One of the beautiful things about dialysis nursing is that we have the privilege of connecting with our patients and their families on a deeper level. Seeing them three times a week allows us to form relationships, build trust and care for them more holistically, often discovering issues sooner and finding solutions to their medical problems faster. – Tanya Blatz, Clinical Resource Nurse, Dialysis Unit, BTHC

As a young woman Tanya Blatz considered many careers, and among her top choices were dietitian, teacher, or nurse – like her mom. She didn’t know it then, but years later Blatz would discover a job that encompassed all of those roles.

The role of a dialysis nurse includes nursing, educating patients on their kidney conditions and treatments, and extensive instruction on the strict and complex dietary requirements of dialysis patients, commonly known as the “dialysis diet.”

Dialysis nursing was a perfect fit for Blatz, and for the last seven years she has worked as the Clinical Resource Nurse for the dialysis unit at Boundary Trails Health Centre (BTHC), overseeing the unit’s staff and acting as a medical hub for the health centre’s dialysis patients.

 “I do anything and everything on the unit including organizing specialty appointments for our patients, attending the weekly nephrology rounds, collaborating with other members of the medical team like social workers, pharmacists, and dietitians, and even troubleshooting the dialysis machines when they break down,” said Blatz. “I have a wide spectrum of work in this role and I absolutely love it.”

Along with the variety of work, the ability to care for the same patients every week over many years is very rewarding for Blatz and her colleagues. Having that continuity of care can also result in better health outcomes as staff can monitor their patients regularly and notice changes in their health sooner.

 “One of the beautiful things about dialysis nursing is that we have the privilege of connecting with our patients and their families on a deeper level,” said Blatz. “Seeing them three times a week allows us to form relationships, build trust, and care for them more holistically, often discovering issues sooner and finding solutions to their medical problems faster.”

BTHC has the capacity to serve up to 34 dialysis patients each week, with patients coming to the health centre from areas across the Southern Health-Santé Sud region including nearby towns like Morden and Winkler, to further towns like the Roseau River Reserve and Saint Jean Baptiste.

Historically, nurses who were interested in applying for the dialysis course to become a dialysis nurse needed a minimum of five years of nursing experience in other areas, such as long-term care or acute care. This requirement was due to the complex nature of providing care to dialysis patients.

“The patient’s heart affects their dialysis treatment, any acute problems, infections, or chronic conditions affect their dialysis treatment, and their diet and levels of various minerals all affect their dialysis treatment,” said Blatz. “This work requires you to troubleshoot, problem solve, and think critically, and those skills are strengthened with experience.”

Today that five-year minimum requirement no longer exists and newer nurses are eligible to apply for the dialysis course. Blatz recommends dialysis nursing to any student or existing nurse who is exploring the wide range of nursing professions.  

“I didn’t know about this role until many years after I entered the workforce and wish I had learned about it sooner,” said Blatz. “Whenever an educator asks to bring students in I never say no because there might be one in the crowd that goes, ‘hey, this looks really interesting’ and decides they want a career in dialysis nursing.”

Nursing Week runs May 6-12 this year and is a time to recognize the incredible accomplishments and contributions that nurses bring to health-care teams and the delivery of services across the province.

Rural Interest Group – Boundary Trails Health Centre

Menzies Medical Centre, C.W. Wiebe Medical Centre, along with Southern Health-Santé Sud hosted first and second year medical students through the Rural Interest Group for a weekend workshop aimed at promoting the benefits of practicing medicine in rural communities. Approximately 30 University of Manitoba medical students participated in the event that took place on March 9, 2024. Students were able to participate in clinical workstations that were located at Boundary Trails Health Centre where students put their skills to the test doing everything from sutures, intubation techniques, women’s health and ultrasound. A tour of the regional health centre was provided to students highlighting the many opportunities and benefits the communities of Morden and Winkler can offer physicians looking for rural medicine opportunities.

We would like to acknowledge the investment in recruitment and retention efforts from Menzies Medical Centre, C.W. Wiebe Medical Centre, staff, physician leaders and community members.

