Member Spotlight

How long have you been a nurse? 

I have been a nurse for 40 years.

How long have you been in nephrology?

Until my retirement in 2022, my career was in various areas of nephrology, including adult and pediatric chronic and acute care, transplant, PD, and apheresis. For the last 20 years, I was the Manager of a chronic dialysis unit at UC San Diego Health in San Diego, California. 

What is unique about nephrology nursing? 

I think one of the most unique things about nephrology nursing is the incredible heterogeneity of this specialty. Whether you lean toward adult or pediatric nursing, acute or chronic care, patient education, transplant, home therapies, or prefer a more diverse role such as advanced practice, regulatory, legal, or quality assurance, nephrology nursing can offer you a role! In all these capacities, nephrology nurses cultivate unique relationships with not only patients, but also their families and loved ones. 

What do you value the most about your ANNA membership? 

I truly value the relationships with other nephrology nurses that networking within ANNA has provided to me. The incredible opportunities to collaborate with an extraordinary array of nurses with such vast diverse experience has given me the perspective and confidence to pursue things I never thought I could do, such as furthering my education and presenting at conferences like the ANNA National Symposium.

Do you have a favorite patient story? 

I have fond memories of so many patients. Years ago, after I completed my nursing training, my first job was in a general medicine ward. I noticed that the patients were being wheeled out on a regular basis at the same time each day, and then came back looking exhausted. I asked the nurse in charge where they were going and she told me, “They went to get their dialysis.” Not knowing what that was, I asked her if I could go with one of the patients and see what it was all about. She told me “no” and that it was only for “experienced nurses!” I nagged her every day to let me go to the dialysis unit. One day she caved in and took me. That was my first look at what dialysis was and from then on, I was hooked. 

Share an interesting fact about yourself.

For the past 10 years, I have been engaged in legal nurse consulting. Specifically, I assist attorneys with defending nephrology nurses who have been accused of breaching the standard of care. It is rewarding to facilitate and educate attorneys, as well as clarify and defend a nurse’s role in the chronic dialysis setting. In addition, I enjoy educating nurses on how to improve documentation skills to build a strong defense.

What would you tell a newly practicing nurse about nephrology nursing? 

First, I would congratulate them on choosing to pursue Nephrology Nursing since there are a plethora of opportunities for growth and advancement within the specialty. Do not feel obligated to stay in one area of nephrology nursing (unless of course you love it) because there are so many distinct roles and avenues for nephrology nurses. I would encourage new nephrology nurses to join ANNA to experience the networking, support, and guidance that I have been exposed to. Do not take “no” for an answer, and do not let anyone tell you that you “can’t” pursue your dreams and goals.