RPNs in nephrology?

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Hi everyone, I was just wondering if anyone has info on nephrology nursing for RPNs? I am an RPN in Ontario, currently working in a family practice and very interested in taking the Nephrology course at Humber. I just don't know if there's a demand for it and what the duties of RPNs would be exactly. Anyone working or was working in nephrology who could shed some light on this? Thank you!

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I don't know much about it personally, but I met another RPN out and about just by chance one day and she said demand is rising for RPNs in nephrology. I've also spoken to a couple nurses at work who say the dialysis units are quite physically and mentally heavy and pts can be unpleasant (of course due to their condition).

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Thanks for sharing! I didn't think it would be physically and mentally heavy as I always thought it would be very routine and predictable. I'm sure there will be unpleasant pts too.. can never be avoided..

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The containers of diaylasis fluid are heavy. You carry multiple bottles over the course of a shift.

You clean and restring your machines and have to move the biohazard containers.

The patients are weak after their run. A few require help transferring.

Mentally? You are responsible for ensuring the correct fluids are used, the correct amount is drawn off the patient. Monitoring your three during their runs. Reinforcing dietary restrictions.

It is very routine and that's why you have to be mentally alert.

In my system Nephrology refers to the patient who require kidney surgery and works closely with Urology. Dialysis is a separate service

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Do RPNs do cannulation? Thank you, those things are exactly what I need to know before I decide on taking up the course.

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Do RPNs do cannulation? Thank you, those things are exactly what I need to know before I decide on taking up the course.

Yes. Fistula are usually a 14 or 16. CVCs as well, usued mainly by new patients who are waiting for their fistula to be ready for use

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Hi arabella0423, I am also an RPN in Ontario and thinking of taking Nephrology Nursing at Humber. I was looking into this program and Humber offers online classes as well.

I was gonna post a topic about this, but I'll just follow your post since we have the same queries.

I am still contemplating what kind of course I'm going to take, I am a new grad. and looking into getting a hospital job in the future and hoping that taking extra courses will help me get into the hospital.

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Specializes in NICU.

I'm in Ontario, one of the hospitals in my city has a nephrology unit and dialysis is separate. RPNs are currently not in either area.

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If you look at the job qualifications for nephrology nursing positions, they usually ask for 2 years medical surgical experience. If you look at the CNO 2016 membership statistics, you can see the breakdown of nursing employers for RPNs for example

>11,000 RPNs work in acute care,

>15,000 work in LTC,

>3,000 work in retirement homes,

> 2,500 work in complex care in hospitals

With so few RPN nephrology positions available and so many RPNs already working in acute care, does it really seem like the odds will be in your favour, even if you complete the nephrology course?

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Hi Nurse_Faith, I'm glad to meet someone here who is interested in the course too! Do update me on any information you come by. Have you also considered OR nursing? I believe Centennial offers it.

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I see.. I guess not a lot of hospitals utilize RPNs at nephrology units. Thanks for the info. I'm in Toronto, ON btw.

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