{"title":"Renal Drug Dosing and Medication Safety in Patients Receiving Dialysis: A Practical Guide for Nephrology Nurses and Advanced Practice Providers.","authors":"Leah Foster Smith","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Patients receiving dialysis are among the most medically complex populations in health care and are at high risk for medication-related problems. Polypharmacy, frequent hospitalizations, multiple comorbid conditions, and care from numerous health care providers contribute to medication discrepancies and adverse drug events. In addition, advanced kidney disease significantly alters drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination, requiring careful application of renal drug dosing principles. Nephrology nurses and advanced practice providers play critical roles in medication reconciliation, patient education, monitoring for adverse effects, and promoting medication safety. This article reviews dialysis pharmacokinetics, principles of renal drug dosing, common medication considerations in patients on dialysis, and practical strategies to optimize medication safety and therapeutic outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 4","pages":"301-348"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148972272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Psychotropic Medications and Kidney Disease: Balancing Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability.","authors":"Debra J Hain","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) commonly experience mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, which may require treatment with psychotropic medications. Although nephrology nurses and nurse practitioners may not prescribe or administer these medications, they play an important role in monitoring patients receiving psychotropic therapy. Therefore, nephrology nurses and nurse practitioners should have a working knowledge of the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, safety, and tolerability of these medications, particularly in the setting of impaired kidney function. This article provides an overview of selected psychotropic medications commonly used to treat mental health disorders in individuals with CKD, with an emphasis on considerations relevant to nephrology nursing practice. The discussion includes medication efficacy, safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic consideration that may affect medication selection and dosing in patients with reduced kidney function. This overview is not intended to be comprehensive or inclusive of all psychotropic medications.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 4","pages":"349-380"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148972310","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Advocacy without Borders: A Collaborative Journey in Nephrology Nursing Leadership.","authors":"Michelle Gilliland, Alicia Moonesar","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Advocacy is an essential component of professional nursing practice, yet opportunities to experience advocacy across international health care systems are uncommon. This article describes a collaborative journey between leaders of the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) and the Canadian Association of Nephrology Nurses and Technologists (CANNT), beginning with a conversation at the 2025 CANNT Conference and concluding in participation at ANNA's 2026 Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C. Through shared experiences, the authors explore similarities and differences in nurse advocacy within the United States and Canada, highlighting workforce challenges, kidney health priorities, legislative engagement, and the enduring influence of nurses' voices in shaping health care policy. Although advocacy pathways differ, the shared commitment to improving kidney care demonstrates that advocacy truly has no borders.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 4","pages":"295-300"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148972096","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Effect of Individualized Teach-Back Education Guided by the Roy Adaptation Model on Treatment Adherence and Coping Skills in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Elif Acar, Semiha Akin Eroglu","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>AThis randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of an individualized, nurse-led, teach-back method of education intervention guided by the Roy Adaptation Model on treatment adherence and coping processes among adult patients on hemodialysis. Utilizing a parallel-group pretest-posttest design, 42 outpatients were randomized into intervention (<i>n</i> = 21) or control (<i>n</i> = 21) groups. Data were collected using validated adherence and coping scales. The intervention group received three face-to-face education sessions delivered via the teach-back method. After adjusting for baseline scores, the intervention group demonstrated statistically significant and higher posttest adherence and coping scores compared with the control group. Retrospective analysis confirmed a robust post-hoc power of 0.92. This theoretically guided framework supports multidimensional treatment adherence and coping mechanisms in patients on hemodialysis.