Renal care without nephrology nurses: a nightmare come true?

It seems appropriate in our turbulent clinical practice that we spend some time daydreaming about the future of nursing and particularly, nephrology nurses' role. Contemplating a health care environment devoid of nephrology nurses, we can start our imaginary travels in the acute care hospital setting and then move to an outpatient clinic.

The Long, Complicated Journey

The patient has been properly admitted through the hospital admissions office where a receptionist assists with completion of the insurance paperwork and possibly provides information on advanced directives. A hospital volunteer escorts the patient and family to the assigned room, and a staff nurse orients them to …