During the week of September 14–20, 2025, nephrology nurses across the country came together to celebrate Nephrology Nurses Week. This annual recognition highlights the dedication, expertise, and impact of nurses who care for individuals living with kidney disease.
Nephrology nursing was only formally recognized as a specialty practice in 2005, though its roots extend much further back. Since then, the field has continued to grow, advancing both patient care and professional practice.
The American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA), founded in 1969, is guided by four foundational pillars: Science, Education, Advocacy, and Networking. Through these pillars, ANNA supports renal nursing professionals with evidence-based resources, continuing education, policy engagement, and meaningful connection opportunities.
One way members connect is via Specialty Practice Networks (SPNs)—forums focused on subspecialty areas such as Acute Care, Administration, Advanced Practice, Chronic Kidney Disease, Educator, and Hemodialysis—where nurses can exchange ideas, share best practices, and collaborate on discipline-specific challenges1. In addition, ANNA offers a variety of standing committees such as the Advocacy & Health Policy Committee, Awards & Scholarships, Conferences, Membership, Publications, and Research, created to help members grow into leadership roles and contribute to the strategic direction and programs of the association2.
ANNA’s reach and influence are broad, with 64 local chapters across the country and two national conferences—the Spring Symposium and Fall Summit—that bring together clinicians, educators, and researchers. The association is governed by its members and a dedicated Board of Directors, ensuring a strong foundation for collaboration.
In addition, ANNA maintains professional partnerships with key stakeholders in nephrology, including the Renal Physicians Association, Renal Healthcare Association, American Society of Nephrology, National Kidney Foundation, and the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC). Together, these efforts help elevate the practice of nephrology nursing and ensure that clinicians remain empowered to provide exceptional patient care.
We wanted to take the opportunity to recognize and thank all the dedicated nurses working in kidney care.
Michelle Gilliland
Solution Delivery Manager | ANNA President-Elect
References
- American Nephrology Nurses Association. (n.d.-a). Specialty practice networks. ANNA. https://annanurse.org/specialty-practice-networks
- American Nephrology Nurses Association. (n.d.-b). Committees. ANNA. https://annanurse.org/volunteer/committees