02/19/2026

"The Monthly Momentum" with NW Kidney Center's, Ercelene Kinnebrew

The Monthly Momentum Set Your Vision and Goals for the New Year By Ercelene Kinnebrew, MBA, BSN, RN Northwest Kidney Centers, Motivational Contributor

“Goal setting provides clarity and direction for your life aspirations.”

With 26 years of experience in renal care, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside dedicated professionals who make a difference every day in the lives of patients. Over the years, I’ve learned that true growth both personal and professional starts with clarity, intention, and action. I also learned that the meaning of growth is different from person to person. I encourage you to be the author of what growth looks like in your life. My passion is motivating others to move beyond “good intentions” and create realistic action plans that transform their lives at work and at home.

This year, I’m excited to partner with NANT to bring you a quarterly article on personal and professional development, followed by monthly micro-topics and action steps that keep you focused, energized, and moving forward.

A New Year, A New Vision

The start of a new year feels like opening a blank chapter, an invitation to reflect, realign, and renew your purpose. For dialysis technicians and technologists, it’s the perfect moment to think about where you are and where you’d like to go next in life and in your career. Whether your goal is to advance your clinical expertise, strengthen patient communication, step into leadership, or experience the true meaning of work-life balance. This is your opportunity to set a clear direction for the year ahead.

Why Goal Setting Matters

Goal setting provides clarity and direction for your life. It helps you connect your daily routines, patient interactions, and every skill you sharpen to make an impact at work and in life. When your goals are clearly defined, progress no longer feels random; you can see how today’s actions build tomorrow’s opportunities.

Without goals, it’s easy to feel stuck or simply “go through the motions.” With goals, you begin to move with intention, confidence, and a renewed sense of meaning.

Let’s Connect and Reignite at DTX43 in Las Vegas

This year’s DTX43 Conference in Las Vegas is the perfect setting to bring your goals to life. More than an education event, DTX43 is a space to reignite your vision, gain fresh perspective, and remember why you chose this field in the first place. Not to mention reconnect with old friends and make new ones!

At DTX43, you can:

• Share your goals with peers, mentors, and leaders who can encourage and challenge you.
• Reignite your vision by exploring new technology, best practices, and evolving career pathways.
• Connect with colleagues who understand the realities of dialysis work and can offer support and insight.

Use the conference as a live “check-in” for your development: talk about your aspirations, ask questions, and let the energy of the community refuel your commitment. My hope is that you will return home with renewed motivation, practical ideas, and a stronger sense of purpose and direction for your next steps. Remember, you are the author of your story.

How to Write SMART Goals

To move from intentions to results, it helps to use a structure. SMART goals make your plans concrete and achievable:

• Specific: Clearly state what you want to accomplish.
• Measurable: Decide how you will track progress and know when you’ve succeeded.
• Achievable: Stretch yourself but keep it realistic with your current resources and constraints.
• Relevant: Align the goal with your long-term career vision and daily role.
• Time-bound: Set a clear deadline or timeframe to create urgency and accountability.

SMART goal example:
“By June 30, I will complete advanced cannulation training, log 20 supervised rope-ladder cannulations, and reduce my unsuccessful cannulation attempts to fewer than two per month.”

This goal is specific, measurable, realistic, tied to your clinical role, and anchored to a timeframe. Keep your goal simple, don’t overthink it.

Call to Action!

The time to act is now. Set aside 20–30 minutes of quiet time before or after a shift, or on a day off to reflect on your long-term aspirations. Ask yourself:

• How do I define growth and development for me at home or at work?
• Where do I want to be in my dialysis career in three to five years?
• What new skills, certifications, or responsibilities will help me get there?
• How do I want my work to impact patients, colleagues, and the profession?

From your reflections, choose three priorities and turn each into a SMART goal that will move you toward that vision this year. Consider areas such as:

• Work-Life balance (e.g. family, friends, hobbies)
• Self-Care (e.g. mental health, physical health)
• Clinical skills (e.g., cannulation, water treatment, troubleshooting)
• Professional credentials (e.g., certifications, additional training)
• Leadership and teamwork (e.g., precepting, quality projects, communication skills)

Keep these three SMART goals where you can see them daily: on your desk, in your locker, or in your planner.

Bring the goals with you to DTX43 or share them with a trusted friend, colleague or supervisor. Invite others to support you and offer the same encouragement in return. Growth is easier when we walk the journey together.

Closing Inspiration

Every meaningful change starts with a single, intentional decision. Today, your decision might be as simple as writing down one goal or having one honest conversation about your future. Those small steps compound over time into a deeper sense of purpose and more fulfillment in life.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”
— Lao Tzu