Can the registered nurse perform peritoneal dialysis?

It is within the scope of practice of an appropriately prepared and competent registered nurse to perform peritoneal dialysis under the direction of an authorized health care practitioner, following clinical practice guidelines. A prescription or order from an authorized health care practitioner is required. This includes initiating or discontinuing therapy using pre-mixed medicated peritoneal dialysis bags, collecting specimens, catheter site care, and performing tubing or adaptor changes. The registered nurse should use the Scope of Practice Decision Tree to determine if these activities are within the nurse’s legal and individual scope of practice.