This workshop will address patient-centered care focused on dialysis throughout the reproductive years, establishing a comprehensive support program for pediatrics, diagnosis of acute kidney injury, and home patient treatment in an outpatient unit

This workshop will focus on mastering emotional intelligence and understanding of shared decision-making. Speakers will discuss self-awareness, self-regulation, resiliency, motivation, mental health first aid, and empathy.

This workshop will provide leadership training and development for ANNA chapter officers. Invitations and complete program details will be provided to incoming 2025-2026 chapter officers in February 2025.

This workshop will provide leadership training and development for Specialty Practice Network (SPN) Leaders and Advisors. Invitations and complete program details will be provided to incoming 2025-2026 SPN Leaders/Advisors in February 2025.

Pending corporate support. 

Learn how to make the most of your symposium experience. Get tips on navigating the program, completing the evaluation process, and maximizing networking opportunities.

Filmmaker and photographic ethnographer Carolyn Jones has spent her career shining a light on people who make extraordinary differences in the lives of others. She has spent the past 12 years interviewing hundreds of nurses – creating a book and four documentary films – to better understand the integral role nurses play in health and healthcare. In this session, Ms. Jones will premiere the short film she created in collaboration with ANNA which follows nephrology nurses with the patients and families in their care, including the story of a living kidney donor and recipient in Seattle, participants at the Transplant Games in Alabama, and patients receiving hemodialysis in New York. Ms. Jones presents an outsider-looking-in perspective with the goal to inspire others to think of nurses in a way that they may never have before and to raise the volume of the voices of nurses everywhere.

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

Energize your day by starting off the morning with a jog, walk, or leisurely stroll with friends.

Pending Corporate Support

Obstructive sleep apnea will be discussed as a significant issue in the chronic kidney disease population. 

Prevalence, screening techniques, effects on the disease process, treatment options, and compliance will be covered.

This session will examine the concerning emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms in dialysis settings, shed light on the intricate mechanisms of infection prevention mitigation strategies, and unveil a diverse array of infection prevention resources specifically tailored to meet the needs of dialysis organizations.

This session will explore the intricate balance of fluids, electrolytes, acid/base equilibrium, and pharmacological treatment in kidney disease. The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining bodily equilibrium, and understanding this balance is crucial for overall well-being.

This session will focus on the implementation of trauma-informed care in nephrology, its relevance to nephrology nursing, and how to apply it in practice to make a positive impact on patient care.

The health and wellbeing of the nephrology nursing workforce is critically important. Nephrology nurses may experience loneliness and burnout that impact the quality of the care they provide. Leaders can play a pivotal role in protecting and promoting the wellbeing of their teams. This presentation will share the voices of nephrology nurses experiencing loneliness and burnout to raise awareness of this widespread problem. We will also include actionable strategies that nephrology nurse leaders can employ to make a tangible impact on the wellbeing of their teams. 

Medications play a crucial role in managing patients with kidney disease due to the common occurrence of abnormal kidney function, which impacts medication selection and dosages. This session will cover the most recent advancements in using medications to treat kidney disease, including information on phosphate blockers, IgA, complement, and more.

In this session, the speakers will share their legal expertise as they define the standards of nursing care in nephrology. They will examine the changes in these standards and explore several case studies to provide attendees with strategies to reduce the risk of malpractice.

The importance of establishing safe havens as part of hepatitis B prevention in dialysis facilities will be addressed. The session will center around the prevalence of hepatitis B and its impact on dialysis patients, vaccination protocols, patient screening and surveillance, best practices for infection control and precautions, and staff training and education.

This session will review the fundamentals of volume management, recognition of volume status, current terminology, and associated hemodynamics. The session also will explore methods and technology currently used for assessing volume status, comparing their advantages and limitations to enhance overall clinical strategies for balanced fluid removal during hemodialysis treatments.

The speaker will discuss the importance of professional identity in nephrology nursing, cover the key skills and knowledge necessary for effective practice, and explore strategies for continuous professional development. The integration of core values and ethics of the nephrology nursing community into daily practice to strengthen professional identity also will be emphasized. (This session is designed for ANNA volunteer leaders as part of the LEAD orientation program.)

Meet with members of the ANNA Board of Directors who will be available to answer questions, listen to suggestions, and discuss issues of importance to ANNA members.

