Where can nurses and techs find the best organizations and resources, and why does it matter? Here’s a rundown of the leading dialysis and nephrology groups, associations, and organizations and how they can help keep you knowledgeable, up to date, and competitive in your dialysis career.
> Seeking new career opportunities? Search open dialysis jobs here
What are the Best Dialysis & Nephrology Groups, Associations & Resources for Nurses & Techs?
Whether you’re a nurse or a tech, dialysis is an in-demand field, with plenty of job opportunities across the United States. But the best ones can be competitive, so it pays to put some work into being the best candidate you can be.
And doing that means staying current on dialysis equipment, technology, and best practices. All of those things change fast in healthcare, and especially in dialysis, where diagnoses of kidney disease are increasing and more patients are being treated in more settings. So, care is evolving to accommodate those needs — and more employers are actively seeking professionals with advanced skills.
- Did you know? More and more dialysis jobs are available at acute care facilities, rather than standalone clinics and hospitals. See for yourself — search open jobs now!
Dialysis Associations, Organizations & Resources
Besides keeping your skills and knowledge up to date, joining a dialysis or nephrology group can give you a fast track to certain certifications, and free continuing education (CE) courses. You'll also get resources like webinars, podcasts, and discounted event registration. They also offer opportunities to expand your professional network, reputation, and potential for job referrals.
So, what are the best organizations for dialysis nurses and techs to join? Here’s a quick guide, plus info on where to find them and what they offer.
National Kidney Foundation (NKF)
A must-join for pretty much any dialysis professional, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is one of America's most renowned clinical groups.
Focused on promoting kidney health through patient awareness and support for legislation and policies, the NKF also provides a huge variety of learning resources and career opportunities for dialysis professionals, both profession-specific and multidisciplinary.
For instance, members get discounted and free CE, special rates on event registration, and access to apps, podcasts, and leading journals like the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, Advances in Kidney Disease and Health, and others.
There’s also the chance to join the Council of Nephrology Nurses and Technicians (CNNT), Scientific Advisory Board, and Professional Councils. You’ll also be eligible for recognition by the Fellowship of the National Kidney Foundation — another great way to impress employers!
American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA)
As the nation’s largest nurse nephrology organization, the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) is the go-to source for nurses seeking dialysis career resources and educational opportunities, including free CE, access to articles, podcasts, and a review course to help pass key certification exams like Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) and Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN).
> Deep dive: What’s the difference between dialysis and nephrology nursing?
ANNA also offers tons of conferences, workshops, and webinars. Its yearly National Symposium is a multi-day skill-building and networking event held in vacation-friendly spots like New Orleans, Orlando, and Palm Springs, where you can learn while networking, earning contact hours, and just having fun.
ANNA also publishes the Nephrology Nursing Journal (NNJ), a great resource for staying up to date on the finer points of dialysis care.
The International Society of Nephrology (ISN)
You can build your dialysis knowledge on a global level with the International Society of Nephrology (ISN), a worldwide community offering in-person and online training opportunities like lectures, workshops, and the World Congress of Nephrology, held each year in locations like Montreal, Singapore, India, and Japan.
With an emphasis on clinical trials, cohort studies, and research grant programs, the ISM is especially useful for those interested in science and research, or who want to build a global, multilingual network.
Renal Healthcare Association (RHA)
The Renal Healthcare Association (RHA) is another national organization that supports healthcare professionals working in renal care — a.k.a., kidney and dialysis care — with an annual conference, webinars, professional development and certification programs, collaboration opportunities, committees and task forces, and more.
Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO)
The dialysis organization known as Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) is a non-profit, volunteer-based group offering the chance to help advance the science of renal care into practical clinical applications on a global level using videos, podcasts, webinars, meetings, summits, and more.
HealthTrust's Dialysis Nurse Residency Program
For newly graduated RNs, or those still in school, the best dialysis resource is HealthTrust’s own nephrology residency program. Offering the chance to develop and expand your dialysis skillset via online and in-person training, mentoring, help with certifications, and more, the program guides you through:
- The basics of kidney disease and patient assessment for dialysis treatments
- Electronic health record (EHR) medical charting and equipment for dialysis care
- Dialysis modality, cannulation, infection prevention, and more
Build Dialysis Career Experience with HealthTrust
As America’s leading source of clinical jobs, HealthTrust is the ultimate career resource for nephrology nurses and dialysis techs! We offer an engaging, collaborative, and supportive work environment, with access to exclusive opportunities within one of the largest healthcare systems, excellent benefits, and more. See what’s available — search dialysis job openings now.