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 3","pages":"245-258"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148551482","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Immeasurable Cost of the Wrong Words: When 'Noncompliance' Hid the Real Story.","authors":"Melissa O'Connor, Kelly McGee","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The term <i>noncompliant</i> remains common in clinical documentation, yet it can transmit bias, narrow clinical thinking, and obscure barriers influencing patient outcomes. This article describes the de-identified experience of a medically complex rural patient with diabetes, kidney-related specialty needs, alcohol use disorder, food insecurity, unstable housing, transportation barriers, and pending disability income who was repeatedly viewed through the lens of noncompliance. Longitudinal nephrology nursing documentation revealed a more complicated story: barriers to care rather than unwillingness to engage. Rather than withdrawing support, the nephrology team persisted with practical, nonjudgmental interventions focused on identifying barriers and coordinating resources. After disability income was approved, the patient obtained stable housing, re-engaged with care, and returned gas cards to the clinic to help other patients in need. This case illustrates how language can change trajectories and become a clinical intervention in nursing practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 3","pages":"211-215"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148551477","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Advocacy Is Courage in Action.","authors":"Michelle Gilliland","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 3","pages":"209"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148551433","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Youngmee Kim, Won-Kyung Cho, Jooyoun Song, Lorraine S Evangelista, Joel D Kopple
{"title":"Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the End-Stage Renal Disease Adherence Questionnaire-Short Form: English, Spanish, and Korean Versions.","authors":"Youngmee Kim, Won-Kyung Cho, Jooyoun Song, Lorraine S Evangelista, Joel D Kopple","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The End-Stage Renal Disease Adherence Questionnaire (ESRD-AQ) evaluates adherence behaviors of patients on maintenance hemodialysis (e.g., hemodialysis attendance, medication use, fluid restrictions, and diet restrictions). The ESRD-AQ, with 46 items, is considered lengthy by some clinicians with time constraints. Therefore, this study was conducted to develop and psychometrically evaluate a 9-item short form of the ESRD-AQ (ESRD-AQ-SF) for faster and more efficient administration. Content validity, construct validity, and test-retest reliability were assessed. Results demonstrated that the ESRD-AQ-SF is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating treatment adherence in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 3","pages":"235-243"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13598919/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148551487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"What Nephrology Nurses Need to Know About the 2026 CNN and CDN Certification Changes: Implications for Eligibility, Exam Preparation, and Specialty Practice.","authors":"Amber B Paulus","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission is updating the Certified Nephrology Nurse and Certified Dialysis Nurse certification programs in 2026 based on national practice-analysis findings. These changes include revised examination blueprints, standardized eligibility criteria, removal of the baccalaureate-degree requirement, and clearer differentiation between dialysis-focused and broader nephrology nursing practice. This article explains the rationale for the updates, summarizes key transition dates, interprets available education and practice-scope data, and provides practical guidance for nurses, educators, employers, and review-course developers. Under standing these changes can help nephrology nurses select the appropriate credential, prepare effectively, and align certification with contemporary specialty practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 3","pages":"217-223"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148551394","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Speaking Quality Improvement: Leveraging the PDSA Framework to Improve Dialysis Outcomes.","authors":"Katelynn Booth, Amanda Morelli","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Improving patient care in the dialysis setting begins with empowering nurses and interdisciplinary teams to lead quality improvement initiatives. As dialysis care becomes more complex and regulatory metrics intensify through the ESRD Quality Incentive Program, the need for continuous improvement is critical. The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle offers a practical, iterative framework for driving meaningful change in dialysis settings. A discussion of each phase followed by a detailed example addresses the current educational gap and illustrates how this framework supports quality outcomes. By empowering dialysis staff, particularly nurses, as key agents of change, a culture of quality improvement and sustainability in the dialysis setting can be successfully achieved.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 3","pages":"227-233"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148551446","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"There Is No Difficult Patient.","authors":"Cornelia Gogan","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Patients receiving chronic hemodialysis frequently experience significant physical, psychological, and emotional stress that often contributes to patients' dysregulation, treatment resistance, and behaviors labeled as \"difficult.\" Traditional responses to these situations can unintentionally escalate the distress the patient is experiencing and negatively affect the staff-patient relationship. This article explores patient behavior through the lens of emotional intelligence, trauma-informed care, and nervous system regulation. Examples from real-world clinical experiences are used to demonstrate how emotional intelligence can support effective de-escalation, strengthen patient-staff relationships, and improve patient experiences. The author has included two practical frameworks, ANCHORS and COMMUNITY, to assist nephrology nurses and dialysis staff in regulating their own nervous system while supporting patients during emotional overwhelm and nervous system overload. Emotional intelligence is presented as an essential clinical competency that promotes safety, trust, communication, and compassionate patient-centered care within the dialysis setting.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 3","pages":"259-262"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148551403","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}