[Competencies of Nephrology Nurses in Italy: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study]

Background. Nurses working in nephrology play a critical role in managing patients with kidney diseases, providing highly personalized care that integrates advanced technical and specialized competencies. However, the absence of a formal professional profile in Italy limits both professional development and the standardization of competencies. This study aims to explore the basic and advanced competencies of nephrology nurses to propose unified educational and professional standards. Design. A cross-sectional study based on an ad hoc questionnaire was conducted between March and May 2024 among nurses working in nephrology within the National Health Service, with dissemination support from the Society of Nephrology Nurses. The questionnaire was structured into three sections: theoretical knowledge, practical competencies, and professional development, and was validated through a pilot phase. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27 software. Results. The study involved 296 nurses, 77% of whom were employed in hemodialysis. Only 14% reported having completed specific post-basic training courses, while 71% expressed interest in further educational opportunities. Technical-specialist competencies in hemodialysis were widely applied, but significant gaps were identified in pharmacological management (37% with moderate or low competency levels) and nutrition (35% with moderate or low competency levels). Decision-making and communication skills scored higher, with 65% of participants perceiving themselves at a high or excellent level in these areas. Conclusion. This study represents an important step towards defining a comprehensive professional profile for nephrology nurses in Italy. The findings underscore the need of standardized educational and professional frameworks to promote formal recognition of this specialization while enhancing the quality of care through advanced competencies, humanized approaches, and personalized patient support.