Online mentoring: ANNAConnections.

As the number of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) rises exponentially, there is an increased demand for nephrology nurses with expertise in all areas of practice. At this time of a serious nursing shortage, professional associations are needful of members able to assume leadership positions and prepare the organizations for the future. Novices to nursing, to nephrology or to leadership present a challenge to all areas of practice, from CKD clinics to dialysis units to transplant units, and to the maintenance and growth of professional associations. The purpose of this article is to introduce an innovative mentoring program that allows facilitation of the growth and development of nephrology nurses from novice to expert in multiple areas of career or leadership development.