Nurse of the Week – NKF Honoree Rosley DeClaro: Nephrology “Patients Need Hope. I Try to Give Them That.”
Each year the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) considers the work of hundreds of specialists in the field of nephrology and selects those who most exemplify the relentless efforts of NKF to enhance the lives of patients through action, education, and accelerating change.
Their work is vital to the 37 million adults in the U.S. who are affected by kidney disease and the 1 in 3 people who are at risk. NKF will honor these outstanding professionals at the 2021 Spring Clinical Meetings, which will be held virtually April 6-10. Among those honored this year will be our Nurse of the Week, Maria “Rosley” DeClaro, RN, BSN, CNN, who is receiving the Council of Nephrology Nurses and Technicians Carol Mattix Award (named in honor of a home dialysis training nurse of the last century who was devoted to improving the lives of kidney patients).
“I love my job and didn’t expect to be rewarded in this way for the work that I do,” Ms. DeClaro said. “But it makes me very happy. When I see my patients, they are learning about kidney failure, a diagnosis that is life-long, so they need hope. I try to give them that.”
Ms. DeClaro has been a registered nurse at Fresenius Kidney Care for more than 20 years. During her time at Fresenius, she has served in many roles, including direct patient care and managerial roles. In 2009, she truly found her professional calling as she entered the world of home therapies.
“When I see my patients, they are learning about kidney failure, a diagnosis that is life-long, so they need hope.
I try to give them that.”
“As a home therapy nurse, Rosley has worked to give her patients the freedom and quality of life they never imagined while attending a center for dialysis,” said NKF President Paul Palevsky, MD. “Rosley’s guidance and wisdom is more valued and appreciated by her fellow nurses than ever at this time.”
In addition to her compassion and patience, DeClaro is a leader and an innovator. She has been instrumental in developing nine home therapy programs throughout the Chicago Region. While this is certainly an undertaking, she draws strength from her ability to understand the whole picture, from the technical aspects to staff development, to patient and physician engagement. Most recently, DeClaro has expanded her skillset to include pediatric dialysis, where she has been adept at delivering services to children of varying ages and developmental needs.
Most recently, DeClaro has expanded her skillset to include pediatric dialysis, where she has been adept at delivering services to children of varying ages and developmental needs.
DeClaro said she is excited to be attending the meetings this year, something she has not been able to do for many years.
“These are very valuable sessions,” she said. “It gives all of us a chance to come together, with one goal, to make our patients’ lives better.”
Published courtesy of the National Kidney Foundation.