RenaLink Professional Council Newsletter - Summer 2022

Ann Pittaoulis, RD, LDN

Despite continuous efforts to educate on CKD, many patients starting dialysis in the United States still are not aware of, or understand, dialysis. Patients and families may not even understand the options of modalities. They are forced to cope with a diagnosis of renal failure. Therefore, they need education on their options and better medical management. One promising answer to this need is the Transitional Care Units (TCUs). A TCU provides that emotional support, allows for coordination of care, as well as provides patient and family education and support. Read more.

Joanna Lee Neumann, RN, CNN

New dialysis patients may be frightened, confused, anxious and lost. In particular, those “crashing in” needing emergent start. Transitional Dialysis Care (TDC) is a humanizing approach to gently ease a patient into dialysis. While the patient is receiving the crucial dialysis treatment, their emotional needs are also addressed. Education about end stage kidney disease (ESKD), treatment options, dialysis procedures, nutrition, and financial aspects of ESKD are provided to empower the patients to make the most informed decision of their treatment choice. Read more.

Sheila Deziel, MSN, RN, CNN, FNKF
CNNT Immediate Past Chair

CNSW member, Charlie Thomas, was honored at a gala hosted by the Arizona Kidney Foundation, The Arizona Liver Foundation, Donor Network of Arizona, Banner University Medical Center, National Kidney Foundation of Arizona, and Transplant Community Alliance on Friday, May 13^th in Phoenix, AZ. They presented him with an award honoring his 40-year service to patients and the transplant community. Read more.

Messages from the Chairs

Read messages from the Chairs of CRN, AND-RPG, CNNT, and CNSW, and learn about their priorities for 2022. Read more

• SCM22 Stipend Summaries
• Council elections (coming soon!)
• Council award nominations are due July 31, 2022. View all open nominations here.