The design of a hemodialysis nursing orientation program

Ludlow, Valerie MN, RN, CNeph(C)
Gaudine, Alice PhD, RN
Jacobs, Marilyn MN, RN

Valerie Ludlow, MN, RN, CNeph(C), is Research Assistant/Staff Nurse, Hemodialysis, Memorial University of Newfoundland/Eastern Health Corporation, St. John's, NL.
Alice Gaudine, PhD, RN, is Associate Professor, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL.
Marilyn Jacobs, MN, RN, is Assistant Professor, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL.

Address correspondence to Valerie Ludlow at: Dialysis Unit/Medicine Program, Health Science Complex, 300 Prince Phillip Drive, St. John's, NL A1B 3V6 e-mail:[email protected]

Submitted for publication: November 19, 2006. Accepted for publication in revised form: January 28, 2007.

CANNT Journal 17(2):p 44-47, April-May-June 2007.

Abstract

With the ever-increasing number of persons requiring treatment for kidney disease, the need for competent hemodialysis (HD) nurses continues. Professional organizations support the use of nursing orientation programs, which have been shown to decrease staff turnover. An instructor's manual, student's handbook and learner's manual for HD orientation were developed in response to this need.instructional design model guided the creation of this material, while Bandura's concept of self-efficacy (1997) andgave direction for implementing this program. The focus of this paper is to outline how the instructional development model, self-efficacy concept and adult learning theory supported the development of this HD orientation. The materials developed for the orientation program should enable new HD nurses to provide improved holistic care to their patients and families.