Nadine Rios introduced the patient and his wife to dialysis and helped them understand the process. The patient's wife says that Nadine was knowledgeable and encouraging, which helped the couple maintain a "we-can-do-this" attitude. Nadine acted as a liaison between the couple and their doctor. She addressed questions and answered them promptly. "Her concern for us made no question feel unnecessary or unimportant," the patient's wife says.
As the couple would be traveling to Arizona shortly after starting dialysis, Nadine made sure all bases were covered. She ordered dialysis supplies to be delivered to the couple's home in Arizona. She also arranged for a nephrologist to see the couple at Mayo Clinic's campus in Arizona to ensure that the patient's treatment continued to go smoothly. As the couple stays in touch with Nadine, they say they are thankful for her professionalism and spirit of care and concern.
"This is truly a new chapter in our life," the patient's wife says. "We continue peritoneal dialysis with confidence knowing Nadine gave us the tools and information needed to address the needs of my husband." Nadine says that being a nurse allows her to get to know patients and keep in touch with them. She says that her patients become an extended family.
"It's such an honor to be nominated for the DAISY Award," Nadine says. "They are an amazing couple. They were nervous to start home dialysis, but I told them that, after a few months, they will become the new experts. They care about each other so much, and you can see it when you meet them. They have a great sense of humor. I am proud and privileged to be a part of their lives and be able to help make a life-changing disease something that is manageable and allow them to live their lives to the fullest."