Qualifications/Skills of a Dialysis Nurse

A dialysis nurse is a very rewarding career because you get to help people struggling with kidney issues who truly benefit from your expertise. It is also interesting because dialysis nursing is very specialized, yet you can find this nursing practice in a variety of settings including the hospital, dialysis clinics, and other types of outpatient medical centers. 

Dialysis nurse training cannot begin until you have met three criteria: you have your nursing degree, you’ve passed the NCLEX exam and have the results to prove it, and you hold a valid RN license in the state in which you plan to work. 

Once you have completed these three steps, you can begin to look for work as a dialysis nurse. Many dialysis nurse jobs will require specialized dialysis nurse training. This will include both on-the-job training and certifications that are obtained online or in the classroom. 

In fact, dialysis nursing is unique because there is additional certifications/training required to provide more specialized care such as peritoneal and hemodialysis treatments. According to the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC), they offer certification for nephrology and dialysis healthcare professionals in virtually any role, from technicians to nurse practitioners. Registered dialysis nurses have the opportunity to pursue the Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) or Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) certifications.

You can pursue continuing education units to make sure you stay at the top of your field through programs like the American Nephrology Nurses Association’s “CE on Wheels” program. You can view pre-recorded sessions and earn contact hours on your own time, a major plus for busy travel nurses. 

Read More About Dialysis Travel Nursing Salary and Requirements from the link below.