Sunday, April 18, 2027
7:30 AM010: LEAD Workshop for Chapter Officers

This workshop will provide leadership training and development for ANNA chapter officers. Invitations and complete program details will be provided to 2027-chapter officers in February 2027.

These Workshops are invitation-only programs for incoming ANNA volunteer leaders.

7:30 AM020: LEAD Workshop for SPN Leaders/Advisors

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 2027-2028 SPN Leaders/Advisors in February 2028.

These Workshops are invitation-only programs for incoming ANNA volunteer leaders.

10:30 AM101: Orientation for New ANNA Members/First-Time and International Attendees

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

11:45 AM102: Lunch Symposium (Pending Corporate Support)

Pending Corporate Support

1:30 PM111: SPN Advance Practice Onconephrology: Managing Nephrology Patients Through Their Cancer Treatments

Understanding the new nephrology specialty of Onconephrology and the coordinated care of renal patients with cancer. This will assist the general nephrology practitioner with the clinical implications for the management of their oncology patients.

1:30 PM112: SPN Transplant The Ethical Roller Coaster: Navigating Transplant Dilemmas

Explore the Current Ethical conflicts in Kidney transplantation including expansion of donor criteria with us of innovative organ preservation technologies, organ allocation practices and xenotransplantation.

1:30 PM113: SPN Education Culture Awareness in the 21st Century

This interactive presentation explores how nephrology nurses address the diverse cultural differences and unique needs of their patients. Working in treatment centers and hospitals around the world, nephrology nurses are responsible not only for supervising complex medical treatments, but also for ensuring that care is culturally sensitive and patient centered. Their role requires balancing clinical expertise with an understanding of cultural beliefs, values, and practices that can influence patient care and outcomes. 

1:30 PM114: SPN Administration Innovation in Nephrology: How Can We Optimize Patient Care

This session will highlight recent innovations in nephrology that can improve patient care. The session will include discussions on SGLT2 inhibitors and new biomarkers that can change the disease trajectory. Tele-nephrology and home dialysis will also be discussed as a way to transform care delivery models. 

2:30 PM121: SPN Home Theraphy Recruiting and Retention of Home Therapies Staff

Overview of how to showcase advantages of working in home therapies and utilizing non nursing personnel...working smarter not harder.

2:30 PM122: SPN Acute Care Common Complications in Acute Hemodialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome, Accidental Disconnection, Dialyzer Reaction, Needle Dislodgement into Pillow ECT., HIT dx and Measuring Adequacy

Review of common/uncommon complications associated with Acute HD treatments. 

2:30 PM123: Hemodialysis SPN The Documentation Roadmap: What, Where, When, and Who

A session discussing what abnormal findings should be documented, where is the best place for them, when they should be documented and who can all document.

2:30 PM124: SPN CKD Updates by KDIGO 2026 on Anemia for Adult Patients with CKD Part 2: Transfusions, ESA, and HIF Agents

Continuation on discussion on managing adult patients with CKD and Anemia on KDIGO 2026 clinical guidelines on transfusion and pharmacologic agents besides iron replacement.

2:30 PM125: SPN Pediatrics Putting the KID in Kidney Disease

Review of Common Diagnoses of pediatric causes of renal failure. 

3:30 PMOpening Ceremonies and Fellow of the American Nephrology Nurses Association Induction Ceremony 
4:30 PM130: Empowered, Caring and Engaged: A Roadmap for Today’s Nursing Workforce

Across hospitals and healthcare settings, workplace conflict is on the rise. Nurses are struggling with conflict, disruptive behaviors, and the stress of high workloads. New employees and float staff often feel excluded, while team members across shifts clash over responsibilities creating an us versus them scenario. Even worse, these frustrations sometimes spill over into patient care, increasing anxiety and affecting patient outcomes. As healthcare professionals, we have the power to transform the culture of our workplaces. A truly supportive environment isn’t defined by policies alone—it’s created by the daily interactions between colleagues. It’s time to move beyond workplace friction and cultivate a culture where collaboration and caring become the foundation of every team. In this engaging keynote, participants will explore proven best practices embraced by top-performing hospitals to build stronger, more connected teams. These strategies specifically address the most common sources of workplace conflict and equip nurses with the tools to foster healthier, more respectful interactions. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to create a workplace where every nurse feels supported, valued, and empowered to contribute to a culture of caring.

5:30 PMExhibit Hall Grand Opening / Reception

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.

7:30 PM140: Wine and Cheese (Pending Corporate Support) 
Monday, April 19, 2027
6:00 AM201: Fitness Walk/Run

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

7:15 AM210: Breakfast Symposium (Pending corporate support) 
8:45 AMCoffee Break~ Exhibits/Poster Session

ANCC contact hours are available for viewing poster displays in the exhibit hall. Presenters will be available to discuss their posters during designated times.

