The Role of Kidney Care Advocates for People New to CKD

A chronic kidney disease (CKD) diagnosis can feel overwhelming. It might bring significant lifestyle changes and decisions about therapy options. That’s why it’s so important to have a coach who can help guide you through your diagnosis and understand your next steps. At Fresenius Kidney Care, our dedicated team of Kidney Care Advocates (KCAs) are available to provide education and help people learn to live with kidney disease.

“Kidney disease is scary, and it helps so much to have someone to help walk people through their journey step by step,” says Danielle Crotsley, a Senior KCA in Central New York.

Prior to coming to Fresenius Kidney Care, Crotsley was a dialysis nurse for over 9 years and didn’t intend to make a career move. She believes things happen for a reason though, and decided to apply for a job as a KCA after twice running into the same friend who recommended it to her each time. “I just figured it was fate,” recalls Crotsley.

As a Senior KCA, Crotsley teaches people how their kidneys function, how to best manage their kidney disease, including the different stages of CKD, eating well, and working with their care team.

KCAs like Crotsley play a vital role coaching people newly diagnosed with CKD. She is the first point of contact for many individuals with CKD, and her role is to help them understand and navigate this life-changing process. KCAs help people learn about what’s happening in their bodies, how to manage their health, and what treatments are available should they need to start dialysis or consider a transplant.

Much of that education comes from the hour-long kidney disease education class that Crotsley and other KCAs teach regularly. This class covers CKD basics and treatment options. After teaching this class, Crotsley regularly checks in with the people she has taught to answer any questions as they figure out what treatment option will best fit their lifestyle. Once someone has started treatment, they will work with their care team for ongoing education and support.

As a former dialysis nurse, Crotsley feels well-suited to answer patients’ questions and help them understand how their kidneys function. Not all KCAs are former nurses though. Some have worked as patient care technicians, social workers, dietitians, and more. At Fresenius Kidney Care, the most important qualification is being an educator, a point of contact, and a source of encouragement and support — in other words, a “Kidney Coach.”

Crotsley has seen the results of working closely with people with kidney disease in the early stages of their diagnosis. She recalls a man who was headed toward kidney failure but wasn’t ready to start dialysis. After learning more about eating well and the importance of a kidney-friendly diet during a class with Crotsley, he took that information and talked to his doctor. He began a new diet and exercise plan that helped him lose 30 pounds. That weight loss helped to slow the progression of his kidney failure.

The people Crotsley teaches are often grateful for her coaching. One former student sent a holiday note that read, “Well, it has been five months since you helped us through everything, I just wanted to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you and your family are doing well.”

Crotsley loves her role in helping people understand their diagnosis and figuring out how they want to receive care, saying, “This job is super impactful and rewarding.”