This course prepares students by providing a deepened understanding of the complexities related to the experiences and effects of kidney disease on the daily life of individuals and their families. Throughout the course, there will be an emphasis on person centered care as it applies to kidney disease. Students will be given the opportunity to examine current research, use critical thinking and problem solving skills, and incorporate nursing models and frameworks to further their understanding of the lived reality that kidney disease patients and their families must undertake.

This course prepares the learner with the knowledge required to understand the normal anatomical structures and physiological functions of the renal system. It introduces the experienced nurse to etiology and pathophysiology related to acute and chronic kidney conditions, their diagnoses, typical progression and common implications for individuals at risk for developing or affected by kidney disease and their families.

This course deepens the learner's understanding of authentic therapeutic relationships within the context of caring for the person with kidney disease through health promotion, disease prevention and management, and palliative care/end-of-life care. A person- and family-centered approach is emphasized as foundational to developing and implementing an individual plan of care in collaboration with the interprofessional team. Team-based interventions to support patient empowerment and well-being throughout the lifespan and course of treatment are stressed.

Hemodialysis is a common renal replacement therapy offered in hospital-based units and increasingly in community-based settings, including the home. This course prepares the learner with requisite knowledge for providing competent, safe and ethical care to the hemodialysis patient, as guided by the nursing process, evidence-based practices and a person-centered approach to care. Methods and tools that support clinical decision-making and comprehensive approaches to care are emphasized.

This course examines professional nursing practice in the context of caring for individuals undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Emphasis is placed on the delivery of competent, safe and ethical care for this patient population, as guided by the nursing process, evidence-based practices and a person-centered approach to care. Methods and tools that support clinical decision-making and comprehensive approaches to care are emphasized.

This course provides the learner with opportunities to deepen, integrate and apply knowledge related to concepts, care and treatments modalities in nephrology nursing. Learners will apply professional practice concepts and synthesize knowledge acquired throughout the program by developing and presenting a knowledge integration project that emphasizes an evidence-based and person-centred approach to meeting complex needs of populations at risk for or affected by kidney disease. Building upon curricular outcomes of the program, emphasis is placed on emerging trends, issues and health system transformation priorities related to the growing need to provide care in community-based settings.