In this episode, host Lillian Pryor interviews two distinguished members of the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA), Deborah Degree, BSN, RN, and Michelle Gilliland, MSN, RN, CNN, about the nephrology industry and the variety of roles within nephrology nursing. Deborah Degree, Renal Program Nurse Educator at Pentec Health and President of the ANNA Dogwood Chapter brings her extensive experience in home dialysis therapies. Michelle Gilliland, Clinical Site Manager at Alio and former Director on the National Board of ANNA, offers her expertise in non-invasive remote monitoring and clinical management. Join us for an engaging conversation on the diverse and evolving landscape of nephrology nursing.

Deborah Degree, BSN, RN, is currently the Renal Program Nurse Educator at Pentec Health. She serves as a liaison and subject matter expert for IDPN and IPN therapy in Home Dialysis including PD and HHD. Her role includes advising IPN prescriptions, contributing resources related to PD and HHD to the Renal team, speaking to colleagues at various conferences, and providing patient education and hands-on training to patients, their families and home dialysis nurses. Deborah also advocates for IDPN and IPN therapy by consulting with ordering nephrologists, nurses, pharmacists and dietitians as needed. Deborah completed her BSN in nursing at University of Alabama. She has been a nurse for over 30 years serving in the Renal Community since 1990, first as a PD Coordinator and then as a Clinical Manager with Gambro Healthcare. She has also worked in the Pharmaceutical industry with American Regent for Venofer, and Sanofi for Hectorol and Renvela. Currently, she is the President for the ANNA Dogwood Chapter in the greater Atlanta, Georgia area.

Michelle Gilliland, MSN, RN,, CNN, is a Clinical Site Manager at Alio, a leader in non-invasive remote monitoring for dialysis patients. She develops clinical materials, manages product launches, and provides clinical training. Michelle’s strategic expertise in nephrology includes leading technology initiatives, nurturing customer relationships, and implementing best practices. Her previous roles at Outset Medical and Fresenius Medical Care highlight her strengths in clinical management, team leadership, and continuous improvement, significantly contributing to home dialysis programs and advanced renal solutions. Michelle holds a Master of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, both magna cum laude, from the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Nebraska. She is a Certified Nephrology Nurse and holds certifications in Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Project Management. An active member of the American Nephrology Nursing Association, she has served as Director on the National Board and President of the Platte River Nebraska Chapter. Michelle is dedicated to community service with the Nebraska Kidney Association and has been honored with the Wayne G. Schroeder Humanitarian Award. Her contributions to nephrology are also evidenced by her numerous publications and presentations at national conferences.

Lillian Pryor, DNP, RN, CNN, is Dialysis Program Manager at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Henry. A member of the American Nephrology Nurses Association since 1990, Dr. Pryor has served in roles that include president-elect, ANNA director, ANNA Awards and Scholarships Committee chairperson, ANNA representative to the Kidney Health Initiative Patient Preference Task Force, and an author and peer reviewer for the Nephrology Nursing Journal. Dr. Pryor served as the 2020-2021 President of the American Nephrology Nurses Association. In addition, she is an active member of ANNA’s Dogwood Chapter in Georgia and has served the chapter as both its president and health policy representative.

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Podcast production management by Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc., for the American Nephrology Nurses Association.

Music by Scott Holmes.
http://www.scottholmesmusic.com