Dialysis Nurse Jobs

Dialysis nursing falls within the field of nephrology, which is the field of medicine that focuses on the kidneys. Dialysis nurses, also known as nephrology nurses, are registered nurses who specialize in the clinical purification of blood through dialysis, which is the procedure used to clean the blood of patients with kidney disease or other kidney-related issues. Dialysis is a life-saving procedure for patients whose kidneys no longer filter out toxins from their blood.

A dialysis nurse requires specialized knowledge and skills in nephrology, including sophisticated technical skills to operate required equipment. Dialysis patients often also have several other medical conditions, so dialysis nurses must have strong analytical skills and acute attention to detail to effectively manage each patient’s various conditions. This also requires good collaboration skills to coordinate a patient’s care with the rest of their health care team. To connect with and motivate patients, dialysis RNs must have a positive attitude filled with compassion and empathy. Good communication and leadership skills are also tremendous assets while providing education to patients and their families.

Dialysis nurses frequently work within the nephrology departments at hospitals. They may also work at dialysis centers and freestanding clinics that specifically offer hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis services. Transplant programs, home health care agencies, nursing homes, and hospice centers also sometimes employ dialysis nurses. Some patients hire dialysis nurses to help administer dialysis treatments in the privacy of their homes.

Nephrology nurses work in a team-oriented environment and use their nursing skills and knowledge to provide primary, secondary, and tertiary care to patients with acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, and other conditions that require dialysis. Nurses typically administer either hemodialysis, which uses a machine, or peritoneal dialysis, which uses a fluid. Throughout the procedure, the dialysis nurse medicates, monitors, and supports the patient, while educating them on kidney disease and effectively managing their disease through appropriate lifestyle choices.