| Theme | Necessity of Expert Nurses in Dialysis Therapy | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Expectations for certified expert nurses -- from nurses' standpoint | |
| Publish Date | 2003/10 | |
| Author | Yuko Mizutsuki | Department of Nursing, North Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital |
| [ Summary ] | Dialysis therapy is a major element in replacement therapy for ESRD patients. Due to an expanding population of elderly patients and patients with diabetic renal disease, the Government framed a policy to curtail medical expanses related to dialysis therapy. Some of the goal of this policy are to: - Equalize the percentage of hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation - Transfer patients to home dialysis treatment - Educate medical staff members - Form a network for ESRD In relation to these aims, we agreed on the necessity for expert nurses in this field. The Japanese Nursing Association has formed the "certification system for Certified Expert Nurses" to guarantee high quality levels of nursing skills and to increase knowledge in this specialized field. On our investigations, both nurses and patients, in clinical settings, were seen to need this system as soon as possible. Patients expect us to provide specialized knowledge and professional skills, to support self-management, to manage safety, to support the family, to provide counseling, and to prevent complications, etc. We need to respond to these increasing demands to provide safer and higher quality medical and nursing practices. Nurses may expect greater social recognition as advanced nursing practices develop in specialized fields, while achieving positive economic impacts on the medical field. |
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