified Nephrology Nurse CNN
Some of the general requirements to obtain these certifications include having an active, unrestricted nursing license in the country of your practice and passing the exam.
Additionally, CDN applicants must have at least 2,000 hours of experience in nephrology nursing and 20 hours of continuing nephrology nursing education within two years before applying.
On the other hand, CNN applicants must have at least 3,000 hours of nephrology nursing experience and 30 hours of approved continuing education credit within the past three years. They should also meet the necessary requirements for experience working with patients.
Note that becoming a nephrology nurse still requires you to start as a registered nurse. It means you need to have the basic requirements, from education prerequisites to licensing and certifications.
It ensures you have the necessary clinical experience and theoretical knowledge to pursue a career in nursing. At the same time, it gives your practice a stronger foundation.
Essential Skills as a Nephrology Nurse
Becoming a nephrology nurse means having certain skills to fulfill your duties. Moreover, these qualities can make you a stronger candidate when applying for a job. It shows how versatile you can be and the depth of your understanding of the position.
These skills are as follows:
Empathy
As a nurse, it’s important to understand your patients and support them with their experiences. Being more empathetic about their case and assisting them on personal levels not only builds rapport but also helps them get more comfortable. This way, it’s easier to guide them through the healing process.
Knowledge on Kidneys
Nephrology nurses specifically specialize in kidney concerns. So, it’s best to have prior knowledge about how to handle them, their functions, and the possible complications that can occur. Additionally, it lets you catch the symptoms, even during their early stages.
Some of the common kidney issues include the following:
- Chronic Kidney Disease: This condition is often long-term caused by high blood pressure levels. As a result, kidney function deteriorates and fails, requiring patients to undergo dialysis. Keep in mind that this primarily treats the symptoms but doesn’t exactly cure them.
- Kidney Stones: Kidney stones occur when substances and minerals in the blood begin to crystallize in the kidneys. In turn, it creates solid masses or stones that are released during urination. While they cause a lot of pain, they usually don’t cause larger problems.
- Urinary Tract Infections: This condition is a result of bacterial infections in the urinary system. Common parts that occur include the bladder and urethra. Unlike other kidney concerns, these are easier to treat.
- Glomerulonephritis: This refers to the inflammation of the glomeruli or small structures within the kidneys. The condition can be a result of infections, disorders, or drugs. It also usually gets better on its own but may still require proper monitoring and treatment.
Communication Skills
Strong communication skills are vital for anyone who works in the healthcare field. Nurses usually have direct interactions with patients, so it’s important to know how to communicate well.
Note that communication not only makes procedures easier but also ensures that each patient gets the optimal care they need.
Attention to Detail
Nephrology nurses are responsible for looking after patients who not only have kidney problems but are also at risk of them. Because of this, you want to pay close attention to details.
This quality allows you to monitor your patients with extra care, ensuring you prevent their condition from going further. Moreover, it lets you know when you should make adjustments to their treatment and report statuses and changes to the appropriate professionals.
In Summary
A nephrology nurse mainly works with patients who have or may develop kidney problems. These can range from anything curable with medication to chronic or more severe.
To become one, you must have the necessary education, training, and experience when dealing with kidneys. At the same time, it requires you to have specific certifications. This way, you can improve your practice and provide further credibility in the specialization.
Like most nursing professions, becoming a nephrology nurse also means you should have the basic knowledge and licenses as a registered nurse. So, you can hone and shape your practice from there!
