Nephrology Nurse
A nephrology nurse cares for patients who are either experiencing or are in danger of kidney disease. The role of a nephrology nurse has grown in scope over time, and they are growing in numbers as well. Nephrology nursing is a field that works to prevent disease and assess a patient’s health needs.
A nephrology nurse practices in: hospitals, dialysis clinics, transplant programs, physician practices, and many other inpatient or outpatient settings. They may even work in patient’s homes. Many times when working in an inpatient setting, the patients are critically ill. The care is challenging and fast-paced.
With the outpatient settings, a nephrology nurse becomes a very integral member within a multi-disciplinary team caring for patients who have very complex needs. They become an educator, advocate, care coordinator, consultant, and direct caregiver. They oversee the long-term care of patients who are critically ill.
Nephrology nurses have a definite, positive impact on life quality for their patients. Some of the other areas of opportunity for a nephrology nurse are in:
(1). Advanced Practice Nurse
(2). Education
(3). Pediatric Nephrology
(4). Research
(5). Case Management
(6). Corporate/Government
(7). Pediatric Nephrology
Nephrology nurses deal with more than just kidneys. They deal with all organs within the human body. They are driven by new, technological advances and are in a field that has become much-needed and very dynamic. There are many career opportunities within this career field.
Additional Functions of Nephrology Nurses
Nephrology nurses need to possess a basic knowledge that is relevant to every aspect of adult and pediatric kidney patient care. A few subject areas they need to be well trained in are:
a. Growth & Development
b. Counseling/Interviewing
c. Rehabilitation Principles
d. Nutrition
e. Anatomy
f. Physiology
g. Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapy
These are just a few examples. The list is actually much more extensive.
The care that these nurses give can be very complex. Their patients can be suffering from many comorbid conditions like:
1. Bone Disease
2. Psychiatric Conditions
3. Hypertension
4. Cardiovascular Disease
5. Diabetes
A fact to be considered is that not every kidney patient needs dialysis or a transplant. Some conditions are treatable and some curable.
Breaking Into This Career Field
If this career field is something that interests you, then all you need is the education and career training to start with an entry-level job. Today there is a real surge in online, distance education for earning degrees and starting new careers.
You can go online and research some of the fantastic online colleges and universities to see which ones have the best online courses for your goals. You can take these online courses at home and work at a pace you set for yourself. This enables you to continue living your lifestyle without interruption and earn a college degree at the same time.
You can become a nurse while studying at home to do it. This great, educational opportunity has empowered thousands of people to pursue some of the top careers of today and fulfill their dreams. Enrolling today can set you on the path to earning a degree of your own. You are just a few clicks away from changing your life and future.
Popular Schools and Recommended Degrees
Kaplan University
It takes a dedicated educational institution to stand beside you throughout your career. Whether you are already a nurse or have just made the decision to become one, Kaplan University has the people, programs, and professional affiliations to help you pursue your educational and career goals. Kaplan's nursing degree and certificate programs are taught by practicing professionals who are dedicated to helping you prepare for real-world challenges.
Liberty University Online
Liberty University's Department of Nursing is designed to provide individuals with a broad educational background, which builds upon liberal arts, behavioral and social sciences as well as nursing. The curriculum for the nursing program at Liberty University is directly derived from the stated purpose, philosophy, objectives and organizing framework of the Department of Nursing which is based on Patricia Benner?s nursing theory and the nursing process. It provides a framework for practice and a conceptual approach to the nursing curriculum.
CTU Online
As the largest group in the US healthcare workforce, nurses are challenged to make a significant difference in the health outcomes of individuals and populations. The RN to BSN degree completion program at Colorado Technical University is designed to prepare nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to expand their practice options for a variety of clinical and administrative leadership activities and to manage change in an increasingly complex and diverse environment.
