What does a nephrology nurse do?
A nephrology nurse is a registered nurse who cares for people with kidney disease, including those on dialysis or who have had a kidney transplant. Many work in outpatient dialysis centers.
The work
Nephrology nurses start and monitor dialysis treatments, manage access sites, check fluids and medication, and teach patients about diet and self-care. Patients come regularly, so nurses build long relationships.
Training
An RN license and employer training on dialysis equipment. The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission offers the certified nephrology nurse (CNN) credential, and it is voluntary.
Pay
Nephrology nurses are not separated in federal data: the median RN earned $97,550 in May 2025.
Pay and projections: Bureau of Labor Statistics. NCLEX figures: NCSBN. Enrollment: AACN. Sources and years are ondata sources.