Volume 72, Issue 1 e13085
SCOPING REVIEW

Exploring the competencies of nephrology nurses: A comprehensive scoping review

Desirèe Andreoli RN, MSc

Desirèe Andreoli RN, MSc

Azienda Ospedaliera Santa Maria della Misericordia, Perugia, Italy

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Sara Morales Palomares RN, PhD

Sara Morales Palomares RN, PhD

Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences (DFSSN), University of Calabria, Rende, Italy

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Stefano Mancin RN, MSc, PhD

Corresponding Author

Stefano Mancin RN, MSc, PhD

IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy

Correspondence

Stefano Mancin, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano Milan, Italy.

Email: [email protected]

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Mauro Parozzi RN, MSc

Mauro Parozzi RN, MSc

University of Milan, School of Nursing, “San Paolo” Campus, Asst Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy

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Domenica Gazineo RN, MSc

Domenica Gazineo RN, MSc

Governo clinico e qualità, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy

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Addolorata Palmisano RN

Addolorata Palmisano RN

UO Nefrologia e Dialisi, Ospedali Riuniti Padova Sud “Madre Teresa di Calcutta,”, Monselice, Padova, Italy

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Salvatore Angileri RN, MSc

Salvatore Angileri RN, MSc

Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Meyer, Firenze, Italy

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Mattia Ricco RN, MSc

Mattia Ricco RN, MSc

Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

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Giuliano Anastasi RN, MSc

Giuliano Anastasi RN, MSc

Department of Trauma, AOU G. Martino University Hospital, Messina, Italy

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Serenella Savini RN, MSc, PhD

Serenella Savini RN, MSc, PhD

Department of Health and Social Professions, Asl Rome 4, Civitavecchia, Rome, Italy

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Giovanni Cangelosi RN, MSc

Giovanni Cangelosi RN, MSc

Units of Diabetology, ASUR Marche, Fermo, Italy

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Lea Godino RN, MSc

Lea Godino RN, MSc

Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy

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Marco Sguanci RN, MSc, PhD

Marco Sguanci RN, MSc, PhD

Department of Medicine and Surgery, Research Unit of Nursing Science, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Roma, Italy

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First published: 31 December 2024
Citations: 2

Desirèe Andreoli and Sara Morales Palomares contributed equally as first authors and Lea Godino and Marco Sguanci contributed equally as coordinators and last authors.

Abstract

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents a significant global health challenge. Nephrology nurses, possessing specialized competencies, play an essential role in providing high-quality care to CKD patients.

Aim

This scoping review aims to comprehensively map and synthesize literature on the competencies of nephrology nurses worldwide.

Methods

A scoping review was reported using the PRISMA-ScR framework and aligned with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. The population, concept, and context (PCC) model was employed to formulate the research question. The search was conducted between June and July 2023 across five databases:Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ASSIA, and CINAHL, with additional consultation of gray literature sources. Screening of articles, data extraction, and quality appraisal were independently performed by two authors. Critical appraisal was conducted using JBI critical appraisal tools. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis.

Results

Of the 8786 records identified, 25 were included. The included articles predominantly consisted of position papers published between 2000 and 2022, with studies conducted across all continents. Core competencies for nephrology nurses were identified, along with advanced competencies encompassing advanced clinical practice, education, leadership and management, and research.

Conclusion

The review of competencies among nephrology nurses worldwide reveals a comprehensive and diverse set of skills required to address the complexities of CKD. As the field of nephrology continues to evolve, ongoing efforts should be directed toward refining and expanding the competencies of nephrology nurses in individual national contexts as well as defining, in the light of a systematic mapping of skills, homogeneous training paths.

Implications for nursing

This scoping review aims to synthesize global literature on nephrology nurses' core and advanced skills, providing a foundation for defining competencies at both national and institutional levels.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

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