Elevating patient care: The crucial role of continuous training and education in hemodialysis nursing

Written by Jose Nino Villamater, Clinical Educator in the Regional Renal Program at LHSC

Hemodialysis nursing is a specialized field at the heart of renal care, providing life-sustaining treatments to individuals with kidney failure. In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, the importance of continuous training and education in hemodialysis nursing cannot be overstated. In this article, I will explore how ongoing learning at LHSC is not only essential for the professional growth of hemodialysis nurses but is also paramount in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care; transforming health, together. 

Mastery of Complex Treatments  

Hemodialysis is a complex and intricate therapy that involves removing toxins and excess fluids from the blood, essentially performing the vital functions of the kidneys. Continuous training allows our hemodialysis nurses to master the complexities of this life-saving procedure. From understanding the mechanics of dialysis machines to monitoring patients during treatment, ongoing education ensures our nurses possess the expertise needed to provide safe and effective care. 

This past November, London Health Sciences Centre’s (LHSC) Renal Program reinstated the “New Hire Refresher Day” offered to new nursing staff hired within the last two years. The sessions focused on education and skills needs identified by new hires.  

Overview of training:

• Four sessions 
• Over two months 
• Attended by 35 hemodialysis nursing staff: 

- University Hospital 

- Victoria Hospital 

- Westmount Hemodialysis Unit 

Adapting to Technological Advancements  

Advancements in health-care technology are frequent and impactful. Continuous education empowers hemodialysis nurses to stay updated on the latest innovations, including improvements in dialysis machines, utilization of technology for vascular access, and monitoring systems including electronic documentation. Proficiency in using and troubleshooting these technologies enhances the efficiency of hemodialysis sessions, contributing to improved patient outcomes and safety.  

Nurses, for example, learned how to use an ultrasound machine to assess vascular access such as AV fistulas and AV graft. This helps ensure accurate placement of the fistula needle and prolongs the longevity of the access. It also enables our nurses to be more confident in cannulation site selection and in addressing more complicated fistulas or grafts. 

Individualized Patient Care  

Every patient undergoing hemodialysis has unique needs and challenges. Continuous education equips hemodialysis nurses with the skills to provide individualized, patient-centered care. From understanding the intricacies of various renal conditions to adapting treatment plans based on patients' responses, ongoing learning ensures that nurses can tailor their approach to meet the diverse needs of those receiving hemodialysis.  

One of the ways that LHSC tailors care is the option to use saline fluid (0.9NaCl) in providing hemodialysis. Some patients develop hypersensitivity to the standard priming solution (Online/Substituate Fluid) so being able to provide an alternative is beneficial for patients and the associated training is appreciated by staff.

Bridge Between Practice and Education  

Clinical Nurse Educators serve as a bridge between the clinical environment and the academic world. Drawing from their extensive clinical experience, they bring real-world insights into the educational setting. This connection ensures that nursing education remains relevant to the challenges and advancements in clinical practice, fostering a seamless integration of theory and application.

Facilitating Interactive Learning 

Clinical nurse educators excel in creating dynamic and interactive learning environments. Whether in the classroom or the clinical setting, they employ teaching methods that engage nurses actively. Simulation labs, case studies, and hands-on experiences are often integrated into educational programs, providing nurses with practical skills and critical thinking abilities essential for their roles. 

The New Hire Refresher Day at LHSC consists of three components: 

• Didactic
• Critical Thinking
• Machine Competencies 

Various speakers participated and shared their individual expertise from nurse practitioners to the renal charge biomedical technologist. Staff were also presented with actual scenarios to help them make sound decisions by developing their critical thinking skills. 

Tailoring Education to Diverse Learners:  

Every nurse is a unique learner with different strengths, preferences, and areas for improvement. At LHSC, clinical nurse educators excel in tailoring education to meet the diverse needs of their audience such as IENs (Internationally Educated Nurses) and new grads without any clinical background. Through differentiated instruction and programs offered by LHSC, such as IEN Day and NNDP (New Nurse Development Program), they ensure that educational programs are accessible and impactful for nurses at various stages of their careers and with different learning styles. According to Melissa Al-Jaishi, RN, one of the attendees:  

“It was a wonderful refresh training. I had learned so much, and all the speakers had prepared their materials well. They were excellent delivering the materials, and were so enthusiastic and professional. This one-year mark refresh training is a must and I really appreciate having this opportunity. I am so glad I am in this dialysis team.”  

In the dynamic landscape of Hemodialysis Nursing, the commitment to continuous training and education is a cornerstone for providing exceptional patient care. Hemodialysis nurses who embrace a culture of ongoing learning not only enhance their professional competence but also contribute to the advancement of the Renal Program.

By empowering nurses with the knowledge and skills needed for modern healthcare, clinical nurse educators contribute significantly to the ongoing excellence of the nursing profession, ultimately benefiting the patients they serve in ensuring that individuals with kidney failure receive the highest standard of care throughout their hemodialysis journey.