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Topics About 'nephrology'.
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Specializing in nephrology offers Nurse Practitioners (NPs) the unique opportunity to manage complex cases involving chronic kidney disease (CKD), dialysis, and transplantation. As the population ages and the prevalence of renal disease rises, the demand for highly skilled Nephrology NPs has never been higher. Unlike broader specialties, dedicated Nephrology NP degrees are rare. Instead, most nurses pursue this path through specialized post-graduate fellowships or by selecting specific elective tracks within a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. Below, we detail the best accredited programs, fellowships, and educational pathways to help you succeed in this vital field in 2026. 2026 Nephrology NP Snapshot Primary Degree Needed: MSN or DNP in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care (AGACNP) or Family Practice (FNP). Specialization Method: Post-graduate fellowship or certificate. Key Certification: Certified Nephrology Nurse-Nurse Practitioner (CNN-NP). Average Salary: ~$134,000+ (varies by state and experience). Growth Sector: High demand in outpatient dialysis and acute renal failure management. -
In 2020 research began to circulate that using a different calculation for determining eGFR or estimated glomerular filtration rate with adjustment for race was incorrect and led to much inequity in many realms of care. The Cleveland Clinic tells us that the eGFR measures the output of your glomeruli (filters of the kidneys for waste products). It is measured in ml/min and is the amount of waste products that your kidneys remove. Until fairly recently, eGFR was adjusted upwards for African Americans. Why was race factored into this calculation? From the National Kidney Foundation: This led to African Americans not being wait-listed for transplant until later in the course of their chronic kidney disease. Also, African American patients were not being referred as early to specialized nephrology care as their White counterparts. This caused a greater number of African American patients to go on to develop end-stage renal disease. Calculating the eGFR has many variables. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders recommends using the National Kidney Foundation's eGFR calculator. Here is the newest (2023) calculator for eGFR without factoring in race. According to the National Kidney Foundation the eGFR is used in a variety of ways for many decisions made in patient care: By looking at the ways that eGFR is used in patient care, you can readily understand why an accurate eGFR is mandatory. For instance: It's vitally important that a potential living kidney donor has excellent renal function. If eGFR is overestimated, the living donor could unwittingly donate a kidney and then experience decline in his own renal function. Many medications must be renally dosed. Medications can cause potentially fatal consequences, especially when you overestimate eGFR. Some of the more common medications which can be problematic include anti-virals, antibiotics, BP meds Clinical trials should be representative of a population. In the US, our population is a melting pot of races, so it is important for research that all races be included eGFR must be factored in when ordering contrast studies. Dose reduction is an important consideration when ordering radiological tests. All patients with an eGFR >30ml/min should be under the care of a nephrologist. Dialysis or renal replacement therapy is what end-stage renal disease patients face. The earlier it is determined that renal replacement therapy will be needed, the better. This allows for pre-emptive placement of a permanent access and modality consideration. One of the biggest influences on the new calculation for eGFR is consideration for renal transplant. Renal transplant consideration based on race-predictive eGFR came to a screeching halt in 2022 when the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) passed this policy: This has positively affected transplant rates for African American patients. In the US, the two main disease processes that bring patients to a nephrologist's office are hypertension and diabetes. Both of these are often found in the African American population. By adjusting the eGFR and eliminating race as a factor, all patients face a more even playing field. What do you think? Have you seen or know of patients where re-calculation of eGFR has resulted in a change of care? Does your hospital still use race as a factor in eGFR? References/Resources Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) : Cleveland Clinic Recommended eGFR Calculators: National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Disorders Understanding African American and non-African American eGFR laboratory results: National Kidney Foundation Implementation notice: Requirement for race neutral eGFR formulas in effect: United Network for Organ Sharing
