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American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) position statements identify ANNA's position on specific issues that have been identified as important to nephrology nursing. ANNA members can utilize these position statements to [...]

A professional nursing organization has a responsibility to its members and the public it serves to develop standards of practice. As the professional organization for all nephrology registered nurses (RNs), [...], The Nephrology Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice, 9th Edition, published by the American Nephrology Nurses Association, defines the scope of nephrology nursing and provides standards of practice, standards of professional performance, and competencies for registered nurses and graduate-level prepared registered nurses (e.g., advanced practice registered nurses, clinical nurse specialists) in an approach consistent with the American Nurses Association's Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice, published in 2021. Discussions addressing respect, equity, inclusion, and social justice have been included in the 9th edition. A new section related to altered/crisis standards has been added to assist nephrology nurses in developing strategies for implementing those standards. The section on how to use the standards has been updated with forms that organizations can download and individualize. This article provides an overview of the scope, standards, competencies, and strategies for implementing them in clinical practice. Key Words: Scope and standards, clinical practice, nephrology nursing, crisis standards, regulation, nephrology nursing model, nephrology nursing regulatory model.

One standard of practice for the nephrology nurse is quality of practice. The nephrology registered nurse (RN) is to participate in quality improvement (QI) initiatives. This includes collecting data to [...], The dialysis survey process can be used to enhance an outpatient dialysis facility's quality improvement program. While preparing for a survey, facilities have an opportunity to find and address issues and areas for improvement of safety and outcomes. During a dialysis survey, issues of immediate patient danger may be discovered, and immediate action will need to be taken. Once the survey has been completed, the facility must correct any identified issues. As part of the Plan of Correction (POC) and the quality assurance performance improvement (QAPI) process, the root cause of problems or issues should be identified. Once root causes are identified, action plans can be developed. Monitoring of outcomes is a critical part of any effective POC. Dashboards and audit tools can be used and discussed in QAPI so the plan can be revised, if needed. Key Words: Quality improvement, quality assessment and performance improvement, QAPI, survey.

The Oxford English Dictionary (n.d.) defines quality as 'the standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind; the degree of excellence of something.' For those in [...], Many opportunities exist for quality improvement activities in dialysis. As dialysis providers, it is important to know what quality measures are being evaluated. This article provides a summary of quality indicators nephrology nurses can measure and review to ensure quality patient care. Key Words: Quality improvement, patient safety, dialysis, standards of care, health care performance measures, quality of care, quality assessment performance improvement, QAPi.

The greatest mistake is to continue to practice a mistake. --Bobby Bowden, Head Football Coach, Florida State Every year in May, nurses around the world celebrate Nurses Week, which corresponds [...], An important factor for quality and safety in patient care is an environment in which quality and safety are prioritized and embedded into the culture. Quality improvement (QI) methods can be complex, with some intensive resources required and specific methods employed. However, all staff can be involved in QI if the problem is approached with curiosity and the process is kept simple, with a consistent goal of improving practices. The purpose of this article is to highlight some simple but effective QI methods authored by all-star nephrology nurses that can be easily applied by teams in various settings with minimal resources. Key Words: Quality improvement, quality methods, nephrology nursing.

The latest edition of the Nephrology Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice (9th edition) is currently being updated. This essential publication is the guide post for nephrology nurses. These scopes [...]

The UK statutory bodies for nursing have been debating the issue of standards for specialist nursing education for a number of years. Project 2000 recommended, in 1986, that there should be post-registration qualifications, and the United Kingdom Central Council (UKCC) began to develop a framework in 1989 which led to a requirement that all registered nurses follow a basic course of study. The UKCC also began the process of defining specialist nursing and developing educational programme standards for specialist practitioners.

The board of directors for the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) has decided not to require oncology nurses to have a BSN in order to take the Oncology Certified Nurse [...]

Transitional arrangements in the UK nursing profession are helping nurses acquire the title of specialist practitioner by accrediting work and training they have already done. They benefit nurses who were working before the Project 2000 programmes began and will end in Oct 1998. The arrangements allow nurses to use the title of specialist practitioner if they have followed a four-month course related to their specialist practice and gained a post-registration qualification, and if their employer is satisfied they have the skills and knowledge appropriate to the role.

This article discusses the latest developments in the standardization of advanced nursing job titles. Topics include job qualifications, benchmarking, and career advancement.