Nephrology Nurses Week, observed annually, shines a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of nurses specializing in kidney care. At Fresenius Kidney Care, this week, and indeed every day, provides an opportunity to recognize the profound impact these dedicated professionals have on the lives of dialysis patients. This year, the story of a mother and daughter, both Registered Nurses at Fresenius Kidney Care, beautifully illustrates the passion and commitment that defines nephrology nursing within this leading dialysis network.
Delia Tamayo Guzman, RN, BSN, a Clinical Manager at Fresenius Kidney Care in Elmhurst, Illinois, and her daughter, Katrina Tamayo Guzman, RN, embody the spirit of nephrology nursing. Their shared dedication to patient care at Fresenius Kidney Care facilities highlights the deeply rewarding nature of this specialty. For Delia, her journey began after moving from the Philippines to the United States in the 1980s. After initial experience in a nursing home, she found her calling in nephrology, joining Fresenius Kidney Care in Elmhurst 35 years ago.
Witnessing her mother’s fulfilling career, Katrina was inspired to pursue nursing herself. Following her graduation and a year in intensive care, Katrina also found her niche in nephrology. For the past two years, she has been working at Fresenius Kidney Care at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, continuing her family’s legacy of compassionate kidney care.
“It fills me with joy to have influenced Katrina’s career path by introducing her to the fulfilling field of nephrology nursing,” Delia shares. “While we’ve both cared for patients with various conditions, there’s a unique connection with kidney patients. We see them regularly, witnessing firsthand the positive changes we make in their quality of life. Each day a patient feels well is a victory. I am incredibly proud that both Katrina and I contribute significantly to our patients’ successes.”
Ron Rodgers, Executive Vice President of Fresenius Medical Care North America and President of Fresenius Kidney Care, underscores the critical role of these nurses: “Our nephrology nurses are exceptional individuals who deliver compassionate care and proactive support, ensuring patients adhere to their therapy and thrive. They cultivate strong, often enduring relationships with patients, profoundly and positively impacting their lives. The longevity of our nurses at Fresenius Kidney Care speaks volumes about their dedication. They are frontline caregivers whose insights are highly valued as we continuously strive to enhance patient care. We deeply appreciate their unwavering commitment, expertise, and empathy.”
The American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) initiated Nephrology Nurses Week in 2005 to recognize the distinctive demands of nephrology nursing. This specialty requires not only expert clinical skills but also a deep commitment to individualized patient care and a passion for improving health outcomes related to kidney function. Nephrology Nurses Week serves as a platform for employers, physicians, and patients to express gratitude to these essential nurses. Furthermore, it aims to raise awareness about the diverse and rewarding career opportunities within nephrology nursing, a field that serves patients of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic levels affected by or at risk of kidney disease.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a widespread health concern, affecting approximately 26 million adults in the United States. Of these, an estimated 430,000 Americans with CKD rely on dialysis to sustain life, as their kidneys are no longer able to effectively filter blood. Fresenius Kidney Care is committed to providing comprehensive care and support for these individuals. To discover more about kidney disease, dialysis treatments, and the compassionate care offered at Fresenius Kidney Care, please visit https://www.freseniuskidneycare.com/.
About Fresenius Kidney Care
Fresenius Kidney Care, a division of Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA), stands as a leading provider of dialysis treatment and services. Reaching nearly 180,000 individuals with kidney disease across a network of over 2,300 facilities nationwide, Fresenius Kidney Care is dedicated to addressing the holistic needs of patients. They offer personalized care, comprehensive education, and tailored lifestyle support services, empowering patients to live full and meaningful lives despite their condition.
Patients of Fresenius Kidney Care benefit from access to FMCNA’s extensive integrated network of kidney care services. This network encompasses a wide spectrum of specialized care, from cardiology and vascular services to in-house pharmacy and laboratory services. Furthermore, it includes urgent care centers and the nation’s largest group of hospitalist and post-acute care providers, ensuring seamless and coordinated care.
Fresenius Medical Care North America, as a leader in renal care innovation, technology, and clinical research, is driven by a workforce of over 67,000 employees. Their shared mission is to deliver superior care that measurably enhances the quality of life for those living with kidney disease. For deeper insights into Fresenius Kidney Care, please visit www.freseniuskidneycare.com. Engage with their community on Facebook at facebook.com/FreseniusKidneyCare and stay updated via Twitter at twitter.com/FreseniusKC.
About Fresenius Medical Care North America
Fresenius Medical Care North America is the foremost healthcare company dedicated to providing exceptional care to individuals with renal and other chronic conditions. Through its extensive network, encompassing leading dialysis facilities, outpatient cardiac and vascular labs, and urgent care centers, alongside the country’s largest hospitalist and post-acute provider group, FMCNA delivers coordinated healthcare services across critical points of care for hundreds of thousands of chronically ill individuals throughout North America. As the world’s largest vertically integrated renal company, Fresenius Medical Care North America offers specialized pharmacy and laboratory services, and is a manufacturer and distributor of a comprehensive range of dialysis equipment, disposables, and renal pharmaceuticals. For more information, please visit the FMCNA website at www.freseniusmedicalcare.us.
