Renal/Nephrology Nurse at St. Lukes Orthopaedics & Trauma Hospital

Job Purpose

The Renal/Nephrology Nurse will provide comprehensive specialized nursing care to patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and end stage renal disease (ESRD). The successful candidate will safely administer and monitor extracorporeal therapies, specifically  hemodialysis, manage vascular accesses, deliver holistic patient education, and support the clinical team within the hospital’s Renal Unit to maintain high safety and quality nursing standards. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities  

• Initiate, monitor, and terminate hemodialysis treatments for acute and chronic renal patients in accordance with established clinical protocols.  
• Assess patients pre-, intra-, and post-dialysis, including checking vital signs, fluid balance status,  weight, and laboratory values.  
• Cannulate and manage arteriovenous (AV) fistulas, grafts, and central venous dialysis catheters using strict aseptic techniques.  
• Promptly recognize and effectively manage intra-dialytic complications such as hypotension, muscle  cramps, chest pain, and air embolisms.  
• Operate, program, troubleshoot, and perform routine disinfection and maintenance checks on hemodialysis machines and water treatment systems.  
• Administer specialized renal medications, including erythropoietin, iron infusions, anticoagulants (heparin), and intravenous therapies as prescribed.  
• Provide comprehensive patient and family education regarding renal diet restrictions (fluid, potassium, phosphorus, sodium), medication adherence, and home-care protocols.  
• Collaborate with Nephrologists, Medical Officers, and Nutritionists during multidisciplinary ward rounds and patient care planning.  
• Maintain meticulous and timely nursing documentation, including treatment flow sheets, patient responses, care plans, and incident reports.  
• Adhere strictly to infection prevention and control policies, ensuring appropriate containment of blood-borne pathogens.  
• Participate actively in clinical audits, quality improvement initiatives, and Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs within the renal department.  
• Respond effectively to medical emergencies within the unit and participate in the renal department’s shift roster and on-call coverage.  
• Undertake any other nursing duties assigned by the Unit Manager or hospital administration

Qualifications and Experience  

• Diploma in Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing (KRCHN) or a Bachelor of Science in  
• Nursing (BScN) from a recognized institution.  
• Higher Diploma in Nephrology Nursing / Renal Nursing from an institution recognized in Kenya.  
• Active registration and a valid Annual Practising Licence from the Nursing Council of Kenya  (NCK).  
• Minimum of two (2) to three (3) years of clinical experience in a busy, dedicated Renal/Dialysis unit within a Level 4, Level 5, or Level 6 hospital.  
• Valid certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is  highly desirable.  
• Demonstrated competence in operating modern hemodialysis machinery and interpreting basic renal panel laboratory profiles

Competency  

• Advanced clinical and specialized technical skills in nephrology care and extracorporeal therapies.  
• Strong critical thinking, rapid decision-making, and problem-solving abilities during intra-dialytic crises.  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to offer empathetic care to chronically ill patients.  
• High ethical standards, professional integrity, and meticulous attention to infection control.  
• Ability to work effectively under pressure within a fast-paced clinical environment.  
• Strong documentation, computing, and organizational skills.