Nephrology nursing has been recognized as a specialty for 45 years. Clinicians who practice in nephrology provide care to patients with kidney disease. And it’s time to celebrate these dedicated individuals.

Nephrology Nurses Week 2021 is celebrated September 12-18. The American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) is credited with the first observance. Now, nephrology nurses nationwide are honored each year during the second week of September.

It’s time once again to show appreciation for the kidney crew near you. These unwavering healthcare professionals deserve recognition this week and always. 

Source: NationalToday

Nephrology Nurses Week 2021 Ideas

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Nephrology Nurses Aspire to Excellence.” And the concept is a fitting title. Nephrology nurses often deal with the stress of life and death situations with skill and empathy.

Are you looking to acknowledge the hard work of nephrology nurses you know, or even those you don’t know, in the community?

Here are a few ideas for Nephrology Nurses Week 2021.

• Salute nephrology nurses on the job with a special bulletin, press release, or event.
• Gift a nephro- nurse with a ticket to a virtual conference such as the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) KIDNEY WEEK or the international Life/2021 Congress’s Nurse Channel  
• Use #NephrologyNursesWeek on social media to post your gratitude
• Wear or give a T-shirt to represent the kidney whisperers
• Give your favorite nephrology nurse a kidney. This one is pretty cute. They are sure to appreciate the thoughtfulness.

The American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) offers nurses and employers an online toolkit and more ideas. You can find them here.

If you have ever wondered about becoming one of these heroes, read on to find out more about this elite special nursing force.

How to Be a Nephrology Nurse

Nephrology nurses provide compassionate care to patients and families dealing with kidney disease. Nephrology nurses care for patients of all ages and stages of life and health. 

It is a rewarding career path. One that starts with nursing school and the board exam. 

Next, a licensed nurse seeking nephrology specialization can apply at a clinic or nephrology office, outpatient dialysis center, or inpatient facility that treats patients with kidney conditions. After some experience, a nurse working in nephrology has the opportunity to apply for special certification.

Certifications

Source: Etsy

The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) offers certifications for Registered Nurses. Their three designations are: 

• Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN)
• Certified Nephrology Nurse Practitioner (CNN-NP), or
• Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN)

The requirements include:

• 2000 hours of recent experience
• Twenty (20) contact hours of continuing education in nephrology nursing
• A passing score on the certification exam

The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BOHNENT) recently merged with the National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO) and now offers other options for nurses wanting to add credentials to their signature. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) can also apply for nephrology certification. Nurses wishing for BONENT credentials can apply for:

• Certified Hemodialysis Nurse (CHN), or
• Certified Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse (CPDN)

Not all positions require a nephrology nurse to have a certification. However, certification proves valuable experience and knowledge that are desirable for employers. Certified nephrology nurses typically earn more than nurses without specialization.

How Much Do Nephrology Nurses Make

According to Comparably, salary ranges for U.S. nephrology nurses range from $46,360 to $101,630. Certified nurses in this field will see higher wages. According to Payscale, the salary for a CNN is $88,000 per year base pay.

Specialization and certification in nephrology nursing are also good long-term investments. The job outlook is promising. 

Experts anticipate an increased demand for nephrology nurses. For instance, the population is growing older. In addition, chronic diseases that affect the kidneys, such as hypertension and diabetes, remain public health threats.

For those hard-working nephrology professionals, there may be no rest for the weary.

Summary

Now you know what it takes to be a nephrology nurse and how you could make this career path your own. Take time this week to remember the nephrology nurses in your life. Commend their hard work and celebrate with us. Happy #NephrologyNursesWeek 2021!

Want to recognize a special nephrology nurse? Tell us about them below, and check out our resource center for news, updates, and much more.