Iwas working as a
haemodialysis (HD) nurse at NKF’s dialysis centres (DC). It was a very challenging but fulfilling experience and I really enjoyed taking care of the HD patients.
However, I decided to switch to working with
Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) patients in June 2015. I had worked with HD patients for the last 15 years and I want to have a more well-rounded working experience as a renal nurse.
HD and PD are different modalities of treatment and while both are effective in achieving good outcomes, the effectiveness depends on the condition of individual patients.
My most memorable encounter after becoming a PD nurse was reconnecting with a former HD patient. Mdm Salehar Abdul Rahim used to dialyse at Ang Mo Kio 3 DC when I was working there. As she suffered from vascular issues and multiple vascular creation failure, she was hospitalised very frequently, even up to six times per month. The frequent hospitalisations took a toll on her and she was very depressed. At times, she would even cry during dialysis. Finally, due to the vascular issues, the doctor advised Salehar to switch to PD in June 2014.
Salehar doing well
under PD
I have not seen Salehar since her switch to PD one year ago. Imagine my surprise when I met her during one of my home visits and found her totally transformed! Physically, she is responding well to PD. Because of that, she has become more cheerful and positive. In the past, due to her vascular problems, dialysis has always been very tough and painful for her, but she does not face any of these issues now. She has become very independent and I am very impressed by how adept she is in carrying out PD.
In the past, Salehar would get stressed and anxious about starting and ending her dialysis on time at the dialysis centre as she took the van transport service, but she does not have to worry about this anymore. Her quality of life has also improved greatly. Now, she is able to cook simple meals for herself and can even go downstairs in her wheelchair and wheel herself around the neigbourhood.
PD Community Support Programme – a team effort
I feel that the positive outcome for Salehar is due to the effort of the entire team under the
PD Community Support Programme. While PD nurses assess the patients, dietitians advise on their nutrition to ensure that they get sufficient nutrients and the medical social workers provide counselling to patients and look after their emotional and psychosocial well-being.
Caring for patients holistically
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that as a PD nurse, I am now able to help patients more holistically and in many practical ways. For example, during home visits to patients, if I observe that the patient does not have any safety handrails in her toilet and the toilet floor is slippery, I can raise it up to my team and suggest for assistance to install handrails to minimise the risk of falls.
I also have the chance to interact with the patients’ caregivers and family members, to better understand their social background and home environment during my home visits which last from 1 to 1½ hours. This period of time is dedicated to solely one patient. In the home environment, the patients can share more as they are more relaxed and comfortable. I get to meet the patients’ family members and am thus able to have a more accurate picture of their backgrounds.
As a PD nurse, I am closely involved in the patient’s holistic care, which is a very fulfilling experience. Being a PD nurse also provides me with a more flexible work schedule, which is helpful because I have young children.
- Nurse Liza Huang Min
