The Role of A Nurse In Health Education of Hemodialysis Patients

Theoretical background: Kidney system is one of the most important system in human body. Acute and chronic kidney disease impact on patients quality of living. Hemodialysis is one of the options of treatment in kidney failure. Methodology: We used descriptive and quantity method of researching in diploma work survey. Survey was performed in Clinical center Maribor, department of dialysis and included 30 registered nurses, working on dialysis ward of university clinical center Maribor. Results: Survey showed that 90 % of employees are female, 10 % male, 33 % age range is between 46–55 years old, 33 % of employees have 10–20 years of working experience in dialysis ward. 93 % nurses said that most of knowledge is given by elder colleagues. 70 % nurses said that practical knowledge is more important than formal education. Education of hemodialysis patients is continuous 67 % nurses answered, first education about hemodialysis is given by medical doctor-nephrologist, furthermore, is given by registered nurse, 60 % of survey participants answered. 40 % of nurses estimate that patients before first hemodialysis do not understand procedure of hemodialysis, 33 % of nurses answered that patient partly understand procedure of hemodialysis. 57 % of nurses answered that education lasts 30 minutes, 57 % of nurses answered that time limit is too short. Discussion: In addition to the doctor, role of registered nurse in treatment of hemodialysis patient is crucial. With nurses professionalism, empathy and specific knowledge, nurses contributes in quality care of hemodialysis patients