Nephrology nurse

A nephrology nurse works with patients who have kidney diseases, abnormal kidney functions or are at risk of kidney problems.

Required education

ADN or BSN

Average annual salary

$110,000

Payscale.com (Jan. 2026)

Varied

Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.

Patient-facing

Work hands-on, directly with patients.

What is the role of a nephrology nurse?

You’ll work in diverse environments, including acute care, home training, outpatient dialysis clinics and even in transplant units where patients receive new kidneys.

What you’ll do as a nephrology nurse

Assessment

You’ll assess kidney function and create treatment plans for your patients.

Education

You’ll teach diabetics how to manage their symptoms.

Treatment

You’ll carry out treatment plans, including dialysis and acute care.

Female nurse in scrubs taking the vitals of a smiling female patient in hospital bed

Where you’ll work as a nephrology nurse

Nephrology nurses work in a variety of settings, including:

Clinics
Doctors’ offices
Hospitals
Patients’ homes

How to become a nephrology nurse

Get an Associate’s Degrees in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.

Pass the NCLEX-RN.

The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.

Work as a Registered Nurse, gaining 3,000 hours’ experience in Nephrology with 30 hours’ continued education

Get your Certified Dialysis Nurse Certification after gaining 2,000 hours’ experience in nephrology with 20 hours’ continued education while working as an RN.

Get your Certified Nephrology Certification from Nephrology Nurse Certification Commission.

You’re ready to work as a nephrology nurse!