| Sekundarni povzetek: |
Introduction: Kidney transplantation is the most effective treatment method for end-stage renal disease and offers numerous advantages over dialysis. For a patient with chronic kidney disease, kidney transplantation represents a significant milestone—a new opportunity for a better quality of life, but also a range of challenges. In Slovenia, kidney transplantation is performed at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana (UKC Ljubljana). Nurses are actively involved in the care of patients before and after kidney transplantation—from candidate preparation and evaluation, through postoperative care, to long-term follow-up and counseling after the procedure. Purpose: The aim of this thesis is to define the role of the nurse and present nursing interventions in the preoperative and postoperative periods of kidney transplantation through a review of scientific and professional literature. Methods: A descriptive method was used for the thesis, reviewing professional and scientific literature in Slovenian and English. Literature was searched in databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, and CINAHL Ultimate, as well as through Google Scholar. Results: A total of 10 studies were included in the final analysis. In the preoperative period, four main roles of the nurse were identified: the nurse as a coordinator, an educator, a provider of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and a supporter. In the perioperative and early postoperative periods, the nurse is recognized as a provider of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and performs numerous tasks that require professional knowledge, technical skills, and a high level of responsibility. In the late postoperative period, the nurse takes on the role of coordinator, educator, discharge planner, risk assessor. Throughout all stages, the nurse provides psychosocial support and builds a relationship of trust with the patient. Discussion and conclusion: It was found that patient follow-up programs after kidney transplantation and structured educational interventions are effective ways to improve discharge readiness, reduce rehospitalizations and increase patient satisfaction with healthcare services. Further improvements may include the development of structured training programs for nurses, the creation of a knowledge base for newly hired staff, support for the use of telemedicine, and strengthening the role of nurses in decision-making and patient management. Only through a holistic approach and continuous care can the quality of life of patients be improved and long-term graft function ensured. |