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September8–14

Nephrology Nurses Week – September 8-14, 2024

Celebrate Nephrology Nurses Week September 8-18 as a way to thank, honor and recognize these highly dedicated members of the medical community. ANNA, the American Nephrology Nurses Association, marks this occasion during the second week of September. Everyday, nephrology nurses use their education, skillsets and kind demeanor in order to provide kidney patients with life-saving — and life-changing — work. This year, the theme is “Nephrology Nurses Aspire to Excellence.”

Nephrology Nurses Week timeline

​ 1963
​Life saving medications were introduced

​These included immunosuppressants — medications that suppress the immune system in order to keep the body from rejecting a new kidney via a transplant.

​1954
First successful transplant

​Although kidney transplants were attempted earlier, Joseph E. Murray, an American plastic surgeon, performed the first successful kidney transplant in Boston on identical twins.

​1945
​An advancement in the nephrology field

​Willem Kolff, a pioneer in the field of artificial organs, completes the first successful use of hemodialysis, a tool that purifies the blood and can improve kidney function.

​1896
Blood pressure tools improved

Scipione Riva-Ricci, an Italian internist and pediatrician, used a cuff around the arm to improve blood pressure readings.

​1827
​Kidney disease was recognized for the first time

Richard Bright, an English physician, recognized that kidney disease was separate from other medical conditions.

How to Observe Nephrology Nurses Week

  1. Get patients in on the action

    Patients (and family members) might write cards or post on social media using #NephrologyNursesWeek so they can show their appreciation for the nurses who work so hard.

  2. Reach out to newspapers, websites and local TV

    Take advantage of this week to offer journalists specific nurses and stories of interest.

  3. Put your appreciation on display

    Reach out to local hospitals, schools, and libraries to and ask if you can set up a special display that honors and celebrates the nephrology nurses in the area.

​5 Important Things To Know About Kidney Disease

  1. ​Kidney transplant numbers are low

    ​Of the approximately 90,000 U.S. patients waiting for a kidney, only 20 percent of them will actually get the opportunity.

  2. One kidney is enough

    ​Although most people are born with two kidneys, you can still live a full, healthy life with only one functioning kidney.

  3. ​Common health issues are the leading cause of kidney disease

    ​Diabetes and high blood pressure — issues that affect many people — cause approximately 44% of kidney failure cases in the U.S.

  4. ​Too many people suffer from kidney disease

    ​Approximately 13% of adults in the U.S. suffer from a kidney disease.

  5. ​Kidney disease targets a certain age group

    ​Although kidney disease affects people from all age groups, people over 60 have the highest odds of developing it.

Why Nephrology Nurses Week is Important

  1. Commitment

    Nephrology nurses serve, inspire, motivate, and encourage their patients to survive and overcome their kidney disease. Caring for kidney patients requires an exceptional skill level.

  2. Talent

    Nephrology nurses use their vision, knowledge, and skills to improve patient outcomes. They cite the variety and challenges of the specialty as fueling their ongoing passion.

  3. Inspiration

    Nursing students have the opportunity to learn what the field of nephrology entails. The week might inspire them to follow one of the many paths in this field.

Nephrology Nurses Week dates

YearDateDay
2021September 12Sunday
2022September 11Sunday
2023September 10Sunday
2024September 8Sunday
2025September 14Sunday

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