ASCEND Leadership Academy
ASCEND Leadership Academy
Elevate Your Leadership. Shape the Future of Nephrology Nursing.
Elevate Your Leadership. Shape the Future of Nephrology Nursing.
The American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) is proud to launch the ASCEND Leadership Academy, a structured 12-month experience designed to prepare, engage, and empower emerging nephrology nurse leaders.
Inaugural Cohort
The inaugural ASCEND cohort will be a fully virtual pilot capped at 8 competitively selected participants. Each participant will be paired with an experienced mentor and guided through a leadership capstone project.
The Academy will culminate in Fall 2027 at the ANNA Nephrology Nursing Summit, where participants will present their capstone projects and celebrate their graduation.
Lead Through Impact
Each ASCEND participant will complete a Leadership Development Capstone Project addressing a meaningful opportunity or challenge within nephrology nursing.
Projects should demonstrate leadership, innovation, scholarship, and practical application and, whenever possible, result in a resource or recommendation that can benefit ANNA, its chapters, or the broader nephrology community.
Potential topics include:
- Artificial Intelligence in nephrology nursing practice and education
- Protecting and advancing the role of the nephrology nurse in an AI-enabled healthcare environment
- Workforce recruitment and retention strategies
- Leadership and chapter engagement initiatives
- Advocacy and health policy
- Home dialysis innovation
- Patient education and health literacy
- Quality improvement and clinical innovation
- Mentorship and succession planning
- Professional development resources for nephrology nurses
Participants will present their completed projects at the 2027 ANNA Nephrology Nursing Summit (dates and location coming soon!), sharing their work with ANNA leaders, mentors, and nephrology nursing colleagues.
Key Dates:
September 17, 2026
Applications Open
October 31, 2026
Applications Close
11:59 p.m. ET
November 1–20, 2026
Applications Reviewed
December 1, 2026
Inaugural Cohort Announced
January 1, 2027
Academy Begins
Fall 2027
Capstone Presentations & Graduation
Become an ASCEND Participant
ASCEND is designed for nephrology nurses who are ready to take the next step in their leadership journey.
Candidate Requirements
- Currently practicing in nephrology in a CKD clinic, transplant, or dialysis setting
- Active nursing license
- Currently licensed to practice in the applicant’s state
- Three years of nursing experience
- Sufficient clinical foundation to engage productively with mentorship
- Personal statement
- Able to articulate goals and what the candidate hopes to gain from the program
- Recommendation letter from a professional colleague
- 12-month commitment from acceptance through presentation of Capstone
- Attendance at the 2027 Nephrology Nursing Summit
- Candidate will sign an agreement confirming that they will pay the $495 fee IF they are accepted into the program
Become an ASCEND Mentor
Strong leaders help develop strong leaders.
ASCEND mentors are experienced nephrology nurse leaders who are committed to supporting the next generation through mentorship, coaching, professional guidance, and encouragement.
Mentor Requirements
- Seasoned nephrology nurse leaders with the professional standing to guide developing peers
- THE ESTABLISHED LEADER – A nephrology nurse with a decade or more of practice and proven leadership presence, willing to invest in the next generation
- Submission package includes headshot, CV or resume, and bio demonstrating the depth and breadth of nephrology contributions
- Active nursing license
- Currently licensed to practice in the mentor’s state
- 10–15 years of nursing experience with at least five years specifically in nephrology nursing
- Professional leadership experience such as: nurse manager, educator, advanced practice, or comparable role
- Summit attendance – Ability to attend the 2027 Nephrology Nursing Summit alongside their mentee
- 12-month commitment to the program structure, bi-monthly meetings, and capstone support
- Candidates may request a specific mentor, but they must complete an application and be approved
Ready to ASCEND?
Whether you’re ready to grow as a leader or ready to invest in the next generation of nephrology nurses, ASCEND offers an opportunity to connect, learn, lead, and make an impact.
ASCEND Leadership Academy is funded by the Nephrology Nursing Foundation and delivered through ANNA.
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