What do you do when you don’t work? Do you have special hobbies?
As you know, our work is usually very demanding. Out of work, I usually spend my time with my family. I have a son who is 10 years old. My husband is a teacher. To spend the time with them makes me very happy. Whenever I have the opportunity I read books and go to the cinema and theater.
How does a normal day in your life look like?
Since I wake up early, 6 days a week, I only sleep in on Sundays and my husband prepares a great breakfast. I love the Sunday breakfasts that we have together as a family. I'm so lucky because of my dear husband is a perfect cook. Therefore I am very relaxed, I don't have much work in the kitchen. After breakfast, I spend time with my son, I do housework, then we get ready and go out for dinner. If we have time, we go to the cinema or theater and the day ends.
When did you know that you wanted to become a nurse?
My mother was a nurse and she really wanted me to be a nurse too. After graduation from middle school I applied to nursing school and passed the entrance examination. And then, my nursing adventure has been started.
I chose dialysis nursing based on the recommendation of a friend. I have a personality structure that likes to help people in difficult situations. Because I love my job, I always empathize and I put myself in the shoes of those patients, and this has a positive effect on my motivation.
What is the most important value/ quality a renal nurse should have?
To specialize in the field, you work in you need to be constantly open to new information, for example through seminars and courses. Thanks to these, I believe I master my field. A renal nurse must always be open to new knowledge and to alteration. These develop him/her.
How would you describe your relationship with your patients?
My relationships with patients are very good. Since I spend most of my day with them, I now see my patients as a part of my family. It makes me very happy that my patients share with me when they have a problem. I also try to do whatever I can for them.
Do you remember one story of a patient which makes you particularly proud to be a nurse?
Before I was married, I was working in a dialysis center in Ankara. I had a patient that I felt very close to. Thirteen years ago, I left the clinic in Ankara because I moved to Malatya. A few years ago, that patient visited me in Malatya. She was staying with her daughter who lives in Elazığ and during this time she preferred to get dialysis treatment at our clinic. She came to Malatya from Elazığ for dialysis as long as she stayed with her daughter because I was working there. This touched my heart. It is an unforgettable memory for me. It is a great feeling to be loved and valued by someone.
Is there something you wish more patients knew or would pay more attention to?
I want them to pay attention to their quality of life. I want them to be at peace with this disease, not be worried. I want them to start life with a smile every day. I want them to not make life difficult.
In a book I read, the Russian Academician Nikolay Zelinsky says, "Choose a life that is not comfortable and difficult". Most of us live without knowing what will make us happy, what will keep us satisfied.
How would you describe the atmosphere with your colleagues?
We have a very nice atmosphere. We are like a family with my friend. We have been working together for 12 years. We always support each other on the day when one was sad and on the day when we are all happy. Everything is good because we work as a team. We can help each other in every matter.