Renal replacement therapy in critical care: implementation of a unit-based continuous venovenous hemodialysis program.

Implementing a program as complex as continuous venovenous hemodialysis without the involvement of nephrology nurses is a challenge. However, with proper planning, appropriate staff support, and the ability to make changes as implementation proceeds, a successful program can be developed. Our reward is that we are now able to offer a therapy that is important and potentially lifesaving to those critically ill patients with renal failure who are unable to tolerate intermittent hemodialysis.