Member Spotlight

How long have you been a nurse?

15 years

How long have you been in nephrology? 

25 years, 10 years as Dialysis Technician (Acute and Chronic) & 5 years as Dialysis RN, 10 years ANM & NM all in Acutesetting.

What is unique about nephrology nursing?

As a nurse in the field of nephrology, you are continually learning and growing because nephrology patients are complex. There are many areas to work in, including transplant, research, dialysis, case management, and more. The field is ever evolving with new innovations in equipment, vascular access, drugs, and even the possibility of an implantable bioartificial kidney. You have the opportunity to work closely with patients and their families, watching them take control of their disease and achieve positive outcomes. Nephrology nursing is a unique and rewarding specialty.

What do you value the most about your ANNA membership? 

My ANNA membership has allowed me to start the ANNA Cleveland #343 Chapter, use and develop my leadership skills, build relationships/network, present at ANNA conferences and broaden my outlook on what I am capable of achieving.

Do you have a favorite patient story? 

I want to share an experience I had while working as a dialysis technician in the chronic unit. I had a patient that one day out of the blue could not take off more than 1 liter of fluid before he would start to cramp. He had not had this issue before this day. I had recently learned how to use the critline which at this time was the new tool in the dialysis world and my unit. After about 2 treatments of the patient not being able to tolerate taking off more than 1 liter even after putting him on a sodium profile. I spoke to my nurse and the nephrologist and asked if I could put the patient on a critline to see if he had fluid or if he had just gained weight. The order was written, and I put the patient on the critline his next treatment. I found that the patient did have extra fluid and that his body was not giving up the fluid until about an hour into the treatment. The dialysis machine was set at 2 liters and was showing that fluid was being removed. I showed this to my nurse and the nephrologist and the patient was placed on an ultrafiltration (UF) profile which helped his body to release his fluid at a more even rate and not cause cramping. Once we did this the patient had no more issues removing his needed fluid removal. Working as a team with the patient, RN, and the nephrologist is what helped me know that I wanted to be a nurse.

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

Watching movies, exercising (xtreme hip hop) at home or at the gym, spending time with my girlfriend group and family.

Share an interesting fact about yourself.

The hospital dialysis department where I am presently the nurse manager I also worked as a dialysis technician, dialysis RN, and ANM. I have come full circle.

What would you tell a newly practicing nurse about nephrology? 

To join ANNA professional organization to which will provide learning opportunities, networking, build relationships, leadership skills, community outreach and so much more. Understand that you are ever growing and learning so stay open minded. Know that the patients and families need you and appreciate you caring for them. Know that you are the light and don’t let anyone dim it. Nephrology nursing is very rewarding. It has been for me!