10:15 AM220: Health Policy Update

Stay informed on the latest legislative and regulatory developments impacting nephrology nursing. Expert speakers will provide updates on key health policies affecting nursing practice, education, and kidney patient care, equipping attendees with essential insights to navigate a changing healthcare landscape. 

11:30 AMBox Lunch in the Exhibit Hall

Box lunch available for all registrants and exhibitors. 

12:30 PM230: Bridging the Gap in Fragmented Care: The Cardio Kidney Metabolic Reality Rx

This panel session will showcase practical, team-based strategies that bring primary care, cardiology, and nephrology together. The focus is on bridging communication gaps, aligning treatment goals, and creating seamless care pathways to improve long-term patient outcomes.

1:45 PM240: Strengthening the Dialysis Care Team in 2027 and Beyond - Conclusions from a Joint ANNA-ASN-NKF-RPA Task Force

The ANNA-ASN-NKF-RPA Task Force on Strengthening the U.S. Dialysis Care Team met monthly to address workforce pipeline challenges, and the declining visibility of nephrology. Through this multi-society collaboration, the Task Force developed shared priorities and recommendations to strengthen the dialysis workforce. The findings will be presented during a panel session, highlighting key challenges and opportunities for the future of the dialysis care team.

3:15 PMExhibits/Poster Session/Refreshments 
4:30 PM251: Redefining Renal Care: AKI to ESKD & PD

This session will review the spectrum of PD delivery, from AKI to ESKD. We will define the prevalence of AKI-D and review modality choices for this population, including circumstances when PD is better than HD. Finally, we will discuss the challenges in modality transition.

4:30 PM252: Improve Patient Experience with Strategic Action

The relationship between ICH CAHPS scores, patient outcomes, and CMS Quality Incentive will be highlighted. How data-driven insights, leadership rounding using Qualtrics, and targeted coaching/workgroups influence patient experience will be discussed. Attendees will learn to apply strategies for integrating patient feedback into daily nursing workflows to improve adherence, reduce missed treatments, and enhance overall patient satisfaction. 

4:30 PM253: Addressing Water-Related Challenges in Dialysis: Bridging Technical Systems and Clinical Practice

This session will focus on the critical role of water quality in patient safety and prevention of adverse outcomes. Early warning signs and common failure scenarios will be discussed. Participants will learn to interpret water quality data to make timely clinical decisions. Case-based scenarios will be presented to reinforce appropriate responses and escalations steps. 

4:30 PM254: Transplant Update 2027

Explore the latest developments in kidney transplantation, including dual-organ candidacy, evolving allocation policies, strategies to help patients achieve transplant, and the psychosocial evaluation process. Experts will share practical insights to support transplant readiness and improve patient outcomes across the continuum of care. 

7:30 PM260: Dance Party

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

Tuesday, April 20, 2027
7:00 AM301: Breakfast Symposium (pending corporate support) 
8:45 AMExhibits/Poster Sessions/Refreshments 
10:30 AM311: Modern Catheter and Exit Site Care for Dialysis Patients

Review the latest trends and causes of infections associated with hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis catheters. Learn evidence-based prevention strategies, including best practices for catheter care, cleansing techniques, infection-prevention products, and the appropriate use of locking solutions to improve patient outcomes.

10:30 AM312: Are you Compliant? Vitamin C Deficiency, Thrombocytopenia, and Medication Compliance in a Pediatric Hemodialysis Patient

A case report of a 14-year-old hemodialysis patient who developed scurvy-induced thrombocytopenia due to noncompliance with prescribed vitamin supplementation, a diagnostically challenging presentation that highlights an often-overlooked dimension of medication adherence in pediatric dialysis care.

10:30 AM313: Exploring Shared Cultural Beliefs Among Hispanic Latinos in SE Louisiana

Explore how culturally and linguistically tailored approaches can improve chronic kidney disease (CKD) self-management among Hispanic and Latino patients. This session highlights the impact of language access, cultural values, and effective communication strategies on patient engagement, health outcomes, and daily kidney care.

10:30 AM314: Redefining Adequacy in PD: Outcomes That Matter

Person centered PD is not captured inKt/V urea. This presentation explores the limitations of Kt/V urea as the sole adequacy indicator, while discussing more comprehensive factors to include in adequacy determination. An alternative potential plan is provided as well.

11:45 AM320: Nephrology Nurse Recognition Luncheon

Network with friends and celebrate the professional accomplishments of colleagues as the ANNA Outstanding Achievement Award winners are announced. The luncheon will also include the annual ANNA business meeting, induction of the 2027-2028 Board of Directors, and a message from incoming ANNA President Molly Cahill.

