Our Departmental Features are being run monthly, up to our Employee Recognition Week which is taking place February 26 to March 3, 2023. This initiative aligns with our Hospital’s strategic priority of Staff Experience, by recognizing and celebrating the work that our staff are doing every day. This month we are looking at the Hemodialysis Department!
In the Northwest Regional Renal Program, the Renal department staff provide treatment to those with Chronic/Acute kidney disease. We provide care to renal patients in a multi-disciplinary approach. Our team includes Nephrologists, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Social Workers, Dieticians, Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Biomedical Technologists, Clerks, Dialysis Aides, Vascular Access Coordinators, Home Dialysis Coordinators and Indigenous Coordinators. The Renal Program has approximately 140 employees within all the different areas.
One area that currently has recruitment needs is the Hemodialysis Satellite Units. These are smaller units located inside Meno Ya Win Hospital in Sioux Lookout and Riverside Hospital in Fort Frances. They are staffed by Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Employees.
Staff Story:
Satellite units offer several unique opportunities compared to larger renal dialysis units. Without an onsite Nephrologist or Charge Nurse to defer assessment and immediate decision-making, satellite nurses develop their skills competencies, leadership abilities, as well as critical thinking. Satellite units serve fewer patients which means fewer alarms and equipment clutter, generally a more peaceful environment for both patients and nurses. Also as a result of having fewer patients and staff, nurses have the opportunity to get to know their patients well so the atmosphere is familiar and collegial. When the satellite unit is in a remote or culturally distinct area, nurses have the opportunity to develop regional expertise, expanding on the already vital and indispensable role of hemodialysis nurses in the health care team. Heather Mesich, RN
In the renal program, we strive to ensure patients are involved in their care plan and decision-making processes for their treatment. We establish Goals of Care as directed by the patient very early in their renal journey and re-visit their goals of care with any care transitions.
Our patients who come to the hospital 3 times per week for in-centre hemodialysis spend upwards of 576 hours per year in our unit. We have tried to make the unit as comfortable as possible for these individuals with comfortable chairs for their 3-4 hour treatment, TVs at each station, warm blankets and an inviting atmosphere. Our staff become very close with the patients, families and caregivers.
We are always happy and willing to show the renal unit to anyone interested, just reach out!
This article has been edited for length, to see this full article and any prior Departmental Features, please visit the Human Resources, Employee Recognition page of the iNtranet.
