In-House-Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) on “Effective Nursing Strategies for Renal Transplantation” at Kauvery Hospital, Tennur

Lucy Grace. T1, Jaya Menon

1Nurse Educator, Kauvery Hospital, Tennur, Trichy

2Nursing Superintendent, Kauvery Hospital, Tennur, Trichy

Background

The Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) program titled “Effective Nursing Strategies for Renal Transplantation” was initiated to honor the remarkable achievement of 904 renal transplant surgeries performed at our Tennur unit. Under the invaluable guidance of Dr. Senthil Velmurugan, Senior Consultant Radiologist and Medical Administrator at Kauvery Hospital, Tennur, we collaborated closely with the Nephrology and Urology teams to design the program’s content. After extensive planning and coordination, the event was scheduled for November 30, 2024, receiving approval from TNNMC on the same date. The session took place from 9 AM to 5 PM at the A-V Conference Hall, Tennur, Kauvery Hospital, Trichy.

The event was organized under the leadership of Ms. Jaya Menon, Nursing Superintendent, with myself, Ms. Lucy Grace, serving as the organizing secretary. Dr. Venkita S. Suresh, our Group Medical Director, acted as the moderator and provided continuous support throughout the program. The CNE program featured participation from 50 staff nurses from across the Trichy region, alongside doctors and distinguished speakers.

The program included 3 expert doctors and 8 speakers, the former specializing in Urology and Nephrology, who delivered comprehensive insights into renal transplantation. This time, we also invited senior-level nurses as speakers to share their extensive experience in renal care, offering valuable perspectives on patient recovery and management. In total, 37 delegates attended from various institutions:

  • KTN: 23 delegates
  • KCN: 10 delegates
  • KHC: 5 delegates
  • Maa Kauvery: 2 delegates

The registration process was through online portal following which the participants were allowed to take a pre-test via a QR code for efficient assessment. The morning sessions covered theoretical topics such as:

  • Pre-transplant workup
  • Preoperative nursing care
  • Roles of the surgical nursing team
  • Immediate postoperative complications and medical management
  • Surgical complications and management

In the afternoon, participants engaged in case-based scenarios focusing on medical and surgical complications along with their management strategies. This comprehensive approach ensured that attendees left with enhanced knowledge and skills applicable to their roles in renal care and transplantation.

Aim

The aim of this program was to enhance nursing skills in renal transplant care, improve patient outcomes, promote teamwork and support the professional development and well-being of nursing staff through learning effective strategies in renal transplantation.

Goals

The main goal was for the nursing staff to gain the knowledge and skills needed to provide excellent care for renal transplant patients, improve patient outcomes, encourage teamwork and support staff development and well-being.

Session highlights

The Morning Session

Following this, Dr. Rajarajan, Consultant Nephrologist, provided a comprehensive overview of renal transplantation, including the overall case management and treatment approach.

Afterward, we kicked off the first session, titled “Is Nursing in Transplant Care Routine or Specialized?” led by Ms. Jency Nirmala, Nursing Supervisor. She highlighted the types of Renal Transplant, Immunosuppressive Management Organ Function Monitoring and, Rejection Surveillance

Mr. Kiran Raj presented the second topic, “Pre Transplant workup and Counselling for Living and Deceased renal transplantation”. Transplant Co-ordinator. He provided a clear overview of Transplant Flow, Pre-Transplant Counselling, Recipient and Donor Contraindications, Blood Group Compatibility and Post-Transplant Counselling – Cadaveric /Live Renal Transplant

The third topic covered “Preoperative Nursing Care for Organ Transplant” Optimizing Outcomes and Minimizing Risks – led by Ms. Poornima, Senior Staff Nurse. She provided a detailed explanation of the pre-operative nursing role, health assessment, physical assessment, laboratory assessment and ABO Incompatible and Desensitization support

The fourth topic was “Essential Roles of the Surgical Nursing Team in Renal Transplant Surgery” was led by Ms. Venmathy OT – Senior Staff Nurse. She thoroughly discussed the Role of the Surgical Team for Live renal transplant, Role of the Surgical Team for Cadaveric transplant, Graft Handling and Graft Perfusion

Following these, the next session focused on “Fluid Balance and Supportive Therapies in Renal Transplantation” by Ms. Vijendra, Transplant-Senior Staff Nurse.She addressed the importance of fluid balance and supportive therapies in renal transplantation, Timeline for Fluid Therapy,Long Term Advantages,Fluid Type,Nursing Interventions and Complications

The next topic, “Immediate postoperative complications and medical management in renal transplant surgery” was presented by–Dr. Balaji, Consultant, Nephrologist. He provided a detailed explanation of common complications, delayed graft function, Ischemia reperfusion injury and time course of graft rejection

The final topic “Surgical Complications and Management in Renal Transplant Surgery” was addressed by Dr. S. Sasikumar Consultant Urologist, He provided a detailed explanation of classification of Surgical Complications, back table preparation, External Iliac Artery Dissection, Renal Artery Kink, Venous Outflow Obstruction and post-operative complications

The Afternoon Session

Dr. Sakthi Selvakumar, Consultant, Nephrologist led the case scenario session on Post-Renal Transplantation Medical Complications and their management, conducting it as an interactive game. He presented 15 scenarios, thoroughly discussing the medical and surgical conditions involved along with their management strategies.

Feedback Summary

After the stations, the staff completed a post-test using an online QR code. Feedback from various units was highly positive, reflecting well on the organizing team and speakers.

Certificates were then handed out to all delegates. The program wrapped up at 5 p.m. with a vote of thanks and was followed by refreshments.

Conclusion

Overall, the in-house CNE conference was a valuable experience for all staff nurses, providing clarity on their doubts and boosting their confidence to effectively manage and treat Renal transplant patients. The conference provided an engaging learning experience through interactive sessions, deepened understanding of complex topics, and fostered collaboration among staff nurses. Additionally, the positive feedback and engagement from participants underscored the success of the event and the nursing staff has developed the knowledge and skills required to deliver exceptional care to renal transplant patients moving forward.

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