The Australian and New Zealand dialysis workforce study in the international context.

BACKGROUND: Given increasing demand for renal replacement therapy, this study sought to identify of key workforce issues facing dialysis units, based on a "snapshot" of the current workforce. METHODS: A web-based survey of all dialysis unit managers in Australia and New Zealand, in October 2008, about their workforce. RESULTS: A significant minority of dialysis staff in most regions were not registered nurses. Many renal registered nurses worked part-time. Staff/patient ratios in dialysis units varied significantly by region, reflecting the relative prevalence of home therapies. Most dialysis units were generally adequately staffed. The proportion of registered nurses with specific renal qualifications varied significantly by region. CONCLUSION: The changing character of the workforce in the dialysis unit in the future will require clarification of the relationships between different categories of dialysis staff. Specialty education for nurses needs to be oriented to equipping staff to be effective in their changing work environment.