What nursing means to me: Zhan Lin

I’m a clinical nurse specialist in haemodialysis at Sandringham Hospital.  

I decided to become a nurse when my dad passed away with cancer when I was 14 years old. I was inspired by the excellent care he received, and I wanted to follow in their footsteps. 

The best part about my job is getting to know my patients. I also like playing an educational role with my patients so they can self-manage their care at home. 

It’s a special moment when a patient has a successful kidney transplant and can go back to their normal life. 

The most challenging situation is seeing my patients deteriorate slowly, especially when you’re interacting with patients and families on a nearly daily basis and get to know them well. 

People might not necessarily be aware about the important role nurses can play as lifelong learners throughout their career. In something like dialysis and renal specialities, that means choosing to do postgraduate certificates, diplomas or a Masters. It is extremely important that we bring that knowledge to improve our nursing care, and we take an evidence based approach. 

Clinical Nurse Specialist, Sandringham Haemodialysis unit Sandringham Hospital Zhan Lin: "It is very satisfying to know we’re making a positive difference for people’s lives."

As a dialysis nurse I would like to see things such as innovation with dialysis training become more common, so people can spend more time at home with their families. 

As nurses, we’re here to make things a little easier for our patients. It is very satisfying to know we’re making a positive difference for people’s lives. It’s rewarding.