Shelba Jones, MPA/CHT
Fresenius Kidney Care
NANT RVP Northeast

I seized my moment within my career around 2017, I was selected by NKF and won a scholarship for information education. There I connected with and met other dialysis professionals. At the event, NANT members Kevin Burns Sr., Brenda Rickard, Forest Rawls, and Clarica J. Douglas Ajayi were all presenting, which inspired me to take pride in being a robust technician. I came back ready to accelerate my career! My intuition wanted to know more about Home Therapy and how I could help patients understand their options.

My confidence came when I decided to take on small projects within my IC unit. I focused on transplant information, treatment adherence, and treatment options.  I helped advocate for patients to have better knowledge of their options (It was called TOPS then). Seeing patients thrive, and understand their options has always been my main goal. Patients started to learn how to advocate for themselves.

Patients yearned for education and trusted their technicians. Patient and technician relationships are truly special. We the technicians help ease fear and the anxious minds of patients. We extend a hand in making sure we treat each patient with respect and love.

NANT has given me the confidence to get more involved with fellow technicians and grow from my peers. As the RVP of the Northeast, I have committed to consistently collaborating with my fellow board members. I have taken a personal mission to SPARK each technician and provide support and encouragement to get involved in the NANT community.

Currently, technicians have paved the way and have become KCAS, market managers, and facility admins. We continue to thrive and open doors. We as technicians have challenged each other to move mountains and continue to lead and grow.

My mission started 40 years ago, as a young woman in NYC. If I could go back 40 years ago, I would tell myself to never be afraid to step out of my comfort zone. Remember, a constant NO will eventually be a positive yes! Keep the positivity flowing, no matter what. Always remember it isn’t easy doing GOD'S work and saving one life at a time!