Tamara Kear, PhD, RN, CNS, CNN

New evidence about the pathophysiology of heart failure takes into consideration preserved ventricular heart failure. This session will focus on the levels of symptom severity, classification of heart failure, as well as treatment goals.

Lisa Koester-Wiedemann, MSN, RN, CS, ANP, CNN-NP

This session will examine partnerships to manage CKD, including the differences between partnerships and referrals, the best setting for care, and the desired outcomes. The characteristics of effective CKD partnerships, such as communication, integrated health care information, evaluation, and quality improvement, also will be addressed.

Wendy St. Peter, PharmD, FCCP, FASN, FNKF

Pharmacology expert Dr. St. Peter will discuss the medications commonly used in the care of CKD patients, including the evidence for their use. Emphasis will be placed on how the medications work and choosing the best medication depending on the clinical scenario.

Lynn Poole, FNP-BC, CNN, FNKF

Every hemodialysis patient has one or more vascular accesses. The patient and the dialysis care team have key roles and responsibilities to promote safety and preserve existing arteriovenous fistulas and arteriovenous grafts. Vascular access anatomy and critical thinking skills necessary to troubleshoot vascular access issues will be reviewed.

Kellie Kahveci, PhDc, RN, AGPCNP-BC, AGNP-BC

This session will review the parameters of physical assessment for patients with heart failure, including vital signs, volume status, and fatigue. Diagnostic tools, ongoing patient assessment, and home visit assessments also will be highlighted.

Karin True, MD

Cancer is a possible complication in individuals who receive a transplant and may be related to immunosuppression. The known risks for immunosuppressed patients will be covered through examples and case studies. Recommended intervals of cancer screening for the general population compared to transplant candidates/recipients also will be reviewed.

Dotti Plank, BSN, RN, CNN

Although often used in business settings, project management has not been as frequently noted in the health care arena. This session will examine the pros of using project management in building a path to get where we want to go and providing a measure of when we have arrived. Tips to initiate the project management process, maintain momentum, and manage the bumps along the road will be provided.

Norma Gomez, MBA, MSN, RN, CNNe

This session will explore opportunities to engage staff in effective patient education. The gaps in patient education related to CKD and renal replacement therapies as well as the importance of recognizing when education is appropriate will be reviewed.

Tracy Anderson-Haag, PharmD, BCPS

This session will address the use of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) in the treatment of CKD. Discussion will focus on the pharmacokinetics of MRAs, indications for use in patients with CKD, potential adverse effects on the kidneys, and how to manage those effects.

Tiffany Moyer

Nocturnal dialysis is used more frequently by patients who choose to dialyze at home. This session will examine the pros and cons of this treatment modality, the key components of an effective nocturnal dialysis program, and staff and patient retention.

Jodi Conti, BSN, RN
Felicia Speed, LMSW

There are numerous transportation safety concerns related to the CKD population, especially in the transportation of ESRD patients to and from dialysis appointments. In the ever-changing care delivery systems for nephrology patients, coordination of transportation services can become extremely challenging and create time insufficiencies for staff. This multifaceted presentation will increase your knowledge base on transportation services, funds that are available for patients, and ways to improve efficiency of staff time in coordination of such efforts.

Brent Miller, MD

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is being done more frequently in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). This session will address the benefits of PD in SNFs, pitfalls to avoid when starting a program, staff and patient education, as well as communication and collaborative care planning as essential components of a program’s success.