The Intersection of Chronic Kidney Disease and Depression.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and depression often coexist, resulting in a complex interaction that can be detrimental to patient outcomes. This article examines the reciprocal association between CKD and depression, with a focus on the increased incidence of depression and the harmful effects of depressive symptoms among patients with CKD. Next, it investigates the role CKD plays as a risk factor for the onset and worsening of depression because symptoms of depression may interfere with the progression of CKD. In addition, it highlights the difficulties in making a suitable diagnosis between CKD progression and depression regarding overlapping symptoms. Finally, it emphasizes the impact of depression on CKD outcomes, and proposes routine screening and non-pharmacological and pharmaceutical therapies to ease this dual burden. It is critical to identify and treat depression in the context of CKD to maximize patient outcomes and promote a comprehensive treatment approach.

Combating the Nursing Shortage: Recruitment and Retention of Nephrology Nurses.

Nurses are a critical part of the health care system. Yet the nursing profession continually faces shortages in all specialties. Several causes and issues of concern related to the nursing shortage in nephrology are discussed, including the prevalence of kidney disease and its increasing number of associated comorbidities, which has also heightened the urgent need for nephrology nurses. Data have shown that the lack of nephrology nurses caring for patients with kidney disease impacts patient outcomes and nephrology nurse burnout. Strategies must be implemented to manage these growing needs that affect both patient outcomes and nurse staffing. This article aims to identify methods to combat the nursing shortage, promote recruitment and retention strategies for nephrology nurses, and discuss leadership issues related to the topic.

Assessing and Addressing Fundamentals of Social Determinants of Health Factors in Kidney Transplant Candidates and Recipients.

Non-medical factors can have a positive or negative effect on health outcomes and equity. These social determinants of health can play a role in patients' risk of developing kidney failure, as well as their access to kidney transplantation and long-term allograft survival. Nephrology nurses have the opportunity to identify and address negative social determinants of health factors in their patients because they are often patients' first contact in the nephrology setting. The purpose of this article is to promote nephrology nurses' and other nephrology health care providers' understanding of social determinants of health factors, and the fundamental practices for addressing them among kidney transplant candidates and kidney transplant recipients.

Addressing the Issue: Health Disparities and Social Determinants of Health Among Blacks/African Americans in Comparison to Non-Minorities with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a national public health problem. In the United States, diabetes, hypertension, and glomerular disease are the leading causes of end stage kidney disease (ESKD). However, Blacks/African Ameri cans are four times more likely than Whites/Caucasians to develop CKD. The progression of CKD and ESKD are examples of health disparities among the races. Address ing the social determinants of health is essential in improving the overall health of Blacks/African Americans and reducing longstanding inequities in health.

Nursing Care for Patients with Synthetic Arteriovenous Grafts.

Dealing with a growing older adult patient population, keeping pace with current guidelines, and adhering to new recommendations is a perpetual endeavor for healthcare professionals. Because determining the best access for individual patients is not always obvious, vascular access is a challenging aspect of patient care. This article presents information on the ever-evolving and improving world of vascular access, specifically synthetic grafts.

Improving Human Immunodeficiency Virus/AIDS Palliative Care in Critical Care.

BACKGROUND: Critical care nurses provide palliative care to many patients; often, this includes the patient diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS. Ongoing education about both palliative care and this complex diagnosis prepares the nurse to provide compassion and informed care. OBJECTIVES: This study examines the effects of an educational intervention addressing palliative care in the intensive care unit and the needs of the HIV/AIDS patients and families. The study will evaluate the critical care nurses' knowledge and competence in caring for this population following the educational sessions. METHODS: Thirty critical care nurses were recruited from the critical care unit at a hospital in the south. An HIV/AIDS palliative care course provided participants background knowledge, general principles, and opportunities for critical thinking regarding palliative care. A pretest and posttest on palliative care were provided to each subject to assess knowledge and confidence in palliative care in critical care nursing. RESULTS: The convenience sample of 30 nurses attained a mean pretest score of 82.9%. Their scores improved to 93.5% following the palliative care course. The nurses felt they improved in providing palliative care to patients and in taking responsibility for their practice. Ninety-three percent of the participants wanted to incorporate a palliative care course in nursing orientation. DISCUSSION: The course improved nurses' knowledge of palliative care for HIV/AIDS patients and their competency in palliative care. Thus, the palliative care course gave nurses deeper insight and improved their ability to provide competence palliative care.