National Nephrology Nurses week 2019 is September 8-15th. allnurses.com staff was recently able to interview a nurse who knows first-hand what it's like to be a nephrology patient. We interviewed Bridgette Chandler, RN who is a home dialysis nurse. 1. As the US poises to push forward with an extensive home dialysis initiative, how did you get into this field?I was diagnosed with ESRD in September 2008. It took me by complete surprise. I had reoccurring kidney infections as a teenager and young adult, but it wasn't until I was 25 and experienced what I thought was a bad case of the flu ( high fever, body aches, and pain, malaise), that I found out my kidneys had failed. I put off dialysis until I had no other choice. I started treatment in the spring of 2009. I had AMAZING nurses. ESRD is a devastating diagnosis, and it can be easy to focus on the word "END". I knew I wanted to be the same kind of light for other patients, that those nurses were for me. So, when Fresenius had an opening in the home therapy department with the nurses and doctors that made such a difference in my life, I jumped at the chance.2. How long have you been a nurse?I had been in the medical field for 6 years when I was diagnosed, but I was an aide. I continued to work PRN or Flex over the next 5 years until I received my transplant in September of 2013. My transplant team asked me to wait 1-year post-transplant to ensure there were no complications prior to applying to nursing school. I was accepted in the Fall of 2014 and received my RN in 2016. I have been a Registered Nurse for almost 3 years.3. What do you tell patients to encourage them to choose a home dialysis modality?Many patients are in the same situation I found myself in, I had no control over my kidney failure. As I found out later, I had a hereditary condition that caused reoccurring infections. This ultimately led to my kidney failure. Home therapy gave me the opportunity to take back something I lost. I was able to perform treatment at home with my husband and small children. I was able to make myself feel better. it was nice to have some control back. I'm very honest with my patients though. I will never tell them home therapy is easy, but it is worth it.4. Do you share your story with your patients?Each patient is unique. Many of them have already heard about me from other patients who remember me. If they ask, I'm honest about it. I typically base it on the individual. Some people need to know that I really do understand what they're going through, others just need a warm smile and the assurance that I'll help them through.5. Did you receive a kidney from a deceased donor or a living kidney donor?I had an altruistic living donor. A woman who was a complete stranger in a neighboring state found me through Facebook. I had been on the transplant list for almost 5 years when we started the Facebook page. She contacted me in February of 2013 stating that she was interested in learning more about being a living donor. This amazing lady, Megan, contacted my transplant center and the rest is history!6. What would you say to patients contemplating a transplant?Absolutely pursue it! I am a Donate Life Ambassador, and absolutely encourage everyone to be an organ donor. Even if patients feel they are "too old" or "not well enough", I encourage them to let the physician decide. I would never want anyone to miss out on a possible transplant. I hope I am merely a stepping stone for patients on their way to a transplant.7. Any closing words?As a nurse, we're often so busy trying to keep up with patients, deadlines, paperwork, medications, staff meetings, orders, and more, that we forget these are people who look to us. Often they need more than just care, they need your smile. They look to you, even when you don't realize they're watching. It can be easy to focus on the patient who maybe doesn't seem to appreciate you, but I promise, there are patients who look to you and admire your caring heart and your amazing ability to be the face of calm in a moment of chaos. I know that because I have been on both sides. Thank you Bridgette so very much for sharing your story and insight into being a patient as well as a nephrology nurse. Bridgette Chandler with her home therapy nurse on the night of her nurse pinning. Image provided by Fresenius Kidney CareHappy Nephrology Nurses Week! 3 Down Vote Up Vote × About traumaRUs, MSN, APRN Trauma Columnist 88 Articles 21,256 Posts Share this post Share on other sites