Outstanding Nurse Award

Kate Kern, RN, BSN, CNN


Director of Dialysis for Tri-State Dialysis in Dubuque, Iowa


Kate Kern, RN, BSN, CNN has worked various roles in her 39 years in nephrology nursing including staff nurse in inpatient and outpatient units, educator, and nurse manager. She is currently the Director of Dialysis for Tri-State Dialysis in Dubuque, Iowa and oversees four outpatient units in Iowa and Wisconsin, two inpatient programs, home dialysis, and a nephrology clinic. She also served on the Board of Directors for National Kidney Foundation from 2016 to 2018. 

 

Kate is grateful for all the patients that she has worked with through the years and appreciates all the lessons that they have taught her about life along the way.  She believes it takes the entire team from support staff, technicians, nurses, dietitians, social workers, managers and nephrologists to make a program successful and she feels blessed to be surrounded by a great group of coworkers every day. Through the years, Kate has developed a passion for helping others through mentorship and teaching and loves to see new staff grow and develop in their roles.  

 

Kate is thankful for her family and is forever grateful for their love and support. She wants to thank all who have believed in her and joined her in her wonderful journey in nephrology nursing.

Past Outstanding Nurse Award Recipients

  • 2023: Isabelle Lynch, MBA, BSN, RN