Enjoy an evening of music, dancing, and light refreshments with friends and colleagues at the symposium dance party. 

Pending corporate support

Session speakers will provide a comprehensive update on the latest advancements and challenges in kidney transplantation. Discussion will cover topics such as kidney paired exchange, xenotransplantation, and the potential advantages of cell-free DNA analysis in kidney transplantation.

This session will delve into the prevalence of cardiovascular disease among individuals with kidney-related health issues, use of echocardiograms in nephrology care, and conditions such as valvular disease, pulmonary hypertension, cardiac stunning, cardiorenal syndrome, and left ventricular hypertrophy. Practical strategies and detailed guidelines aimed at assisting nephrology practitioners in effectively managing cardiac complications in patients with end-stage kidney disease will be shared.

This presentation will provide nephrology nurses with a comprehensive understanding of Medicare coverage for patients undergoing hemodialysis.

The speakers will discuss strategies for transforming clinical culture and empowering staff through group training. The learner will explore potential areas for process improvement and acquire techniques for fostering a culture of innovation to overcome common barriers to home therapy and increase patient census.

Important research topics, evidence-based practice, and the fundamentals of quality improvement will be discussed. Detailed practice case scenarios will be presented, enabling participants to apply their knowledge and skills actively. The speaker also will emphasize how to apply these skills, and the essential peer support needed for successfully submitting a grant to ANNA.

Network with friends and celebrate the professional accom - plishments of colleagues as the ANNA Outstanding Achieve ment Award winners are announced. The luncheon also will include the annual ANNA business meeting, induction of the 2025-2026 Board of Directors, and a message from incoming ANNA President Faith Lynch.

Nephrology Nursing Journal Editor-in-Chief Beth Ulrich will review the manuscript development, peer review, and publication processes and provide tips for developing a plan for writing and submitting a manuscript for publication.

This session will address the multifaceted grief journey experienced by patients, emphasizing the physical losses associated with chronic illnesses and age-related changes. The session will focus on enhancing nurses' understanding of the changes when a person loses a loved one, sharing effective strategies for demonstrating empathy and compassion, and explaining behaviors that can potentially harm older adults who are grieving.

Practical examples of scenarios nephrology nurses often encounter in relation to hypertension in patients on dialysis will be shared. The presentation will encompass the pathophysiology, measurement, and treatment of blood pressure (BP) in patients receiving dialysis, with the aim of educating and empowering the team to enhance the management of BP in their patients.

This session will review the important aspects of creating a supportive work environment and the crucial role of effective leadership in fostering such an environment. Strategies to be covered include recognizing and appreciating employees, supporting professional development, defining work-life balance, and promoting team cohesion and building. Additionally, the session will explain different methods for measuring success in this area.

This session speaker will delve into the intricacies of peritoneal dialysis (PD) as an effective home treatment option. The focus will be on the pivotal role of PD nurses not only in training patients and their caregivers but also in providing ongoing support. The session will highlight the importance of this support in helping patients and caregivers identify and effectively address non-infectious complications associated with the catheter.

Session speakers will be presenting a groundbreaking approach to learning that focuses on highlighting the impact of structural inequities on an individual's experience with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and their treatment decisions. By using this innovative learning method, the presenters aim to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the specific challenges encountered by individuals with CKD. The objective is to develop a comprehensive learning strategy that can be adopted by ANNA chapters to effectively meet their educational objectives.

Attend this session to receive updates on the latest health policies that affect nephrology nursing. 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. 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.

Session speakers will discuss the important role of nephrology nurses in dialysis facilities and transplant centers, and how they impact the care of patients with end-stage kidney disease. The presentation will include insights from nurses with firsthand experience in achieving positive outcomes through enhancing this partnership. The speakers also will explore how collaboration between networks and facilities can improve quality assurance and performance through quality assurance and performance improvement activities, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

Dr. Hamilton will discuss how generative artificial intelligence (AI) can impact nephrology and the important role of nephrology nurses as super-users of medical technology. The session will explore generative AI's impact on areas such as hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, organ transplant, and kidney disease progression, as well as its influence on clinician workflows. Despite its impressive performance, generative AI has known risks and limitations, and this session will provide nephrology nurses with ways to harness AI’s power while being mindful of these limitations.