Chapter 1. Concepts and principles of quality management.

Quality and continuous quality improvement play a key role in health care. The specialty of nephrology is no exception. Quality and its ongoing improvement is the right thing to do because of the human lives at stake.

A field guide to iron needs in the patient on hemodialysis.

It is essential for nephrology nurses to understand the basics of iron function and the importance of maintaining iron balance in their patients. Iron forms the cornerstone of oxygen delivery in the body and is the most essential nutrient for the building of healthy erythrocytes. Given the vital importance of iron, the body has devised elaborate and tightly controlled mechanisms to transport iron to the bone marrow for hemoglobin production, recycle iron from dying erythrocytes, and prevent iron loss.

Staff nurses' perceptions of the work environment in freestanding hemodialysis facilities.

While one suggested cause of the current nursing shortage is nurses' negative perceptions of the work environment, little is known of nephrology nurses' perceptions of the dialysis work environment. The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which staff nurses who work in freestanding hemodialysis facilities rate the presence of organizational characteristics common to magnet hospitals in their current job. Study findings indicate that staff nurses in hemodialysis units identify several notable features of magnet hospitals in their work settings.

Staff nurses' perceptions of the work environment in freestanding hemodialysis facilities.

While one suggested cause of the current nursing shortage is nurses' negative perceptions of the work environment, little is known of nephrology nurses' perceptions of the dialysis work environment. The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which staff nurses who work in freestanding hemodialysis facilities rate the presence of organizational characteristics common to magnet hospitals in their current job. Study findings indicate that staff nurses in hemodialysis units identify several notable features of magnet hospitals in their work settings.