Breakfast/Product Theater (pending corporate support)

This session is designed to equip novice nurse leaders in nephrology with the essential skills, strategies, and tools needed to succeed in their leadership roles. Focusing on both general leadership principles and nephrology-specific challenges, this provides valuable insights for navigating the complexities of the field.

This session will provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology, current therapeutic strategies, and emerging pharmacologic innovations in the management of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), enabling them to optimize patient outcomes and prevent disease progression.

This session will highlight the critical role of nephrology nurses in achieving VBC goals, emphasize how quality metrics drive improved patient outcomes, and organizational success. As well as discussing how frontline staff especially in dialysis units and office locations can focus on practical, actionable steps.

This session will provide an overview of pediatric dialysis, focusing on the unique challenges and considerations when treating pediatric patients. It will cover specific factors in pediatric dialysis prescriptions and products, as well as the necessary adjustments for medication dosing in children. The session will also address special concerns that arise when pediatric patients are cared for in adult dialysis units, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to ensure optimal outcomes for young patients.

Lunch/Product Theater (pending corporate support)

This session will discuss the impact of CKD and SMI, along with assessment strategies, strategies for early identification and interventions to reduce barriers to quality mental health and nephrology care. Advanced practice nurses and registered nurses will benefit from this presentation by enhancing their knowledge, assessment skills to identify SMI, and develop person-centered strategies to improve patient and system level outcomes.

Meet with industry representatives and view displays of state-of-the-art technology, products, and services. Beverages and heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served.

This session will discuss Xenotransplantation (the transplantation of organs or tissues from one species to another, such as from pigs to humans) and the exciting potential of this approach in addressing the organ shortage crisis, as well as the complex challenges it brings.

This session is with an interactive panel who will focus on how innovative solutions as well as best practices can enhance patient care, improve outcomes, and reduce healthcare burden, all while fostering a collaborative approach between nurses and physicians.

This session is with an interactive panel who will discuss and address how to transition a patient back to dialysis after a failed transplant, focusing on best practices that would emphasize a collaborative, patient-centered approach

This session is with an interactive panel who will discuss quality and safety in dialysis, focusing on the best practices that would likely cover a range of important topics aimed at improving patient outcomes and minimizing risks.

This session is an interactive panel discussion which will focus on best practices between nurses and physicians, would highlight a patient-centered approach for individuals who are not candidates for dialysis or transplant. It would emphasize managing chronic kidney disease (CKD) with the goal of symptom management, quality of life, and minimizing complications.

This interactive session will focus on how effective teamwork and discussion between nurses and physicians can improve patient outcomes in kidney care. It would highlight the importance of collaboration, the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach, and the lessons learned from real-world experiences discussed in each breakout session on topics such as home dialysis, transition back from transplant, quality and safety in dialysis, and conservative kidney care management.

This expert panel will explore the most pressing federal policy issues impacting kidney care today - from legislative and regulatory changes to workforce challenges and funding priorities. Panelists will provide insider perspectives on what's happening on Capitol Hill and in the Administration, how policy decisions are shaping clinical practice, and where opportunities lie for collective advocacy within the kidney care community to drive meaningful change in 2026 and beyond. 

Additional faculty to be announced.

Wine and Cheese Reception

Discover how to transform daily stressors into opportunities for growth and advocacy in nephrology nursing. This workshop provides practical tools—including resilience mapping, silver lining thinking, and action planning—to help you navigate policy shifts, support diverse patients, and maintain your well-being while advancing health equity.

In this session, participants will receive updates on the latest health policies that directly affect nephrology nursing. These expert speakers will discuss legislative and regulatory policies that can significantly impact different aspects of nursing practice, education, and patient care in the field of kidney disease. By attending this session, participants will gain valuable insights into important developments that are crucial for the nursing profession in kidney care and the overall well-being of patients

This session will focus on the experiences of nephrology nurses and their patients in the aftermath of a disaster. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods, can compromise dialysis centers and healthcare services. This disruption can make it difficult for patients to access dialysis, leading to delays or even preventing them from receiving life-saving treatments. It is essential for dialysis patients and healthcare systems to prepare for disasters. Being prepared helps ensure the continuity of care and minimizes the impact on those who rely on these treatments. To reduce risks during disasters, nephrology nurses must take proactive steps before they occur and be ready to respond during and after the events.