Member Spotlight

How long have you been a nurse?

I have been a nurse for two years.

How long have you been in nephrology? 

Before nursing school, I knew I wanted to be a dialysis nurse and went straight into nephrology after graduation.

What is unique about nephrology nursing?

There are many aspects to nephrology nursing as care can be very complex. This field is very dynamic from disease prevention, disease management, and transplantation along with working with interdisciplinary teams to provide the utmost care for the patient whether in an acute or chronic setting. Not only are we concerned about the disease itself, but how to holistically care for the patient as it can take a toll on themselves and their families psychosocially, financially, and spiritually.

What do you value the most about your ANNA membership? 

An ANNA membership has many advantages for an individual regarding education, professional development, and networking. When I first joined ANNA, my nearest chapter was 2.5 hours away. However, education is vital to me, and attending monthly educational meetings was worth the drive. Networking through ANNA allowed me to discover employment prospects that helped me transition from adult to pediatric dialysis. Now, I reside in a large city with abundant opportunities for growth and knowledge.

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

I enjoy spending time with my son and family, playing the flute and piano, and taking dance lessons for salsa, bachata, and zouk.

Share an interesting fact about yourself:

I participated in a Guinness World Record in 2016 for the most piccolos playing John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever”.

What would you tell a newly practicing nurse about nephrology?

Nephrology nursing can be challenging while simultaneously rewarding. It can be taxing to see a patient who is very sick. On the other hand, it is gratifying to see one thrive after transplantation or when education finally clicks, and the patient becomes more compliant with their health regimen. Whether working in a renal clinic, outpatient center, acute, or home setting, our goal is to improve health outcomes with proper patient education, disease management, and treatments through evidence-based practices.