Nursing in the advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) unit
Bardón Otero, E.; Marti I Monros, A.; Vila Paz, M.L.
Nefrologia Publicacion Oficial de la Sociedad Espanola Nefrologia 28(Suppl 3): 53-56
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0211-6995 PMID: 19018739 Document Number: 616386
ACKD units should be equipped with a nephrology nurse, who to carry out his/her function adequately and contribute to the objectives of the ACKD unit should have the following: - Specific training as a nephrology nurse. - Own work area and appointments schedule. - Full-time commitment to nephrology. - A direct phone line to be able to contact patients and vice versa. - Well-established communication channels between nursing staff and nephrologists. Objectives of the nephrology nursing unit: - Patients treated in this unit have a CrCl < or >or= 30 ml/min. - Foster self-care and patient autonomy. - Preserve GFR as long as possible by delaying progression of the disease. - Optimize patient quality of life in the pre-KRT period. - Reduce comorbidity. - Support patient in the decision on KRT. - Coordinate planning of vascular access and/or peritoneal catheter. - Schedule entry into chosen kidney replacement therapy, preventing complications and use of temporary accesses. - The nurse of this unit should be trained in clinical interviewing techniques.