Nephrology Nurse
What is a Nephrology Nurse?
Nephrology nurses work primarily with patients experiencing kidney problems as well as those patients who are at risk of developing kidney problems. They treat and care for patients throughout the lifespan, from infancy to end of life. Some of the medical problems nephrology nurses may encounter and treat include End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), renal cysts, kidney transplants, and kidney stones, among many other diseases and disease processes.
Schooling Requirements and Licensing
In order to become a nephrology nurse, you must be a Licensed Practical (or Vocational) Nurse (LPN/LVN) or a Registered Nurse (RN) with an Associate's Degree (ADN) or a Bachelor's Degree (BSN). Each nursing license has a different scope of practice, and nursing education requirements must be met before passing a board exam. Read more regarding differences here.
To work in the nursing field of nephrology, experience level required will vary from setting to setting.
Some experience with patient populations may be required in a clinical setting specific to nephrology. Many clinics see a wide range of patient populations and may not specialize in nephrology solely, so this is important to be aware of when looking into clinic settings.
A dialysis outpatient clinic may require experience working in an acute care setting, IV experience, and a minimum Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. In addition, they may require specialized training. Many of these skills may be required to be eligible for hire, or on-the-job training may be provided.
Many hospital settings require some previous acute care or hospital experience prior to working on a unit that has patients experiencing kidney problems such as transplants. BLS certification, IV skills, and potentially an Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification may be required. Some hospitals may hire nurses that specifically perform procedures such as dialysis or apheresis. To complete this, specialized training is required.
There are many opportunities within nephrology nursing to specialize in, such as pediatric nephrology or dialysis.
Additionally, there are options for less direct patient care, such as management and research positions.
What Are the Types of Nephrology Nursing Certifications?
There are two designated certifications recognized by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission: The Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) and the Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN). Check out more information on these certifications below:
| Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) | Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing Organization | Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) | Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) |
| Focus Area | Broad nephrology care, including all kidney-related conditions | Specialized focus on dialysis care and treatment |
| Eligibility Requirements | Active RN license, 3,000 hours of nephrology nursing experience within the last 3 years | Active RN license, 2,000 hours of dialysis experience within the last 2 years |
| Targeted Patient Population | Patients with various kidney conditions (acute and chronic) | Patients specifically undergoing dialysis treatment |
| Exam Content | General nephrology concepts, including assessment, treatment, and management of kidney diseases | Dialysis-specific topics, including hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and patient education |
| Typical Work Settings | Hospitals, nephrology units, outpatient clinics, transplant centers | Dialysis centers, home dialysis programs, outpatient clinics |
| Renewal Requirements | Renewal every 5 years with continuing education or re-examination | Renewal every 5 years with continuing education or re-examination |
| Professional Recognition | Broad recognition in nephrology nursing across various settings | Recognized for expertise specifically in dialysis care |
What Does a Nephrology Nurse Do?
The nephrology nurse works with patients undergoing varying levels of treatment for kidney problems. Their duties may range from prevention, education, and monitoring in a clinic setting to acute treatment in a hospital.
Nephrology nurses perform dialysis in an outpatient setting, such as a dialysis center. During dialysis, blood is cleansed using a machine, removing waste and excess fluid in place of the kidneys. The nurse will perform assessments and monitoring during this procedure as well as provide education.
Nephrology nursing may also provide acute care in hospital settings, including stabilization, assessments, symptom management, procedures, surgeries, and education.
Nephrology nurses have fine-tuned assessment skills when assessing kidney function and establishing effective patient treatment plans.
Where Do Nephrology Nurses Work?
Nephrology nurses have a wide range of sites they practice. Nurses may work in:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient clinics
- Physician’s offices
- Home healthcare agencies
- Transplant centers
- Dialysis centers
Nephrology Nurse Salary and Employment
Nephrology nurse salaries can vary based on many factors, including setting, location, experience level, education, and more. For a nephrology nurse who has specialized and completed the certification, the salary average is approximately $108,668 per year. This average may decrease for those without the certification, or increase for those in a managerial role.
With the demand for specialty RNs on the rise, the employment outlook for nephrology nurses remains favorable. Employment is expected to continue rising through the next few years, making nephrology nursing a great career prospect.
| Average Yearly Salary | |
| Top 10% of Earners | $137,000 |
| Top 25% of Earners | $118,000 |
| Median | $108,668 |
| Bottom 25% of Earners | $95,500 |
Helpful Organizations, Societies, and Agencies
- Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
- The American Nephrology Nurses' Association
- The American Association of Critical Care Nurses
