In-Center Hemodialysis: Who Works There?

Dietitian
The renal dietitian gives guidance and advice on what to eat and drink, and what to avoid. You will see a dietitian once you start dialysis, if not before. They will help you plan your renal diet. If this does not happen you can ask to see one. You can expect to remain in very close contact with your dietitian throughout the course of your treatment. He or she is an important part of your healthcare team.

Nurse
You may meet a number of different nurses during your visits to the dialysis center or PD program.

Nephrology nurses have taken specialized courses and are knowledgeable about many aspects of renal care. They may specialize in different aspects of treatment such as transplant, hemodialysis, or peritoneal dialysis.

Nephrologist
Nephrologists are doctors who specialize in kidney disease and kidney failure.

If you have kidney failure, a nephrologist will be responsible for your medical treatment.

Administrative assistant/Unit ward clerk
The administrative assistant is responsible for helping with ongoing patient management and administration. This may involve ensuring you have adequate supplies at home if you are a home-therapy patient, or helping you organize a trip.

Renal social worker
A renal social worker helps with the practical aspects of living with kidney failure, such as informing you of benefits to which you may be entitled, helping you fill out forms to claim benefits and helping you solve housing or job problems. In some dialysis centers the renal social worker is also your resource for support and counseling. Your doctor or renal nurse can make arrangements for you to meet the renal social worker.

Transplant coordinator/nurse
You may be considering a transplant now or in the future. A person known either as a transplant coordinator or nurse can discuss what having a transplant means and help you make an informed decision about whether or not you want one.