Pre Dialysis Nurse Specialist Band 6

Job/Role Summary

Primary the role involves the case management of patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The management of this patient group comes from referrals by Medical Consultants who feel the individual patient and family require education regarding the various forms of treatment. The treatment options include haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, transplant, or conservative management. Central to the role is the need to coordinate services for the patient and symptom management, this involves working closely with other members of the multidisciplinary team namely the pharmacy, social workers, dietician GP’s and Practice nurses. Since the introduction of the guidelines for GPs in the management of CKD (June 2006) there is a need for me to be a resource for GP’s and Practice nurses to enable patients to be managed at a Primary care level – freeing up clinic time for those who require it more urgently.

Specific qualifications and experience required

RGN Part 1 of NMC Register Renal Certificate Course 5 years experience working in Renal Nursing Counselling Qualification Desirable or willing to undertake same Degree level Qualification Desirable

Career Milestones

Began working within Renal Services in 1989, moved to work in Sub – Regional Renal Unit in Omagh in 1992. The unit expanded and developed from a 6 bedded unit to a 24 bedded unit over a 12 year period. This experience gave me great knowledge and understanding of planning of services and implementation of change. The need for a Pre dialysis Nurse was identified in 1999 and with the support of my line manager and the consultant I set up the service. I feel the knowledge I gained working to develop the haemodialysis service was invaluable enabling me to develop the successful pre dialysis service we have today. The courses that stand out as having contributed to my development include a management course, practice development course, Counselling course, Completing my Degree and completing a Management of CKD Award at Master’s level.

What attracted you to this job?

• Interest in Pre dialysis Education.
• Had been involved in the development of the role.
• The opportunity to work on my own, manage my own time and workload appealed to me.

Enjoyable aspects of the job/role

• Working with a very motivated Multidisciplinary team.
• Enjoy working with the pre dialysis patient group and gain job satisfaction when I can help them through this traumatic time.
• Flexible working hours.

Important success factors

• Being supported to avail of continuing education.
• Support from the Multi Disciplinary Team.
• Quality Management initiative with in the work place
• ISO Standard.

Advice for those considering the type of job/role?

It is a very interesting and rewarding job. It requires good time management skills and organisational skills. In order to move the service forward takes vision and the willingness to take on extra responsibilities and continually developing new initiatives. You need to be a dependable person with good communication and counselling skills.

Key skills that can be gained within this job/role?

• The ability to work autonomously within the MDT.
• Communication and Counselling skills.
• Negotiation and organisational skills.
• Empathy for patients and their journey through the service.

Career Profiles