title: Education on fluid management and encouraging critical thinking skills.
abstract: The unit is currently utilizing hematocrit-based blood volume monitoring on each patient, resulting in improved monitoring in patients achieving their target weight. The nurses expressed confidence in their understanding of the use of hematocrit-based blood volume monitoring. This learning experience provided a vivid look at the importance of fluid management in nephrology nursing. This area should always be included in nephrology nurse competencies and represented in a way that it ignites critical thinking within the nursing professional. It is the responsibility of a professional nurse to stay current in evidence-based practice and continuing education. Professional pride stimulates nephrology nurses to seek new learning experiences to enhance their practice.
authors.affiliation: Medical Specialty Care Clinics, Veteran Administration Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA. willettedale@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Willette
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Dale
mesh_terms: D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000628:therapy*; D009729:Nursing; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D013850:Thinking