Nursing in Minnesota

Dialysis

The hemodialysis units for SMH and RMH provide care for the hospitalized acute/chronic renal failure patient. The SMH inpatient dialysis unit is an eleven bed unit. The RMH inpatient dialysis unit is a five bed unit. Portable hemodialysis equipment supports dialysis needs in the ICU, when patients are unable to be transported to the main units.

The dialysis nurse is responsible for all forms of renal replacement therapy, including hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and continuous renal replacement therapies across the age continuum. Nursing care focuses on close assessment and monitoring of the patient during their dialysis treatment, patient, family and staff education, and dismissal planning in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.

Scheduling options:

• Self scheduling
• Closed staffing
• 10 and 12 hour shifts are utilized for 24 hour coverage