Member Spotlight
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!
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
Professional Development: RN Educator
Lonita Humphrey BSN, RN
Newport News, VA | Tidewater #214
How long have you been a nurse?
26 years.
How long have you been in nephrology?
Off and On since 2012. Started when it was Re-Use Dialysis.
What is unique about nephrology nursing?
This specialty replaces an organ’s function, so we serve a very unique population. Nephrology Nursing and has its own certification.
What do you value the most about your ANNA membership?
The networks.
Do you have a favorite patient story?
My favorite Dialysis Nursing Experience was working with ICHD Pediatric patients. They were the coolest & most resilient kidney population I ever had the pleasure to serve.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working as a nurse?
Reading, Walking, Biking, Movies, Spending time with family and friends.
Share an Interesting Fact About Yourself
Additional Nursing Engagement: Nursing Honor Guard. Chi Eta Phi, Inc Nursing Sorority, BLS Instructor.
What would you tell a newly practicing nurse about nephrology?
Be observant. Work calmly (you will get a lot more done). Establish rapport with patients, customers early. Work to the strengths of the members of your team. Join ANNA!
Featured Member
Diane Breckenridge, PhD, MSN, RN, ANEF, FAAN
Founding Dean & Professor of Nursing, Founder & CEO, Director of Nursing | Westcliff University, Strategies for Success, Merritt College
West Hollywood, CA | Los Angeles Chapter #508
How long have you been a nurse?
Since 1974, 52 years.
How long have you been in nephrology?
Since 1974, in my first position: Renal Transplant unit with hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients and step-down open-heart surgical patients.
What is unique about nephrology nursing?
Nephrology nursing is unique because it offers a wide range of practice opportunities across inpatient, outpatient, and home dialysis settings. One of the most meaningful aspects is the long‑term relationships that develop with patients and their families. Caring for patients over months or years allows nurses to truly understand their goals, fears, and successes. I also find great satisfaction in training and teaching patients—particularly those choosing home dialysis—to take ownership of their care. Empowering patients to manage their own therapy fosters independence, confidence, and a strong partnership between patients and the healthcare team.
What do you value the most about your ANNA membership?
The networking with nurses and health care providers throughout the national and globe.
Do you have a favorite patient story?
When I walked into my renal transplant patient’s room as a new nurse in 1974 and the young male patient was standing on the windowsill threatening to jump the 11 floors to the ground as he kept saying: God failed him as his transplant failed and he had to go back on hemodialysis. I knew than that psychosocial factors were the most important. When I did my dissertation 20 years later, I wanted the now late Dr. Renee Fox, Medical Sociologist on my committee as I read her book, “The Courage to Fail” based on the kidney transplant that fails, and the patient needs to return to hemodialysis.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working as a nurse
I love my student nurses and assisting other nurses in their educational advancement.
Share an Interesting Fact About Yourself
I love giving back as so many gave to me early in my years to complete my education. I have been able to secure $34 million in grants and donor funding for organizational programs and scholarships for students and nurses continuing on with their education.
What would you tell a newly practicing nurse about nephrology?
It is the best as it is a comprehensive health care team of nurses, physicians, social workers, dieticians/nutritionists, and many others all coming together to give the most comprehensive patient-centered care.
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.
