Member Spotlight

How long have you been a nurse?

I have been a nurse for 45 years.

How long have you been in nephrology? 

I have been a nephrology nurse for 41 years.

What is unique about nephrology nursing?

One of the most distinctive aspects is the opportunity to build meaningful, lasting connections with individuals whose lives have been impacted by kidney disease. This continuity of care allows nurses to play a vital role in patients’ health journeys, offering not only medical expertise but also emotional support. In addition, the role combines highly technical, hands-on procedures with deep clinical reasoning, making each day both challenging and intellectually stimulating. Another unique aspect is the variety of work environments—ranging from outpatient dialysis centers and acute hospital units to home therapies and transplant care. This flexibility allows nurses to explore new roles and grow professionally, all while staying within a specialty they are passionate about. Nephrology nursing offers a rare combination of continuity, complexity, and career versatility—making it a deeply fulfilling and impactful field. 

What do you value the most about your ANNA membership? 

What I value most about my ANNA membership is the opportunity to engage with a community of professionals who share a passion for nephrology nursing. The organization offers diverse avenues for learning and collaboration, including in-person conferences, virtual meetings, and online discussion forums. In addition, ANNA provides a wealth of educational resources that support professional growth and clinical excellence.

Do you have a favorite patient story? 

One of the most memorable moments in my work with patients was traveling to Washington, D.C., where I was joined on Capitol Hill by a patient who courageously shared his journey with kidney disease. Together, we visited the offices of Senators and Representatives, where he spoke firsthand about the challenges and triumphs of living with a chronic condition.

A particularly poignant highlight was watching him ride the Capitol Subway—an experience in itself—and then meet his own Representative in the historic Speaker's Lobby, just as the

House was going into session. Witnessing the Speaker of the House enter moments later underscored the immediacy and significance of our presence there. This experience powerfully illustrated how the decisions made within the halls of Congress have a profound and personal impact on the lives of everyday Americans.

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

 Outside of work I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, traveling, boating and reading.

Share an interesting fact about yourself

When my sons were in high school, I was the Varsity Cheerleading Coach for football, basketball and competition. Supporting them off and on the field!

What would you tell a newly practicing nurse about nephrology?

As a newly practicing nurse, you’ll quickly find that nephrology offers a truly unique experience. It’s one of the few areas in healthcare where you can build long-term, meaningful relationships with your patients, many of whom you’ll see multiple times each week. You’ll become not just their caregiver, but often their advocate, educator, and trusted support system. You'll care for medically complex patients, often with multiple comorbidities, requiring critical thinking and highly technical skills. Whether you’re managing dialysis treatments, troubleshooting access issues, or adjusting care plans, no two days are ever the same—and every day will challenge you to grow. Most importantly, in nephrology nursing, you’ll make a real difference—supporting patients, helping them live with dignity and quality, and contributing to innovations in care that improve lives. It’s a challenging path, but an incredibly rewarding on.