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SIG Members Collaborate to Make Peritoneal Dialysis Monograph a Reality!
Beth
Ulrich, EdD, RN, CHE
In
our basic nursing and psychology classes, we all learned about Maslow’s
original Hierarchy of Needs – biological and physiological needs,
safety needs, belongingness and love, esteem, and self-actualization.
After much study, however, Maslow added three other levels. Two occur
before self-actualization – the cognitive need to know, understand, and
explore and the aesthetic need for symmetry, order, and beauty. One
level, self-transcendence, goes a step beyond self- actualization.
Self-transcendence is the need to connect with something beyond one’s
ego and to help others find self-fulfillment and realize their
potential. This issue of the journal is a great example of a group of
ANNA members in self-transcendence!
Origins of the PD Monograph
Almost
2 years ago, I received a call from Maria Luongo on behalf of the
Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) Special Interest Group (SIG). They are a very
dedicated and energetic group who believe strongly that PD is an
important option in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Having
witnessed the decline in the numbers of patients on PD over the years,
they recognized that fewer nephrology nurses were experts in the
modality, which meant that fewer resources were available for patients.
The end result was that PD was less likely to be introduced and
championed as a viable option. With a glimmer of hope for the recent
renewed emphasis on PD, the Peritoneal Dialysis SIG set out to rectify
the deficit, and they have done that in a big way.
On the call, Maria asked whether or not I would consider doing a PD
monograph and, if I would, could the PD SIG do it? In the world
of nursing journal editors, this is the kind of call you dream of –
clinical experts who are willing to share what they know and who want
to encourage others to embrace their specialty. I was thrilled!
Producing a monograph of this depth and breadth is no easy task, even
for experienced writers and editors. The PD SIG developed topics,
solicited authors, and worked together on every aspect of the
monograph. They reviewed each others’ articles and helped authors
improve their manuscripts based on the input from the peer reviewers.
A Wonderful Result!
The
result is a wonderful compilation of information on peritoneal dialysis
that ranges from the basic concepts of PD to the complexities of PD
solutions and the use of tPA in PD catheters. There is information that
is applicable to the very beginnings of a patient’s information and
experience on PD and information to help more-experienced patients on
PD maintain active lifestyles through travel. Other articles and
contributions address the history of PD, myths (and truths) about PD,
outcomes, nutrition, medications, troubleshooting non-infectious
issues, the role of the physician, and power in nursing. Whether
you are an expert or a novice at PD, you will find something in this
issue that you can use.
When the SIG concept began in ANNA over 20 years ago, the goals were to
create a way for nephrology nurses to share their knowledge and
experience with each other, to identify our clinical experts, and to
have those experts lead the various subspecialties in nephrology
nursing. This PD SIG has certainly achieved all and more that the SIGs
are meant to do. If there’s a level beyond self-transcendence, I’m sure
they’ll be aiming for that next.
Beth Ulrich, EdD, RN, CHE
Editor
E-mail: BethUlrich@aol.com
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