Experienced dialysis nurses often specialize in the care of certain populations such as pediatric, adult or elderly patients. Others build their expertise in a clinical area such as transplantation, continuous renal replacement therapy or palliative care.
Dialysis nurses may be promoted to supervisory positions such as nurse manager, organ recovery coordinator or transplant coordinator. Others leave the clinical setting to enter teaching, conduct research or serve as consultants to the healthcare, medical equipment and pharmaceutical industries.
Dialysis nurses who hold a master’s degree or doctorate often pursue certification as advanced practice nurses. This allows them to serve as primary care providers of people with kidney disease. In many states, advanced practice nurses write prescriptions and perform many of the same functions as a physician.
Some experienced dialysis nurses transition into nephrology case management. In this role, they provide patient advocacy and ensure continuity of care for patients living with kidney disease.
If you would like to gain the necessary education to become a dialysis nurse, we highly recommend that you check out our free School Finder Tool located