Family Caretaker while in Nursing School

[sryu]

Hello,

I was wondering if there was anyone who is/was family caretaker of an elderly who is on peritoneal dialysis.

Were you able to keep up with nursing school?

Do you think it is best for someone to not consider nursing school if they are taking care of someone on dialysis?

What are some time management tips for nursing students who take care of an elderly on peritoneal dialysis?

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

My elderly neighbor was on PD and I helped his wife as she had limited vision and arthritis and couldn't spike the bags. All of his dwell time was overnight. So fill at bedtime, empty in the morning. It could interfere with when you can get out the door in the morning. Are you the ONLY caretaker, or is other family involved?

[sryu]

@meanmaryjean

Currently, I am the ONLY caretaker for my mom. She is doing automated PD, so therapy starts at night and ends at the morning (around 6-7am).

Will there be family involved in the near future?

I am not too sure. I do have eight other siblings, but 3 siblings are diagnosed with schizophrenia so they are out of the question. The rest of them are busy working and live out of state. My oldest sibling lives with my mom and I, but she is not reliable. Her schedule is too sporadic. One of my older siblings told me I will have to put aside school and take care of mom. I will have to be the one to make sacrifices.

I try to be understanding, but even my mother's case manager says otherwise.