Thank you!

On January 12, 2024 a graduation ceremony was held at Long Plain First Nation Keeshkeemaquah Urban Reserve in celebration of the 14 graduates of the 2023 Indigenous Health Adult Internship Program. Graduates completed two weeks of pre-employment and workplace readiness workshops followed by 12 weeks of work experience in entry level positions within Southern Health-Santé Sud facilities.

The graduation ceremony welcomed students, families and community members to celebrate in the success of completing the program. The Indigenous Health Adult Internship Program provides students with hands on experience and the opportunity to experience a number of different health care positions. Many of the graduates will go on to submit resumes, participate in job interviews and work with mentors who will assist them in building further skills. A number of graduates have already secured employment with Southern Health-Santé Sud.

Meet Krishia, a 26-year-old nurse from the Philippines who recently embarked on a new adventure in Manitoba, Canada. Back home, she spent five years working as a nurse and found herself drawn to Manitoba’s opportunities – inspired by her relatives who have lived in Manitoba for over 20 years. “I really liked the lifestyle they were living, and this inspired me to come to Canada”, she says.

Originally from the countryside in the Philippines, Krishia has fallen in love with the charm of Portage la Prairie, where she now resides. Despite the snowy winter, the supportive community, especially the Filipino community, has made the adjustment smooth for her. “I’m not a big city girl, so the small-town vibes suit me perfectly. The Filipinos here have been very supportive in reaching out to see if I need help – they are so nice!”, says Krishia.

Landing in Winnipeg was overwhelming yet heartwarming. The support from staff, her family and the welcoming atmosphere made her realize that this wasn’t just a visit or a travel expedition, but a new chapter in her life. “The best part was being able to spend Christmas in Winnipeg with my grandmother, my aunt and cousins after almost 20 years of being separated – it was truly special.”, she says with a sparkle in her eye.

This is Krishia’s first time seeing snow, and experiencing weather that is below 15 degrees Celcius. The winter in Manitoba has been a shock, but Krishia is embracing it with heated socks and a positive mindset. When asked what new hobbies she’s hoping to find, she says “I’m really looking forward to trying new winter activities, like skiing with my cousins next month in Asessippi, and perhaps some fishing in the Spring”, she giggles.

As a Health Care Aide at Lions Prairie Manor, a personal care home in Portage La Prairie, Krishia is excited about the challenges and the chance to grow personally and professionally. When Krishia talks about her work environment, she praises her colleagues “I love my manager, she’s so supportive and is helping me adapt to my new role. My colleagues are so nice. I just really feel like they are setting me up to succeed”, she says with a sigh of relief.

As a Health Care Aide, Krishia mentions the role is very fulfilling because she gets to help people every day. She says “I enjoy doing bedside care, talking with the residents is quite enjoyable for me as it gives me a sense of accomplishment”. She is now starting to build connections with the residents, and getting to know each of them on a personal level.

Krishia’s journey to Manitoba began in November, and when asked about her most memorable moment so far – she says with a smile from ear to ear, “Trying poutine for the first time with my cousins was amazing. I even FaceTimed my family back home to tell them! I’ve had fries before – but this was so good, I loved it!”

Krishia emphasized that the journey from the Philippines to Manitoba has been made smoother thanks to the incredible support from staff at Southern Health-Santé Sud. She says “even just the small things made such a difference, from answering emails promptly to helping us do groceries on our first day here, it all helped so much.”

The support from her colleagues and community has been instrumental in making this transition a success for Krishia. She says “Though I’ve mainly met people from work and my neighbors in the apartment, exchanging stories with a new neighbor from Ukraine has been really nice.”

Exploring more of her new hometown and building connections is on her to-do list.

Krishia’s long-term goal of pursuing her dream of becoming a registered nurse in Manitoba is on the horizon. She looks forward to more adventures, making new friends, and enjoying all that Manitoba has to offer!

Join us in Welcoming Krishia to Southern Health-Santé Sud, and to Manitoba!