Background
In Australia and New Zealand (NZ), nursing workforce interest groups have been exploring strategies to address nephrology nursing recruitment and retention issues. However, there is limited information about the nephrology nursing and dialysis workforce.

Aim
To provide a snapshot of the current workforce in Australia and NZ in order to inform nurse clinicians, managers, educators and researchers in future planning.

Methods
A web-based survey was emailed to dialysis managers in 240 Australia and 25 NZ dialysis units. The survey requested participants to complete 15 questions related to dialysis unit nursing workforce characteristics.

Results
The average age of the dialysis nurse was 42. A higher proportion of registered nurses (RNs) worked full time compared to enrolled/division 2 nurses (ENs) and dialysis professionals. RNs had a significantly higher proportion of post registration renal qualifications than ENs and dialysis professionals, however the majority of dialysis RN’s had no formal post-registration renal qualification. The majority of dialysis managers reported that they “usually had enough dialysis staff”. In contrast, most dialysis managers used overtime or calling in other staff to supplement their dialysis workforce.

Conclusion/Nursing Implications
Recruitment and retention remains a major issue in most Australian and New Zealand dialysis units. Access and availability of post registration qualifications vary. Access to post registration ENs and other dialysis professionals is limited. Further nursing dialysis workforce research is required.