BACKGROUND: A key skill of nephrology nursing is cannulation of patients receiving haemodialysis. Traumatic and unsuccessful cannulation experiences, particularly in the initial weeks of haemodialysis, may contribute to the onset of needle distress for patients. OBJECTIVES: To identify the key knowledge, skills and attitudes of nephrology nurses working with haemodialysis patients and the competencies relevant to nephrology nursing working with patients with needle-related distress. DESIGN: A qualitative study involving semistructured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and deductive, and inductive thematic analysis applied. PARTICIPANTS: Nephrology nurses (n = 17) were interviewed from a tertiary kidney service in South Australia. Nurses had varying roles and years of experience (range 1-30 years) working with dialysis patients within the service. RESULTS: Two overarching themes, (1) Flexibility in Practice and Care and (2) Responsibility of Nephrology Nursing, were identified as relevant across all knowledge, skills and attitudes of nephrology nurses working with patients with needle-related distress. Thirty-six knowledge, skills and attitudes were identified; 12 related to knowledge, 14 related to skills and 10 were identified as attitudes and were summarised under seven broad competencies. CONCLUSION: This study identifies potential knowledge, skills and attitudes and competencies required for nephrology nurses working with patients with needle-related distress. It highlights strategies that may prevent the onset and worsening of needle-related distress, as well as reduce it. It also brings to light that nurses desire additional education regarding strategies to improve the patient experience of cannulation and nurse confidence and skill in this area.