Summary and Overview of Programme

Our Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) course is a detailed and comprehensive 5-day program designed specifically for PD nurses. This professional education opportunity focuses on maintaining continual PD learning. The curriculum integrates lectures covering ESRD data, anatomy/physiology of the kidney, pathophysiology of renal failure, principles of peritoneal dialysis, peritoneal dialysis catheters and management, PD solutions, PD adequacy/quality assurance, PD prescription/patient assessment, CAPD/APD therapies, peritoneal dialysis complications, nutrition/fluid management, patient education, and practical hands-on experience.

Successful completion of the PD course provides nurses with the knowledge and practical skills required to manage PD patients effectively throughout their treatment journey, from initiation to conclusion.

Summary and Overview of Programme

The prime goal of the Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) Fundamentals programme is to support healthcare facilities wishing to establish PD units. The purpose of the PD Fundamentals programme is to (a) improve scientific and practical knowledge in PD, (b) build confidence in PD practice, (c) ensure safety of patients, (d) achieve key performance indicators (KPIs) and (e) standardize medical practice in PD therapy. This programme provides an important continuing education opportunity for nurses new to nephrology to understand the essentials of peritoneal dialysis.

The contents of the PD Fundamentals programme are scientific and evidence-based, have broad coverage (basic theoretical concepts, PD unit requirements, simulators and hands-on skills, clinical outcome parameters, etc.), and presented and demonstrated in quality and clear description. The PD Fundamentals programme, which runs over 5 full working days four times per year, is provided at hospital/centre level. This is usually based on the hospital/healthcare facility’s request to meet their operational needs and/or requirements for nurses to be upskilled in PD practice.

Upon successful completion of the program and passing a comprehensive examination, a “Peritoneal Dialysis Fundamentals” certificate is awarded. In addition, PD Fundamentals has been commanded and accredited by the EDTNA/ERCA with 20 CME hours and endorsed by the international Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD). More recently, a new updated online version of the PD Fundamentals programme has been created, which is accessible to all healthcare professionals around the globe.

Summary and Overview of Programme

The NCA Dialysis Nursing programme is a comprehensive program designed to equip nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the specialised field of dialysis care. The programme encompasses a range of topics, including renal anatomy and physiology, principles of dialysis, infection control, patient assessment, and communication skills. Through a combination of theoretical learning and hands-on training, nurses develop expertise in operating dialysis machines, monitoring patients during treatments, and addressing the unique needs of individuals undergoing dialysis.

Summary and Overview of Programme

Our CRRT (Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy) course is a comprehensive 5-day program designed specifically for ICU nurses. This course provides an opportunity for participants to acquire in-depth knowledge and hands-on skills necessary for performing advanced CRRT procedures. The curriculum is structured to cover the entire patient journey, beginning with a detailed exploration of kidney anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and the causes of acute kidney injury leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Participants will gain a global view of ESRD data and receive a detailed explanation of renal replacement therapies, including CVVHDF, CVVD, and CVVH principles. The core of the course involves extensive hands-on training with the CRRT multiFiltratePRO device, accompanied by a tailored Ci-Ca anti-coagulation protocol. Additionally, the course addresses intradialytic complications, their management, and fluid management techniques.

Upon successful completion of the CRRT course, ICU nurses will possess the knowledge and practical skills required to manage CRRT patients comprehensively, from initiation to completion.

Summary and Overview of Programme

In October 2023, the Nephrology Nursing Specialty Programme was offered by the Educational Sector of Nursing Services, Ministry of Health of Cyprus, and the Nursing Programme of the University of Nicosia for the first time ever in Cyprus. The programme was also supported by the Nephrology Sector of the Cyprus Nurses and Midwives Association (CyNMA).

The mission of the programme is to prepare graduate nurses to be leaders in the delivery of high-quality health care to individuals with kidney disease and the advancement of renal nursing specialty.

By equipping nephrology nurses with advanced knowledge, abilities, and care approaches, it develops them into experts capable of enhancing the quality of life for kidney patients and improving the outcomes of kidney disease care. It further significantly contributes to the ongoing development of nursing in Cyprus.

The Nephrology Nursing Specialty Programme was developed based on The European Core Curriculum for a Post-Basic Course in Nephrology Nursing of EDTNA/ERCA and the actual needs for the best possible care provision to people with kidney disease in Cyprus. The curriculum was established with the guidance and support of the EDTNA/ERCA Accreditation Committee, in order to suitably train nephrology nurse practitioners, considering the most recent developments in the treatment of kidney illness. The programme has been accredited by EDTNA/ERCA until 2027.

In December 2023, the first ever Certificates of Completion of the Nephrology Nursing Specialty Programme in Cyprus were awarded to 27 graduates.

The interest of nurses in attending the programme from both the public and private sectors is remarkable. The goal for all involved in the Nephrology Nursing Specialty Programme is all nurses working in the care of kidney patients in Cyprus to be specialist in renal care.

Summary and Overview of Programme

Our Hemodialysis (HD) course is a 5-day program designed to provide nurses with ongoing professional development in the field of hemodialysis. The curriculum encompasses a series of lectures covering the entire dialysis journey, from kidney anatomy/physiology and renal failure pathophysiology to the physico-chemical principles of hemodialysis and ESRD data.

Participants will explore every facet of dialysis, including renal replacement therapies, principles of Hemodiafiltration (HDF), water usage in dialysis, membranes, fluids, concentrates, machines, vascular access/assessment, adequacy/quality assurance, prescription/patient monitoring/education, HD complications/management/nutrition, fluid management/hygiene, and patient education/pre-dialysis. The course places a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on experience.

Successful completion of the HD course ensures that nurses are equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to manage hemodialysis patients effectively from the beginning to the end of their treatment.

Summary and Overview of Programme

The Postgraduate Course in Dialysis for Nurses is a resource to acquire, develop and deepen knowledge and skills, where the student contacts a faculty made up of experts who develop their clinical practice and research in the area and who are deeply committed to successful learning.

This course provides a very complete theoretical component, where all aspects related to the provision of nursing care will be addressed, with a view to providing global care to the person and family, and to promote a better quality of life for people with kidney disease and their families, intervening in the physical, psychological and social dimensions. The course will also have a practical component where the student will carry out an internship in the context of a hemodialysis clinic, putting into practice the knowledge acquired in the theoretical component.

The students completes the course with a Postgraduate qualification.