Member Spotlight

Member Spotlight

Welcome to ANNA's monthly member spotlight.

ANNA is a vibrant organization because of nurses like you!

ANNA is a vibrant organization because of nurses like you!

Your diverse experiences and unique perspectives make us a collective whole that is a masterpiece. We are proud of the work each of you do!
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If you would like to be featured, participate in our online community, ANNA Connected.

Members are featured in the Member Spotlight based on their engagement in ANNA Connected, so start connecting, talking, and getting to know other ANNA members via ANNA Connected.

Featured Member

Denise Parr, MSN-IPC, RN, CIC, AL-CIP

Dialysis and non-AR HAI Outbreak Lead

Lansing, MI | MichigANNA #312

How long have you been a nurse?

Nursing opened a new chapter in my life over 13 years ago.

How long have you been in nephrology?

I began administering peritoneal dialysis in acute care in 2013. However, my advocacy for a family member undergoing hemodialysis treatments has been for much longer. When I transitioned to be the hospital’s infection prevention nurse the hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis programs were under my purview. Through my public health role, I was able to advocate for and collaborate in the creation of Michigan’s dialysis infection support program complimented by a diverse advisory committee.

What is unique about nephrology nursing?

Nephrology nursing provides vast opportunities across all health care sectors. There are opportunities to make a difference in someone’s life starting with providing chronic kidney disease prevention education to a child or young adult to establishing a deeper nurse-patient relationship through years of treatments at a chronic dialysis clinic. Whether you desire to work in an adrenaline paced environment or a more tranquil one, there is a place for you in nephrology nursing.

What do you value the most about your ANNA membership?

The professional development and networking. Nephrology nurses are some of the warmest most welcoming professionals I have had the privilege to meet. This year I had the privilege to be elected as the 2025 & 2026 Co-Secretary for the MichigANNA #312 Chapter. Through our member events and the National Symposium, I have had the pleasure to meet many amazing nephrology nurses and technicians. Speaking with them about their successes and frustrations guides my work in public health.

Do you have a favorite patient story?
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working as a nurse

Our family enjoys time on the water of Lake Huron and are avid hockey fans for the Port Huron Prowlers and Detroit Red Wings.

Share an Interesting Fact About Yourself
What would you tell a newly practicing nurse about nephrology?

Nephrology nursing can at times seem overwhelming but do not let that discourage you. Learn from missteps, be open to new opportunities, and remember you are not alone. Become involved in your local chapter and create friendships that will grow throughout your career.

Featured Member

Princesita Garces Ph.D, MAN, RN, CCRN, CNRN

Acute Care Dialysis Nurse

Corpus Christi, Texas | Texas Coastal Bend #281

How long have you been a nurse?

I have been a nurse for over 30 years. Throughout my nursing profession, I have worked in various specialties and held roles such as charge nurse, preceptor, interim manager, and unit-based council chair. These experiences have shaped my practice and passion for patient care.

How long have you been in nephrology?

I have been involved in nephrology for several years with the last 4 years devoted exclusively to this specialty. My journey began in England in 2004, where I worked in dialysis satellite clinic for one year and six months. After moving to the US in 2005, I worked as PRN in the acute care dialysis of Spohn while also working full- time in the neurology unit. My ICU experience included providing CRRT.

What is unique about nephrology nursing?

Nephrology nursing is unique because it blends long-term patient relationships with highly specialized, technical care. I will not forget a patient’ s story, which is truly very meaningful and inspiring. I have a patient who would cannulate himself and just needed help with connecting the lines. This patient is really taking charge of his health condition. One day I just connected him and a few minutes later, his phone rang and he started yelling, “this is it, return me, return me”. Before he even finished putting pressure on his fistula, we heard the chopper landing to bring him to the transplant hospital. He is holding his site while we are escorting him to the Heli pad. Two months after, he walks in the clinic just to encourage others not to lose hope, take good care of themselves and things may get better for them as what happened to him. You truly become part of a patient’s journeys supporting them through chronic illness, celebrating milestones, and educating them in ways that empower their daily lives.

What do you value the most about your ANNA membership?

I value the community, mentorship, and professional growth that ANNA provides. Being part of ANNA connects me with dedicated nephrology nurses across the country, offers exceptional educational opportunities, and strengthens our collective voice in advocating for kidney health.

Do you have a favorite patient story?

One of my most meaningful experiences involved caring for a relative when I was in my first year of high school. It is only when I become a nurse that I fully understood what I was task to do at a very young age. I was taught to drain a catheter in the stomach for 30 minutes and then run the bottle of fluid through the catheter again and drain it after 3 hours and do it again until her mom comes back to the hospital. Yes, it was patient’s relatives to do this even though she is in the hospital as a patient, I do not understand any concept at that time, but I do I know what to do by following all the instructions given to me. I must wear mask and wash my hands thoroughly before touching anything. I did this for months. I remember them talking to my dad if he would allow me to be tested and possibly could give up my kidney, my dad did not allow it. I wanted to if it meant I still got to play and be with her. She died at a very young age. But what remains in me is how brave and resilient she was going through her condition. This experience became more meaningful when I started nursing school and stayed with me all throughout my nursing profession.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working as a nurse

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, staying involved in community activities, and participating in professional volunteer work. These moments recharge me and keep me grounded.

Share an Interesting Fact About Yourself

 I love mentoring new nurses and students; it is one of the most fulfilling parts of my profession. Helping others grow keeps me inspired and continually learning.

What would you tell a newly practicing nurse about nephrology?

I would tell them that nephrology nursing is a specialty that will challenge, reward, and change you. It requires patience, compassion, and strong critical-thinking skills, but it also offers the privilege of forming meaningful connections with patients and becoming an essential part of their long-term care team. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, stay curious, and let your passion guide you.

Member Milestones

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Why Join ANNA?

The American Nephrology Nurses Association is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization established to support nephrology nurses through education, advocacy, networking and science.

We are committed to advancing the nephrology nursing specialty and nurturing every ANNA member.
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