This paper describes a nursing experience of caring for a patient who received the first hemodialysis. The nursing period was from August 18 to 24, 2012. The author applied Gordon's 11 Functional Health Pattern Assessment Tool for patient assessment. Data were collected through physical examination, observation, interview, and medical record review. The identified major health problems were fluid volume overload, knowledge deficiency, and maladaptation. The author provided the patient with educational material about hemodialysis and a renal diet. An experienced dialysis patient was arranged to meet with the patient to share experience and provide support. The author assisted the patient in maintaining a regular lifestyle with dialysis through self-care skill enhancement, such as a therapeutic diet and discussing things the patient ought to know about daily living. The patient was encouraged to embrace a positive attitude toward lifelong dialysis with the expectation of a successful adaptation to lifelong dialysis treatment.