Job Position and Professional Responsibilities:

Melanie C. Kreitzer, RN, CNN, is a passionate nephrology nurse with over 30 years of experience. She has been certified in nephrology since 1999, utilizing her knowledge in patient care. Melanie is currently a Central Anemia Manager, where she optimizes patient outcomes through expert lab interpretation and protocol management. Melanie has held roles such as a Facility Administrator, Clinical Coordinator, and Peritoneal Nurse. As a dedicated educator, she has trained many patients and has helped lead kidney health initiatives and educate about Chronic Kidney Disease. Active in ANNA, Melanie supports education, networking, and advocacy.

Describe your qualifications for this role, and include past ANNA leadership positions:

With over 30 years of experience in nephrology nursing, I bring a deep and diverse clinical background encompassing peritoneal dialysis, in-center hemodialysis, administration, transplantation, and acute care. I currently serve as one of DaVita’s Central Anemia Managers, where I lead clinical anemia management care across multiple facilities. Passionate about my profession, I became a Certified Nephrology Nurse in 1999.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to clinical excellence, education, and leadership. I have led award-winning dialysis programs, trained patients in home therapies, helped pilot anemia protocols, and supported staff development through mentoring and teaching. My academic journey continues with a BSN in progress and a recent completion of a Nurse Coaching certification program this past year.

My long-standing service within ANNA reflects my dedication to the profession. I have contributed as a local chapter board member for many years, a member of ANNA’s Conferences Planning Committee, and Education Specialty Practice Advisor. I am also a manuscript reviewer, a Core Curriculum reviewer, and have participated in a past Task force project. 

I am passionate about recruiting and educating student nurses by attending National Student Nurse conventions to educate and promote Nephrology nursing. I have recently presented nationally to promote nephrology nursing certification and participated in the Health Policy Forum on Capitol Hill.      

Describe your role in three ANNA projects/activities which support(ed) ANNA’s mission, goals, and objectives:

Education

Patient & Public Education: 

• Over a decade of experience training patients to perform home dialysis safely and effectively.
• Led public kidney health education classes, which increased community awareness and facilitated early intervention.

Professional Education:

• Served as a national presenter at NSNA and ANNA conferences, inspiring both future and current nurses to pursue and advance in the nephrology field.
• Acted as an Educator Specialty Practice Advisor, manuscript reviewer, and Core Curriculum Review Panelist for ANNA, contributing significantly to the development of educational resources for members.

Advocacy

Advocacy and Health Policy Engagement: :

• Participated in ANNA’s Health Policy Workshop in Washington, D.C. (2023, 2025), actively advocating for nephrology nurses and patients at the national level.

Professional Development and Advocacy: 

• Engaged in the “LEAD – Pathway to Certification” initiative, guiding nurses toward professional growth and credentialing in nephrology.
• Currently enrolled in an RN-BSN program, with an expected graduation in December 2025.
• Completed a Nurse Coach Certification program in November 2024.
• Took part in the ANNA Advocacy Forum in 2023 and 2025.

Networking

Networking and Leadership within ANNA:

• Serving as Treasurer of Intermountain Chapter #516, supporting member engagement and local networking opportunities.
• Actively contributing to the Chapter Task Force for Virtual Chapters to enhance access to professional connections and resources.

Conference & Committee Involvement: 

• Served on ANNA’s National Conference Planning Committee, strengthening the platform for nephrology nurses to connect, collaborate, and grow.

Science: 

• Assisted in the development and implementation of Anemia protocols as Central Anemia Manager and Job aids.