1:45 PM331: Writing for Publication: From Idea to Article

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

1:45 PM332: Keeping Patients Home: Nurse Data Driven Analysis to Improve Retention in Home Dialysis

Explore evidence-based nursing strategies that improve retention in home dialysis. Learn how education, telehealth, proactive follow-up, and quality improvement initiatives help reduce complications, improve patient outcomes, and keep patients successfully dialyzing at home.

1:45 PM333: What’s New in the Medicine Cabinet?

Stay current on the latest medications shaping nephrology care. This session reviews newly approved therapies, their nursing implications across kidney disease and transplant populations, and medications that are falling out of practice as evidence and treatment guidelines evolve.

1:45 PM334: Precision Nephrology for Her: Tailoring Care for Women

This session focuses on Women’s Health in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), specifically tracking how reproductive hormones, menopause, and metabolic shifts uniquely affect female patients across their lifespan. 

3:00 PM341: Community and EHR-based Kidney Health Screening: A Nurse Led Model

Timely recognition and treatment of renal disease can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the burden of illness. This session will showcase innovative community-based and electronic health record (EHR)-supported programs that promote the early identification and management of kidney disease. The discussion will examine their impact on individuals, communities, and overall healthcare costs. 

3:00 PM342: Diminishing Drop Out in Home Therapy: Maximizing the First 6 Months

Early dropout is a common problem in home therapy programs resulting in lower time on therapy. Identifying common causes of early dropouts facilitates pre-emptive strategies to reduce occurrence and transfer to ICHD. By impacting early dropout, a home program can increase time on therapy and positively impact program financial status.

3:00 PM343: Nephrology Feud: What Does the Core Curriculum 8th Edition say?

Test your nephrology knowledge in this interactive, Family Feud-style session featuring the newly released Core Curriculum for Nephrology Nursing, 8th Edition. Through audience participation, live polling, and evidence-based discussion, attendees will reinforce key clinical concepts across certification domains while exploring a game-based learning approach that can be adapted for staff development and chapter education.

3:00 PM344: The Journey to High-Volume Hemodiafiltration

Discover how hemodiafiltration (HDF) enhances dialysis care through improved removal of middle- and large- molecule toxins and better hemodynamic tolerance. This session reviews the fundamentals of HDF, practical strategies for transitioning patients from conventional hemodialysis, and the critical role of nursing assessment and monitoring in ensuring safe, effective treatment. Attendees will gain insights into optimizing therapy delivery, maximizing convection volume, and improving patient outcomes. 

Wednesday, April 21, 2027
7:00 AMContinental Breakfast 
8:00 AM401: The Vascular Access Trail: Set the Pace, Stock the Wagon, Save the Patient

Inspired by the classic Oregon Trail game, The Vascular Access Trail is an interactive tabletop simulation exercise that challenges participants to navigate the unexpected realities of vascular access care. Working in interprofessional teams, participants will respond to evolving clinical scenarios, transportation barriers, and system-level challenges while making real-time decisions with limited resources. Through collaborative problem-solving and facilitated debriefing, participants will discover that successful vascular access depends not only on sound clinical decisions, but also on recognizing the systems that shape patient outcomes.

9:15 AM402: The Nephrology Toolbox: QI in Action

Evidence-based practice (EBP), quality improvement (QI), implementation, reporting frameworks, and shared governance are essential tools for advancing nephrology practice—but choosing the right approach can be challenging. Through interactive case studies and real-world examples, participants will learn how to select, apply, and evaluate commonly used frameworks and leverage shared governance to address clinical and operational challenges. This practical session will provide participants with a "toolbox" for confidently matching the right framework to the right project while fostering frontline engagement and sustainable practice change.

10:45 AM403: Unpacking the Causes of ESKD

Explore the factors that drive the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). This session examines both common and less common causes of CKD progression, reviews the underlying pathophysiology, and highlights evidence-based strategies to slow disease progression and improve patient outcomes. Attendees will gain practical insights to support early intervention and optimize kidney health. 

12:15 PM404: ASCEND Academy: Strengthening the Nephrology Nursing Leadership Pipeline Through Mentorship and Professional Development

Participants will be introduced to ASCEND Academy, a comprehensive leadership development initiative designed to build leadership competencies across all career stages. The session will highlight how mentorship, coaching, and professional engagement opportunities are integrated within ASCEND Academy to cultivate confident, capable leaders who can drive innovation, influence practice, and support the continued advancement of nephrology nursing. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to support their own leadership development and foster leadership growth within their organizations and the nephrology nursing profession.