Have a quick drink before you leave. I am one of her five members on the hemodialysis nursing team, with two staff members on duty each day.
The shift begins. My coworkers and I looked over the handover letter from the previous day and made plans for the next day. This is the only pediatric hemodialysis facility in the Republic of Ireland, so patients come from all over the country. An early start will help you avoid traffic jams. Our focus is on safely preparing the unit for the patient's arrival – setting up the dialysis machines and medications for treatment.
The first patient arrives. They attend three times a week so we get to know them and their families well. We provide childcare for children with renal failure. When the kidneys are not functioning, the body cannot remove toxins and fluids, so machines take over this job. With hemodialysis, blood can be removed, cleaned, and returned to the patient.
I love what I do and always try to make time to have fun with my kids, even during difficult times.
While a patient is receiving dialysis, I monitor vital signs and coordinate other aspects of care. The end goal is a kidney transplant, so the emphasis is on education and transplant preparation. I frequently attend meetings with the broader nephrology multidisciplinary team to discuss patient treatment plans.
Each dialysis session typically lasts four hours, so patients are disconnected and discharged from the unit.
Let's take a break for a quick lunch. Temple Street has some great cafes.
Patients arrive at the hospital in the afternoon and treatment begins. Get input from school teachers and play experts. As a national feature, it is important to ensure that these vulnerable children are provided with the highest standards of care. We regularly audit the care we provide.
After the afternoon patients are discharged, the unit is cleaned and prepared for the next day. I'm always pretty late when I get home. I work long hours, so I have time in the middle of the week to take time off for family, hobbies, and seeing friends.
- Following World Kidney Day (10 March), the HSE is encouraging people to learn about their own kidney health measures. See below for more information. exa.mn/HSE-World Kidney Day
- Organ donation saves lives – see below for more information. exa.mn/organ donation
