The Shortage of Expert Nephrology Nurses in Hemodialysis: A Literature Review.

The expert nephrology nurse is an integral part of quality care and essential for continuity of care in the renal community. A review of literature focused on the expert nephrology nurse, the need for these experts in the hemodialysis setting, and how the shortage of expert nephrology nurses may impact patient outcomes. The purpose was to synthesize the current literature to provide an understanding of the shortage of expert nephrology nurses. The review of 140 articles dated from 1984 through 2016 resulted in 65 that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results of this literature review of shortage of expert nephrology nurses prompts concern for the renal community and its patients.

Preceptor expectations and issues with nurse practitioner clinical rotations.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was (a) to identify nurse practitioner (NP) preceptor expectations of university faculty members and students, (b) to understand the best methods of communication between university faculty members and the preceptors, and (c) to elicit issues for improvement for the precepting experience. DATA SOURCES: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive design. A survey was sent to all clinicians who precepted NP students from the University of Hawaii from 2003 to 2004 (n= 108). CONCLUSIONS: The response rate was 67% (28% males and 72% females) with a mean age of 46.3 years. Sixty-eight percent of the respondents were NPs, 28% were doctors, and 4% were nurse midwives. The majority of preceptors expected two site visits per semester (51%), that faculty members should observe two patient visits with students (57%), and 65% said the first site visit should occur in the first 4 weeks of the semester. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Conducting an assessment of preceptor's issues and expectations of faculty site visits can improve relationships with preceptors and secure and maintain clinical placements for NP students. Recommendations include improving communication, establishing guidelines for site visits, and periodic assessment of progress in preceptor-student relationships.