ANNA Member Spotlight
Welcome to ANNA's monthly member spotlight. 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.
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Icar Noel, BS, RNTeam Leader RN |
How long have you been a nurse?
5 years
How long have you been in nephrology?
5 years
Why do you love nephrology nursing?
It's a challenging field that is very rewarding. Witnessing the progress of patients battling with kidney disease is an amazing process to be part of. I build relationships with patients and learn so much from different departments in the hospital. I am an Acute Dialysis Nurse who is blessed to partner with different doctors and specialists regarding patient care.
What is unique about nephrology nursing?
You learn how to use the hemodialysis machine, CRRT machine, and peritoneal dialysis cycler, while also using nursing skills and judgment calls on how to manage and deliver prescriptions set for the patient receiving dialysis treatments.
What is your favorite ANNA member benefit?
One of my favorite member benefits is receiving free monthly contact hours that go toward my license.
What do you value most about your ANNA membership?
I value the village environment from the community. After attending meetings and conferences, I have felt so comfortable and welcomed. Being part of an association with so many knowledgeable professionals who are willing to help each other is very meaningful and valuable to me. The feeling of belonging and being part of a large group of professionals willing to help and learn from each other is a wonderful experience.
Do you have a favorite patient story?
I met a patient who was in his 80s and starting dialysis. He was very scared, and his first treatment was with me. He was placed in an isolation room due to MRSA. As soon as I introduced myself, I could tell by his response he was very scared and worried. I decided to stay close by him, while documenting, and be available to answer any questions. He took time to talk about his late wife and his willingness to stay alive for the sake of his family and new wife. Being able to discuss with him the process of dialysis in the simplest terms put him at ease. Years later, I picked up time at an outpatient clinic he goes to. He was so overjoyed to see me and recalled our conversation and how much it helped him get through his time at the hospital. I have met several patients who remember our conversations. It is even more rewarding when they look well and are complying with their treatments.
What would you tell a newly practicing nurse about nephrology nursing?
Nephrology nursing is an amazing and challenging field. You either hate it or love it. Although the specialty revolves around the kidneys, we must approach the patients in a holistic manner. In acute dialysis, you work with different departments in the hospital. Learning a specialty and starting as a new nurse is very challenging, but with hard work, flexibility, and willingness to learn, you can succeed and grow. I speak for myself as I started straight from nursing school. Once my level of confidence increased to a level of comfort and by working closely with preceptors and strong coworkers, I was amazed at my own progress. It is the best feeling to be able to work independently making safe and conscious decisions.
Do you have a favorite hobby?
Watching movies and tv shows and spending time with family.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working as a nurse?
I enjoy exercising and spending quality time with family and friends.
Share an interesting fact about yourself.
I am Haitian-American and speak Creole as a second language.