This is a hybrid program, consisting of:

1. An online self-directed learning component
2. In person (virtual) classroom component
3. In person (skills laboratory) component
4. A clinical practicum component

Upon successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:

• Practice within the scope of professional, legal and ethical standards, organization policies and best practices in Nephrology nursing.
• Deliver holistic, compassionate, and effective care for renal patients with a focus on health promotion and illness prevention.
• Establish proficiency in the assessment, care and management of dialysis vascular access.
• Identify abnormal renal anatomy and physiology, pharmacological interventions and dietary approaches used to meet the needs of complex renal patients.
• Demonstrate knowledge of dialysis therapies (including machine mechanics) to safely and efficiently perform all aspects of entry level Nephrology nursing care related to hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Successful completion of both the clinical practicum and the classroom component assessments are required in order to achieve certification in this course.

Exam and Assessments

Include but not limited to:

• Tests
• Machine Training
• Mid Term and Final Exams
• Clinical Practicum

Hybrid Model:

Online (virtual) classes
Online self-study modules
Clinical Practicum (Institution must provide Clinical Facilitator(s) & Preceptor(s))

Total Number of Theory: 168 hours
Total Number of Clinical Practicum: 112 hours

Each site must designate a Clinical Facilitator (1 Clinical Facilitator for every 10 new learners), who will provide guidance, learning support and evaluate learners in the clinical placement setting. This role will most often be filled by an Educator, CNS, PCC or Clinic Coordinator. The Clinical Facilitator is NOT the preceptor.

Individual Pre requisites:

1. Valid RN/RPN license to practice nursing in Ontario
2. 1 year acute care nursing experience recommended
3. Legal ability to work in Canada
4. Manager and/or supervisor support required

The following textbook is recommended to support your learning in this course. It is the responsibility of the student to purchase the book.

Core Curriculum for Nephrology Nursing, 7th Edition. Caroline S. Counts, Editor. Published by ANNA (2020).

Katey Peirson, RN (EC) – Acute Adult, MScN, NP
Rosaleen Nemec, RN, BScN, MAEd, CNeph(c)
Shyalini Jeevakaran, BscN, RN, MN
Michelle Gabriel RN, BScN, MSc HSED, CNeph(c)
Paulina Bleah, MN, NP-PHC, PhD Student

Katey Peirson is a Nephrology Nurse Practitioner at Toronto General Hospital who has spent the last 5 years of her career focused on the promotion of kidney health and management of complex kidney disease. In her former work as an Advanced Practice Nurse Educator for the UHN Nephrology Program – she found great joy in building comprehensive Nephrology content and training budding hemodialysis nurses entering the world of renal care. Katey has a diverse clinical and educational background, years of teaching and learning experience, and a passion for providing patient and family centered care.

Rosaleen Nemec has been a Nephrology nurse for 20 years at SickKids in Toronto working with the pediatric dialysis population. She holds a Nephrology certificate and Masters of Arts in Education. Rose has designed orientation programs for the pediatric and adult programs at UHN in Toronto, and as well as local colleges. Rose is also the educator for the Apheresis program at UHN. She has participated in many research projects and has published articles in Nephrology and Apheresis.

Shyalini Jeevakaran has 18 years of experience as a nurse in Medical and Surgical Oncology, Peritoneal, Hemodialysis, Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Alzheimer’s and Dementia, General Internal Medicine, and Multi-Organ Transplant. She has a passion for teaching and lifelong learning, and demonstrates this commitment to excellence in teaching by creating a positive learning environment that accommodates learners’ diverse cultural and educational backgrounds, experiences and individual learning styles. In addition, she ensures the use of best practices in adult education to create an engaging teaching and learning environment for learners through tailoring effective teaching and learning strategies. Shyalini currently works as an Advance Practice Nurse Educator at University Health Network, covering Multi-Organ Transplant and Nephrology.

Paulina Bleah is a Nurse Practitioner with the NORC Invocation Centre and Connected Care at UHN. Prior to this role, Paulina worked as a nurse practitioner with the in-patient nephrology department at Toronto General Hospital for 7 years, where she provided care for patients on hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Currently, Paulina is pursuing her PhD at Queen’s University. Her PhD research is focused understanding the contextual and structural factors that influence the experience of living with diabetes in Liberia, West Africa. Beyond her research activities, Paulina is a founding member of a community of practice for PhD students in the health sciences called The Nurse Scientist – where she contributes primarily as the communications director for this group. She is passionate about teaching and mentoring students, and providing support along their professional journey so that they can flourish.

Michelle Gabriel is a curious nurse that has a passion for Nephrology Nursing. In her 23 years of experience she has worked with both pediatric and adult populations in the areas of peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis and multi organ transplant. Her previous experience includes being a Pre Transplant Coordinator and she is currently the Clinical Nurse Educator on the Inpatient Transplant/Nephrology/Urology ward and Home Dialysis Team at St. Michael’s Hospital.

This course is not available for individual registration.

Hospital inquiries: please contact ce@michener.ca for more information

Upcoming Program Dates:

Fall 2023:

• September 18 – November 3, 2023

Winter 2024:

• January 15 – March 1, 2024

Spring 2024:

• April 15 – May 31, 2024

Summer 2024:

• July 15 – August 30, 2024