[Nursing in the advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) unit]

ACKD units should be equipped with a nephrology nurse, who to carry out his/her function adequately and contribute to the objectives of the ACKD unit should have the following: - Specific training as a nephrology nurse. - Own work area and appointments schedule. - Full-time commitment to nephrology. - A direct phone line to be able to contact patients and vice versa. - Well-established communication channels between nursing staff and nephrologists. Objectives of the nephrology nursing unit: - Patients treated in this unit have a CrCl < or >or= 30 ml/min. - Foster self-care and patient autonomy. - Preserve GFR as long as possible by delaying progression of the disease. - Optimize patient quality of life in the pre-KRT period. - Reduce comorbidity. - Support patient in the decision on KRT. - Coordinate planning of vascular access and/or peritoneal catheter. - Schedule entry into chosen kidney replacement therapy, preventing complications and use of temporary accesses. - The nurse of this unit should be trained in clinical interviewing techniques.