Training of peritoneal dialysis nurses

Clinical disciplines in which the nurse plays as preeminent a role in total patient care as in peritoneal dialysis (PD) are few. The PD nurse is readily identified by the patient as the principal source of advice on day-to-day aspects of treatment, as a resource manager for supplies of PD disposables and fluids, and as a general counselor for all kinds of advice, including diet, rehabilitation, and medication, among others. The PD nurse is thus the key individual in the PD unit, and most activities involve and revolve around the nursing staff. It is therefore not surprising that most nephrologists pay considerable attention to the selection of PD nurses, particularly in long-term PD programs such as continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). The appointment of a PD nurse depends on finding an individual with the right attributes, broad general experience, and appropriate training.