Commitment  •  Competency  •  Creativity  •  Communication
Maria Luongo, MSN, BA, RN, Guest Editor

These four concepts are the cornerstones of peritoneal dialysis (PD) nursing. Cementing this framework are the relationships we cultivate with our colleagues. These professional partnerships enrich and empower the PD nursing experience. Being a member of the PD Special Interest Group (SIG) has provided a unique opportunity to explore and expand these collegial relationships.  
 
A Three-Fold Challenge
Two and a half years ago, the current PD SIG shared our first conference call. Floundering a bit, we asked each other, “What do we do now?” “What projects should we develop?” “How do we do this?” After several calls and many emails, it became clear that our challenge was three-fold.  The first challenge was to define PD nursing within the American Nephrology Nurses’ Association (ANNA). The second was to promote recruitment and retention of PD nurse members. The third challenge was to reach out to our PD nurse colleagues, our nephrology nurse colleagues, and all other nurse colleagues as well. The PD SIG soon became a group of professional friends, committed to the recognition of PD as a renal replacement modality. This group strived to promote the concepts of commitment, competency, creativity, and communication.

Topics Identified for PD Monograph!
At the PD Networking sessions in Orlando, Chicago, and Washington and at the breakfast sessions during the National Dialysis Meetings in Seattle and San Antonio, we asked PD nurses what topics should be addressed. The responses were thoughtful and compelling. Our projects were then based on our colleagues’ requests.   
First, we developed the “Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse Resource Guide,” which was published in the October 2003 issue of the Nephrology Nursing Journal. After several discussions, the PD SIG shared the thought of publishing additional manuscripts in the Nephrology Nursing Journal.  Soon the dream of developing a PD Monograph was conceived. NNJ Editor Beth Ulrich, with her unlimited supply of patience and enthusiasm, mentored the group through this experience, and the monograph became a reality.
The content of this monograph is designed to assist both novice and expert PD nurses, other nephrology nurses, nurses not in nephrology, and other health care personnel involved in caring for patients on peritoneal dialysis. Every PD SIG member contributed to the monograph and helped to recruit additional authors.
We were thrilled that Barbara Prowant joined us in this effort. She has been a mentor to many of us and a role model for all PD nurses. Barbara’s expertise, perspective, and kindness is appreciated and respected. We also wish to thank all of the other authors who contributed to the monograph for their participation and enthusiasm in developing this project.

PD Nursing – A Team Effort! 
PD nursing is a team effort.  As the PD SIG chairperson, I have truly enjoyed the unique experience of working with my PD SIG colleagues:  Bobbie Knotek, Laurie Biel, Sara Kennedy, Karen Kelley, Donna Maaz, Terri Crawford-Bonadio, Jeannie Farina, and Warren Fleming. Two former members, Beth Avanzado and Donna Smolen also contributed to the “PD Nurse Resource Guide.” It is an honor and a privilege to be their colleague. Their commitment to nursing and patients is to be admired.

Maria Luongo, MSN, BA, RN
Guest Editor, PD Monograph
Chairperson, 2004-2005 PD Special Interest Group