This is a hybrid program, consisting of:  

1. An online self-directed learning component
2. In person (virtual) classroom component via Zoom – link will be provided on MichBrite
3. In person (skills laboratory) component
4. A clinical practicum component

Upon successful completion of the course, the learner 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.  

• Recognize the impact of kidney disease on patients’ lived experience and understand the relationship between the biopsychosocial aspects of renal disease.  

• 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 to safely and efficiently perform all aspects of entry level Nephrology nursing care related to peritoneal dialysis.  

• Understand the difference between acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease and end stage kidney disease and the associated risk factors, etiologies, and therapeutic management approaches.  

• Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with patients, families, and/or substitute decision makers to optimize patient and family-centered Nephrology nursing care.  

• Apply the nursing process in the assessment, diagnosis, and planning of care to meet the unique and individualized needs of complex and comorbid renal patients.  

• Implement, evaluate, and document nursing interventions that complement advanced care planning decisions aimed at achieving optimal patient outcomes.  

• Use evidence-based strategies and tools to de-escalate responsive behaviors in renal patients, families, and/or substitute decision makers.  

• Collaborate with all members of the multidisciplinary team in providing complex care for patients with renal disease to achieve continuity of care and optimal patient outcomes.  

• Use evidence-based research and best practice guidelines to inform and adapt Nephrology nursing practice. 

• Engage in reflective practice and ongoing professional development to enhance competence in Nephrology care nursing. 

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

Hybrid Model:  

Online (virtual) classes  

Online self-study modules  

Clinical Practicum (Institution must provide Clinical Facilitator(s) & Preceptor(s))  

• Total # of Theory: 80 hours
• Total # of Clinical Practicum: 112 hours

Clinical Facilitator 

Each site must designate a Clinical Facilitator (1 Clinical Facilitator for every 10 new learners), who will provide guidance, learning support and 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.

Preceptor 

The preceptor is a nurse who shares knowledge and skills with the learner while modeling professional practice. The preceptor should be enthusiastic about teaching and keen to support students beginning their transition into renal nursing. The preceptor helps to create supportive learning environments and assesses the learning needs of students while helping to determine learning goals (UBC, 2022). Preceptors are appointed by the Clinical Facilitator. They may be transitional depending on staffing, or consistent throughout the 5-weeks of training. They are to provide feedback to the learner each week when completing the “preceptor/preceptee” form, which will then be reviewed by the Clinical Facilitator and Course Instructor.

Individual Pre-requisites: 

1. Valid RN/RPN license to practice nursing in Ontario 
2. 1 year nursing experience recommended, but not required.
3. Legal ability to work in Canada
4. Manager and/or supervisor support required

TBD

Shyalini Jeevakaran, RN, BScN, MN,  CNeph (C), Clinical Educator- Kidney and Metabolism – Unity Health Toronto. Program Developer and Course Facilitator 

Katey Peirson, Nurse Practitioner, MScN, PMNP – Program Developer and Course Facilitator, University Health Network, Toronto  

Rosaleen Nemec, RN, BScN, MAEd, CNeph (C), APNE Apheresis University Health Network and Clinical Practice Lead Dialysis SickKids Hospital, Toronto, Program Developer and Course Facilitator

This course is not available for individual registration.

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

TBD