Naomi Woo, DCI Indianapolis Home Program Manager, was named Dialysis Clinic, Inc.’s 2024 Employee of the Year for embodying DCI’s Mission, Vision and Values in her clinic and community at the organization’s annual meeting in St. Pete Beach, Fla., this fall.
“Naomi is most deserving of DCI’s 2024 Employee of the Year award because of her caring heart for her patients and her compassion for others at work and within Indianapolis,” said Donovan Schultz, DCI President. “We could only hope as individuals to have a nurse championing our health and wellbeing just as Naomi does for her patients. She is a leader within her clinic and community, and we are grateful for her contributions and commitment to fulfilling DCI’s patient-focused mission.”
“To say that I am honored is an understatement,” Naomi said. “I strive to be the person I would want to be caring for me or my family member if I was on this same journey. I am truly grateful for opportunity to able serve our patients and very thankful for the support and recognition.”
Naomi, a Registered Nurse focused on peritoneal dialysis, is a home dialysis ambassador who encourages her patients to pursue kidney transplants, with four patients receiving transplants in 2023. Her optimism, strong character and personal magnetism contribute to her success connecting with her patients and fellow care team members over the past 21 years.
Naomi cultivates respect and understanding among staff members and patients. She is an empathetic and problem-solving leader within her clinic. Local nephrologists value her warm, welcoming personality and extensive dialysis knowledge and send their patients to Naomi for home dialysis training.
A great contributor to the DCI Indianapolis clinic’s culture, Naomi spearheads patient appreciation activities. Each year, patients look forward to sharing a warm holiday dinner together and the chance to take home a meal, since many likely spend the holidays alone. This act of kindness is a collaborative effort within the clinic that generates patient smiles and tears of gratitude.
Naomi’s commitment to and care for her patients extends beyond her time in the clinic. She supports patients in the challenges that arise affecting their home dialysis treatments and helps them to be resilient and find alternative ways to maintain their treatments and better quality of life. She empowers her patients and helps them live their best lives despite the struggles of kidney disease.
“Making a connection (with patients) allows them to form a relationship that is free of burden or despair,” Naomi said. “They know and trust that they can call when needed and someone who understands their disease and what they are going through is available to help when needed.”
Naomi’s vital encouragement and commitment to helping her patients is exemplified in two patient stories from the past year. When a patient lost his dialysis machine and supplies in a home fire, Naomi helped him replace them and figured out how he could replenish his necessary supplies while living in a temporary home without space to store them. When the health of a home patient of seven years began deteriorating, Naomi checked in daily and helped him and his partner identify ways he could maintain his home dialysis treatments. Eventually, his health challenges led him to in-center dialysis and ultimately to stop treatment, and Naomi was there to support him each step of the way. She visited him in the hospital and spent hours reminiscing and focusing on the memories he made while on home dialysis before he entered hospice and passed away just two weeks later. His family reached out to extend their gratitude for Naomi’s kindness and support.
Beyond the clinic, Naomi volunteers her time supporting the Indianapolis chapter of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). Naomi leads the Indianapolis clinic’s NKF Kidney Walk fundraising and volunteer recruitment efforts. Over the past 20 years, DCI Indianapolis has raised nearly $15,000, with more than $1,000 raised in 2024. She also volunteers for and recruits fellow nurses for local NKF kidney disease health screenings and health fairs, providing education, collecting samples, and doing basic assessments. Naomi also volunteers her time at an annual kidney camp for kids on dialysis, assisting with treatments while campers enjoy fun and games.
Naomi was surprised by the announcement that she was selected for the award at DCI’s annual meeting in September. Married for 24 years, Naomi and her husband have two sons and stay active as a family. Naomi enjoys visits to the beach or sitting beside a campfire with a good book.