(BPT) - A nurse's compassionate care leaves an ever-lasting impact on a dialysis patient.
Eight years ago, George Godoy arrived at a DaVita center in Texas to learn about home hemodialysis (HHD). His goal was to shift from in-center treatments to a home modality that would empower him to reclaim time for the activities he loved. As George walked through the front door, he was greeted by a kind nurse. Little did he know she would profoundly impact his kidney care journey and his life.
Her name was Sylvia.
The connection was immediate, and George compares their early interactions to the dynamic between a teacher and a student, saying, "She had so much knowledge; it was like attending a masterclass in dialysis. I appreciated the way she was so direct and authentic. Sylvia built trust with me from the very beginning."
Not only did Sylvia make a great first impression, but she also made space for George's questions as they began to meet more frequently. She listened to his ideas and concerns and, above all, remembered the little things. "I quickly learned that George loved riding his motorcycle and was a talented woodworker," said Sylvia. "He has a zest for life, and it was always fun hearing about his bike travels or what he was creating in his workshop. As a nurse, my goal is to make patients feel comfortable, and part of that involves treating individuals compassionately as a whole person. No patient, no matter what they're battling, wants to feel like a number."
Over time, George maintained a successful at-home dialysis program, and the teacher and student soon blossomed into close friends. Then, one day, George looked to Sylvia for career advice. He decided to become a patient care technician (PCT) at DaVita.
George reflected, "I remember thinking how she made me feel supported at my lowest moments and always helped me maintain a positive outlook. Being a patient myself, I know that sometimes, it can feel like 'us against the world.' Sylvia taught me the importance of a strong and compassionate care team, and that stayed with me. Ultimately, it's about human connection. We need to remember that we're all in this together."
Today, George and Sylvia work in different centers, but that doesn't prevent George from checking in on her. "I'll stop by Sylvia's clinic to grab supplies, and yes, we'll talk about my treatment progress. But most of the time, it's two friends catching up about our families and what television shows we're watching. You could say that we're pretty inseparable at this point."
Seeing George in scrubs and talking about his patients with the same empathy she offered him fills Sylvia with joy. "George is a very special person who will change the way others receive kidney care treatment. He's taught me so much about myself and life. I feel blessed that our paths crossed so many years ago, and I'm even more grateful to call him a lifelong friend."
George and Sylvia's story serves as a reminder that healthcare can and should be more than treatment plans and test results. Sometimes, a simple connection can change a patient's life and even shape their future.
Learn more at davitaforward.com/difference.
