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About 4 years ago, I decided to change my career to dialysis. I didn’t know a lot about it, but I thought, why not give it a chance? The passion, quality care, and the dignity that I am able to provide to my patients validated that this was the job for me.
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The first day on the treatment floor of the clinic, I was amazed at how the patients were being dialyzed. It was loud and chaotic, with many alarms going off. I thought, “This is crazy! What did I get myself into?” However, I knew I could handle the job.
I was observant, asked lots of questions, and told myself that I was going to be the best technician ever! Some days I would doubt myself and feel overwhelmed, however I’m a true believer that this is the coolest job ever.
I furthered my education and now I’m a preceptor. I enjoy coming to work and learning something new every day, putting smiles on my patients’ faces, and most importantly, educating patients every chance I get. If I don’t have the answers, I direct them to the right person. I care about every patient in the clinic, regardless if I am their care provider.
Special Bond with a Special Patient
I do have a story about one special patient who touched my heart. I was the first technician assigned to her, and she was new to dialysis. At first, she cried, and all I could do was give her the moral support she needed, letting her know everything was going to be alright.
I made her feel comfortable to the point where she now looks forward to coming to treatments. We have a special bond. When I’m off, my co-workers tell me she was looking for me!
It makes me feel good that I can touch someone’s life in a short period of time by just being me.
I often say to my patients “Have a Nice Treatment! They love it!
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Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Alex Azar announced October 23 that a public health emergency declaration will be renewed in the U.S. for an additional 90 days due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Make the paragraph below flush left, not center.
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Career Mobility Scholarships – Apply by November 30
Advocacy Award – Apply by January 1, 2021
NNCC Award for Nephrology Nursing Certification Advocacy (One $1,000 award)
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Get ready nephrology nurses! It’s your turn to answer the October “NNCC Question of the Month!” The question is posted on the NNCC Facebook page. You’ll get a list of options, an explanation for the correct answer, and reference information. You can also go right to the question here.
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Visit NNCC Virtual Exhibit Booth
at Upcoming Meetings
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Leader Has High Praise for Nephrology Community’s Pandemic Response
American Society of Nephrology President Anupam Agarwal, MD, FASN, said the resilience and dedication of the kidney community during the COVID-19 pandemic should attract more health care professionals to the specialty. (Healio; 10/22/20)
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Californians to Vote on Physician Role During Dialysis
California voters will decide on November 3 whether a physician needs to be present during all dialysis treatments in an outpatient clinic operating in the state. (Healio; 10/8/20)
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Questionnaire Measures Patient Fatigue from Dialysis
A new patient-reported outcome measure assesses fatigue in patients receiving dialysis. The tool gauges tiredness, energy, and the impact of fatigue on life participation. (American Society of Nephrology; 10/22/20)
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