{"title":"Strategies to Reduce Caregiver Burden among Family Caregivers of Patients on Hemodialysis.","authors":"Emmanuel A Fatona","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Family caregivers of patients on hemodialysis (HD) experience significant burden that can impact their health and quality of life. Identifying effective strategies to reduce this burden is essential for improving outcomes for both patients and caregivers. This article highlights evidence-based strategies for addressing caregiver burden among family caregivers of patients receiving HD. A literature review was performed using EBSCOhost, ProQuest, and PubMed databases. Twenty-two related articles were identified, of which 12 met inclusion criteria. Five effective strategies were identified to reduce caregiver burden: the 5-A self-management model, stress management training, online peer mentoring programs, teach-back method based on the 'Timing it Right' framework, and peer support intervention. Nephrology nurses and health care professionals should work collaboratively to identify caregiver needs and offer appropriate tools to reduce burden.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 2","pages":"115-174"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148165625","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}
Christine M Corbett, Dale E Lupu, Giulia Isabella Pintea
{"title":"Nurse Practitioner-Led Comprehensive Conservative Kidney Care Program: Description of Program Implementation and Outcomes for Supportive Care for Persons with Chronic Kidney Disease.","authors":"Christine M Corbett, Dale E Lupu, Giulia Isabella Pintea","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluates the Comprehensive Conservative Kidney Care Clinic (CCKC), the first known U.S. nurse practitioner-led program for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) choosing non-dialytic management in an urban safety-net setting. Retrospective analysis of 32 patients (mean age 74.6 years) over four years demonstrated the model's feasibility. While 81.3% remained on conservative management (CM), significant racial disparities emerged: 29.6% of Black patients transitioned to dialysis compared to 0.0% of White or Asian patients (p = 0.03). Furthermore, 70.8% of patients on CM utilized hospice, whereas none who initiated dialysis did. Qualitative findings suggest clinician framing strongly influenced patient choice. Despite the small sample size, the CCKC model effectively provides person-centered care, emphasizing the need for strategies addressing social determinants to ensure equitable access.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 2","pages":"141-174"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148165611","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}
Christine Christine Corbett, Mary S Haras, Katherine Duberg, Giulia Isabella Pintea, Matthew Ryan, Lucia D Wocial, Alvin H Moss
{"title":"\"Why Is This Patient on Dialysis?\" - A Survey of Nephrology Nurses' Perspectives on Dialysis Appropriateness and Their Related Moral Distress.","authors":"Christine Christine Corbett, Mary S Haras, Katherine Duberg, Giulia Isabella Pintea, Matthew Ryan, Lucia D Wocial, Alvin H Moss","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In a 1996 national survey, nephrology registered nurses believed that 15.0% of patients aged 65 years and older should not be dialyzed. In 2025, we replicated the survey and additionally asked nephrology nurses to rate their moral distress using the Moral Distress Thermometer (MDT). The 315 respondents believed that 19.4% of patients aged 65 years and older should not be dialyzed; 100 nurses (31.7% of respondents) reported high moral distress (MDT 6 or higher) and that 26.7% of older patients should not be dialyzed. In comparison, 215 nurses (68.3%) reported low moral distress (26.7% vs. 16.0%, p = 0.0002) and that 16.0% or older patients should not be dialyzed. High moral distress is present among many nephrology registered nurses, underscoring the need for interdisciplinary dialogue about the appropriateness of dialysis for some older patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 1","pages":"11-24"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147789424","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}
Shannon E Pyne, Amanda S Nye, Helen Copenheaver, Samantha M Obeck
{"title":"Redefining Kidney Care: A Health System's Transitional Journey from Outsourced to In-House Hemodialysis Services.","authors":"Shannon E Pyne, Amanda S Nye, Helen Copenheaver, Samantha M Obeck","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The pilot transition from outsourced to in-house hemodialy sis (HD) services at a 274-bed acute care hospital resulted in significant cost savings, operational improvements, and enhanced patient care. By adopting an advanced in-house HD model, the pilot hospital reduced per-treatment costs by 89.2%, eliminated outsourced vendor-imposed penalties, and achieved a 0% turnover rate among nephrology nurses. A structured, multidisciplinary strategy streamlined workflows and improved staff engagement. The pilot's success catalyzed system-wide expansion over four years across eight hospitals, demonstrating financial sustainability, scalability, and clinical benefits of an in-house HD model.