NU7522 Nephrology Nursing (10 ECTS)

Learning Outcomes

Following completion of this module the student should be able to

• Discuss in detail knowledge of the pathophysiological effects of renal disorder and the potential
  psychological and social effects on both the patient and his/her partner and family members.
  
• Critically discuss the diagnostic investigations used to explore the cause of impaired renal
  function and demonstrate support for the patient undergoing these procedures.
  
• Critically evaluate the nursing assessment, planning, implementation and management of the
  patient with renal dysfunction and co-morbidities using current evidence best practice and patient safety and quality within the multidisciplinary team.
  
• Critically examine the effects and side effects of the range of medications, dietary, fluid intake
  and therapeutic interventions currently utilised in the management of renal disorders and the role
  of the renal nurse specialist in caring for the patient receiving such treatment along with the
  importance of patient safety and the understanding and managing of clinical risk.
  
• Analyse the role of the renal nurse in the holistic, long-term monitoring and psychosocial support of the patient with chronic kidney disease.
  
• Analyse the educational needs of a patient in the pre-dialysis phase.
  
• Critically discuss the physical, psychological, social and ethical issues of renal replacement
  therapy and utilise evidence-based knowledge communication and team skills to plan an educational programme to meet these needs.

Methods of Teaching and Student Learning

Group work, lecture, guest speakers, guided discussion, practical demonstrations, self–directed learning.

Module Learning Aims & Rationale

The National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing (2002) identify that the specialist
nurse should act as a consultant in clinical practice and education to both nurses and the wider
multidisciplinary team. This highlights the evolving nature of the specialist nurses' role, as one of change
agent, management, leadership and utilising evidence based practice to ensure the attainment of
excellence in patient care. The promotion of patient safety is a core element of providing quality care
and must be integrated into all areas of healthcare delivery (DoH & C, 2009).It is vital therefore that
nurses working within the renal specialist area have the proficient knowledge, skills, and attitudes to
undertake this role.
This module aims to enhance the student’s knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to provide
evidence-based, holistic care for the adult patient in the context of nephrology. It aims to empower the
student to educate the patient to participate in his/her own care and facilitate self-care whenever
possible. The physical, psychological, social, cultural, ethical and economic aspects of chronic kidney
disease insufficiency will be outlined and the impact that these have on both the patient, his/ her partner
and family members. The importance of the pre-dialysis phase will be explored in relation to the
preparation, education and management of the patient, his/ her partner and family members with a view
to choosing a renal replacement therapy. The student shall gain experience nursing the adult patient
with chronic kidney disease and end stage kidney disease in the renal clinical areas.

Recommended Reading List

Indicative Resources

• Bennett L. & Pickard, S. (eds.) (2009) Haematology & the Patient with Chronic Kidney Disease. An Introductory Guide. European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/ European Renal Care Association (EDTNA/ERCA), Luzern.
  
• Brown E., Murtagh, F & Murphy, E. (2012) Kidney Disease: From Advanced Disease to Bereavement, 2nd edn. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
  
• Casal, M C. (Ed) (2011) Caring for the Diabetic Patient with Chronic Kidney Disease. A Guide to Clinical Practice. European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/ European Renal Care Association (EDTNA/ERCA), Luzern
  
• Chambers E.J., Germain M. & Brown, E. (eds.) (2010) Supportive Care for the Renal Patient. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
  
• Clatworthy, M. (2010) Nephrology. Clinical Cases Uncovered. Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford.
  
• Daugirdas J T. (eds) (2011) Handbook of Chronic Kidney Disease Management. LWW. Philadelphia.
  
• Goldsmith D., Jayawardene, S & Ackland, P. (2013) ABC of Kidney Disease, 2nd edn. Wiley- Blackwell, Oxford.
  
• Goolam M. (ed) (2011) Caring for the Elderly Renal Patient. A Guide to Clinical Practice. European
  
• Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/ European Renal Care Association (EDTNA/ERCA), Luzern.
  
• Greenberg A. (Ed.) (2009) Primer on Kidney Diseases, 5th edn. Saunders, San Diego.
  
• Jenkins K, Bennett, L, Wong T M H (eds) (2011) Conservative Care and Withdrawal from Dialysis. A Guide to Clinical Practice. European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/ European Renal Care Association (EDTNA/ERCA), Luzern.
  
• Lewis, R. & Noble, H. (2013) Kidney Disease Management. A Practical Approach for the Non-Specialist Healthcare Provider. Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford.
  
• Mahon A. & Jenkins K. (eds.) (2007)Chronic Kidney Disease. (Stages 1- 3). A Guide to Clinical Practice. European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/ European Renal Care Association (EDTNA/ERCA), Luzern.
  
• Mahon A. & Jenkins K. (eds.) (2008) Chronic Kidney Disease. (Stages 4- 5). A Guide to Clinical Practice. European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/ European Renal Care Association (EDTNA/ERCA), Luzern.
  
• Mahon, A., Jenkins, K. & Burnapp, L. (2013) Oxford Handbook of Renal Nursing. Oxford University Press, Oxford
  
• Mitch, W. E. & Ikizler, T. A. (2010) Handbook of Nutrition and the Kidney. 6th edn. Wolters Kluwer/ LWW, Philadelphia.
  
• Molzahn A. & Butera, E. (eds.) (2006) Contemporary Nephrology Nursing: Principles and Practice. 2nd edn. American Nephrology Nursing Association (ANNA), New Jersey.
  
• Moinuddin, I. K. & Leehey, D. J. (2013) Handbook of Nephrology. Wolters Kluwer/ LWW, Philadelphia.
  
• Nunez Macias J. F., Cameron, J. S. & Oreopoulos, D. G. (2008) The Aging Kidney in Health and Disease. Springer, New York.
  
• Pagana K. D. & Pagana, T. J. (2009) Mosby’s Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, 9th edn. Elsevier Mosby, St Louis.
  
• Thomas N. (ed.) (2013) Renal Nursing, 4th edn. Wiley Blackwell, Oxford.
  
• Wilcox C S. & Tisher CC (2009) Handbook of Nephrology & Hypertension. 6th edn.LWW, Philadelphia.
  

*Other readings will be provided by individual lecturers.