Fundamentals in Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) provides learners with the knowledge, specialized skills and enhanced judgement to competently perform kidney care in a variety of environments (i.e., outpatient PD, satellite centers, renal and transplant clinics, acute inpatient units, etc.).

This 5-week program provides entry to practice renal competencies for RPNs/RNs and can be used in place of institution specific peritoneal dialysis orientation. An enhanced focus on kidney care across the spectrum will be provided, with emphasis in peritoneal dialysis.

The innovative course design integrates the clinical experience through 5 weeks of synchronous and asynchronous virtual learning, helping learners integrate new knowledge into their nephrology practice through didactic and self-directed learning modalities and a comprehensive clinical practicum.

At the end of the program, successful learners will have competency in the execution of safe, ethical and effective PD care. Learners will also possess an ability to perform advanced nursing assessments and interventions and represent themselves as key members of the multidisciplinary team.

The curriculum is grounded in the concepts and practice standards derived from the Canadian Association of Nephrology Nurses and Technologists (CAANT), the Canadian Society of Nephrology (CSN) and the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).

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
• 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