Hemodialysis Overview | Center for Professional Practice of Nursing | UC Davis Health

The Hemodialysis Overview eLearning course invites UC Davis Health registered nurses to learn how to deliver intermittent hemodialysis in the acute care setting. This course is open to all nurses. The course also meets the Cross-Trained Hemodialysis Process requirements.

Cross-Trained for Hemodialysis Process

Overview Cross-training for hemodialysis is a multi-step process that prepares the UC Davis Health inpatient registered nurse to achieve Cross-Trained for Hemodialysis status. Once this is achieved, the trained nurse can assist with hemodialysis treatments within the renal services department as directed by the Renal Services charge nurse. This training enhances the knowledge and skills of the inpatient registered nurse. This training can be maintained and advanced through yearly competency training and a monthly commitment to working in the acute care hemodialysis unit. Interested nurses should read through the details of the program and ask any questions they might have before committing to the training.

Steps to Achieve Cross-Trained for Hemodialysis Status 

The interested nurse works as an hourly paid inpatient registered nurse at UC Davis Health. The interested nurse must submit a 400–600-word letter of intent to the Renal Services Manager regarding their interest in obtaining Cross-Trained for Hemodialysis status. Once approved by the Renal Services Manager, the interested nurse will get the written permission of their home unit manager to use the Bridges to Excellence experience to establish time with a Renal Services preceptor. A minimum of 36 hours of precepting is required. The interested nurse will complete the UC Davis Health CPPN eLearning module, “Hemodialysis Cross-Training Program,” a recorded learner-paced course, and pass the posttest with a score of 84% or above (estimated time to complete is 2 - 2.5 hours). The approved applicant must provide their availability to work three weeks before the start of the next work schedule and provide availability for at least three 12-hour shifts for precepting through the Bridges to Excellence experience. The approved applicant is assigned to one CN III preceptor, and their precepting is scheduled accordingly. The precepting focuses on completing the Cross Training Hemodialysis Competency Checklist. Additional shift availability may be required to reach competency. Once competency is documented as achieved, the nurse is deemed to have Cross-Trained for Hemodialysis status and can be scheduled to work for Renal Services in the treatment room.

Maintaining Cross-Trained for Hemodialysis Status

The UC Davis Health registered nurse who has achieved Cross-Trained for Hemodialysis status maintains this status by completing the following: Attend and complete the Renal Services annual competency each year. Provide your work schedule and availability to the Renal Services AN II three weeks before the first day of the next schedule. Work a minimum of a single four-hour shift every 4 weeks. These minimum criteria must be met to maintain Cross-Trained for Hemodialysis status. Failure to do so forfeits the Cross-Trained for Hemodialysis status and the ability to work in Renal Services.

Continuing Education Contact Hours

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider number CEP 26, for 2.05 contact hours.

Coordinators

Maureen Craig, M.S.N., R.N.
Clinical Nurse Specialist