Investigating Perceptions of Quality Nephrology Nurse Training

Nephrology nursing shortages are becoming a critical problem in South Australian renal units due to increasing caseloads and high levels of attrition.

We sought to explore this issue from the perspective of renal unit nurse managers, nephrology nurse educators, and nursing staff working within haemodialysis units, home therapies and a renal ward.

A qualitative approach was taken through individual interviews and several focus groups to allow an open exploration of the current workforce challenges and the aspects of nephrology nurse training that needed to be improved.

Thirty-three nephrology nurses drawn from four health services participated in a face-to-face interview or a focus group with several others.

Staff shortages are described as chronic, and the problem starts with the undergraduate training programme and limited clinical exposure. This is compounded by employment of nurses with no post graduate qualification and limited desire to study for one. Nephrology nursing is now a buyers' market with staff attracted to units with no night shift and the simplicity of haemodialysis therapies. This is creating technicians not knowledgeable renal nurses.

To address staff shortages renal units need to consider the reintroduction of clinical rotations and incentives to complete post graduate training.