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 1","pages":"57-63"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147789420","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":"A Risk-Informed Transitional Care Framework for Patients with Glomerular Disease.","authors":"Amber B Paulus, Kabir Munjwani, Jason M Kidd","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Patients with glomerular disease (glomerulonephritis, GN) experience complex care transitions that increase the risk of fragmented care, delayed decision-making, and inadequate preparedness. Within the Mid-Atlantic Glome rulonephritis Network (MAGNET), an interdisciplinary nephrology care team identified the absence of a standardized approach to support patients across key transition points, including transplant referral, dialysis planning, and pediatric-to-adult care. In response, the PATHWAY GN protocol was developed as an interdisciplinary transitional care model embedded within routine nephrology practice. This article describes the design, core components, and implementation strategy of PATHWAY GN, highlighting a nurse-physician collaborative approach to patient identification, transition support, care coordination, and engagement in glomerular disease care.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 1","pages":"33-41"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147789413","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}
JoAnn S Oliver, Felecia G Wood, Pamela P Foster, Brittney Anderson, Chuong Bui, Sharlene D Newman
{"title":"Knowledge of Kidney Health among Those with or at Risk for Kidney Disease: Implications for Chronic Kidney Disease Interventions.","authors":"JoAnn S Oliver, Felecia G Wood, Pamela P Foster, Brittney Anderson, Chuong Bui, Sharlene D Newman","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of individuals with or at risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and whether that knowledge differed as a function of race, socio-economic status, education level, and rural/urban living status. Knowledge about kidney disease is important to prevent or manage CKD. Data for this descriptive research were collected from 519 adults living in Alabama, reflecting diversity in age, gender, and race. Knowledge deficits were identified. Nephrology nurses have a role in preventing and promoting early diagnosis of CKD through education of individuals and communities to ensure people realize kidney health matters.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 1","pages":"71-76"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147789422","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":"From Scenario to Reality: How Tabletop Exercises Transformed Emergency Management in Outpatient Dialysis Care.","authors":"Faith Lynch, Samantha Moorehead","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Emergency preparedness is a critical component of patient safety in outpatient dialysis settings, where patients rely on life-sustaining treatments multiple times each week. Disruptions caused by natural disasters, infrastructure failures, or other emergencies can threaten the continuity of dialysis care and place this vulnerable population at significant risk. Tabletop exercises have emerged as an effective strategy for strengthening emergency readiness by allowing health care teams to rehearse response procedures in a structured, low-risk environment. These scenario-based simulations promote active engagement, interdisciplinary communication, and real-time problem-solving, while helping organizations identify operational gaps in existing emergency protocols. This article describes the creation and implementation of a tabletop exercise for a rapidly escalating emergency - a hurricane with a changing path and rapid intensification.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 1","pages":"49-55"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147789451","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":"<i>Career Pathways into Nephrology Nursing:</i> A How-to Guide.","authors":"Angela Kurosaka, Faith Lynch","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The journey toward a fulfilling career in nephrology nursing is one of both profound challenge and immense reward. It requires skill, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to patient care. This article adapts <i>Career Pathways into Nephrology Nursing</i> into a guide for schools of nursing, health systems, and dialysis and transplant units. Integrating current evidence-based practices, it proposes a competency-based framework applying from pre-licensure through advanced practice and leadership, defining phased-in strategies for adoption without mandates, and suggesting an evaluation and research agenda. The goal is for the book to serve not only as a resource and reference, but also as a lever for workforce development, retention, and equitable kidney care delivery.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 1","pages":"43-48"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147789380","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}
Graham Abra, Frank Liu, Lucy Todd, Louisa Freiberger, Leah Foster-Smith
{"title":"Empowering Kidney Care: An ANNA-ASN Conference with Nurse-Physician Partners - Home Dialysis.","authors":"Graham Abra, Frank Liu, Lucy Todd, Louisa Freiberger, Leah Foster-Smith","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Editor-in-Chief's Note: On September 27, 2025, ANNA and ASN collaborated on a one-day meeting at ANNA's Nephrology Nursing Summit to bring nurses and physicians together to discuss important issues in nephrology. This article is based on the panel discussion on home dialysis that focused on how innovative solutions as well as best practices can enhance patient care, improve outcomes, and reduce health care burden, while also fostering a collaborative approach between nurses and physicians. The recorded version of the panel discussion is available in ANNA's Online Library (https://library.annanurse.org/p/s/home-dialysis-26207).</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 1","pages":"25-48"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147789426","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}