Nicole is a Vital Part of Fresenius Medical Care

What is one of your favorite aspects of being a nephrology nurse?

Dialysis is all about teamwork. I enjoy working with an interdisciplinary team to help patients succeed. Watching the patients grow through their dialysis journey is one of the most enjoyable parts of my job.

How do your ongoing relationships with your patients add value to your work?

The most important part of being a nurse is the relationship you have with your patients. For some of them, they see the dialysis staff so often, we become a little family. As a dialysis family, we celebrate their successes and learn together during the teachable moments.

Please share any stories that have stuck with you over the years.

In my seven years working in dialysis, I have had the pleasure of meeting so many people from different walks of life. On my first day on the job, I remember a patient proudly stated that he was the oldest person in the room. He was correct, and he never let his age or illness put a damper on his spirits. For many, starting dialysis can be a daunting experience, and I am constantly amazed by the positivity and resilience of our patients.

What else would you like to share about starting as a patient care technician (PCT) and becoming a nurse? Can you describe your career path?

In 2017, I applied to become a PCT while in nursing school. My mother started with Fresenius Medical Care a few years earlier, and she thought this would be a good fit for me. Working as a PCT gave me the opportunity to practice my skills outside of the classroom, and the nurses at the dialysis center became not just my coworkers, but my teachers as well. They supported me, gave me tips on how to succeed, and were my biggest cheerleaders. 

I have since become an RN [Registered Nurse] CAP 2 and have precepted many of the nurses that have come to my center. I value my roots as a PCT and feel that I am a better nurse because of the experience I gained while in that position. PCTs are the unsung heroes of dialysis, and I am grateful for everything they do for our patients.