Patricia McCarley, MSN, RN, ACNP-BC, CNN

Individuals with kidney disease often experience abnormal fluid volume. Learn how to identify patient fluid status, the standards for fluid removal, physical findings associated with rapid fluid removal, and the current and long-term effects of cardiac stunning. Interventions to manage fluid volume challenges in patients also will be discussed.

Charlotte Thomas-Hawkins, PhD, RN, FAAN

This session will review the anticipated need for nurses in the healthcare system in the midst of a growing nursing shortage. The impact of the shortage on staffing in nephrology and strategies to decrease that deficit will be explored. A highlight will be a discussion of the driving forces in the nephrology nursing shortage, such as staffing ratios, increased acuity, and loss of experienced nurses.

Charlie Kelley, MSN, RN

This session is designed for leaders seeking to foster staff engagement. Discussion will focus on providing educational opportunities, promoting a healthy work environment, creating occasions for staff recognition and celebration, and offering mentorship programs and flexible work hours. Issues related to an aging workforce and the impact of stress also will be addressed.

Sagar Nigwekar, MD

Calciphylaxis is not uncommon in individuals with kidney disease. Review the incidence, prevalence, risk factors, and diagnostic criteria for calciphylaxis. Discussion will cover skin lesions in calciphylaxis and emerging treatment options to halt the disease’s progression.

Lisa Jennings, MSN, CCRN-CMC, ACNP-BC, CHFN, CVNP-BC, FHFSA

Treatment options for severe heart failure include left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) and extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). As nephrology nurses care for patients at risk for heart failure, it is important to understand the indications for the use of these devices and how they work. Learn more about the nursing care for patients with LVADs/ECMO and potential treatment complications.

Jessica Tangren, MD

Pregnancy increases the challenges of planning and implementing care for women with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Review current clinical practice guidelines related to managing care for a pregnant patient with CKD, including differentiating between acute kidney injury and pre-eclampsia.

Tracy Holman-Speights, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, MBA

Nurses and nurse leaders may encounter interpersonal conflict on a daily basis – among healthcare professionals or between patients and healthcare professionals. Explore ways to detect early signs of conflict and ground rules for handling interpersonal conflict. Proven communication techniques to minimize and manage interpersonal conflict will be a highlight of this session.

Jeffrey Albaugh, PhD, APRN, CUCNS, CNS

Sexual dysfunction is common in men and women with chronic kidney disease. This session will review sexual issues that may impact individuals with kidney disease, tips for discussing this potentially sensitive topic with patients, and treatment options and resources for male and female sexual dysfunction.