This study describes the use of empowerment to help a patient to accept their first self-care peritoneal dialysis. From July 27(superscript th), 2007 to September 28(superscript th), 2007, while attending the patient, the Orem theory was used with this patient to promote self-care. The questions that needed to be assessed included controlling the volume of body fluid in order to safeguard the patient's health, the patient's increased anxiety about the process and the patient's worries about carrying out the process in a safe manner. In order to address these problems, empowerment was used to train the patient in how to measure accurately, use the machine correctly and listen attentively to any instructions. This built up a sense of trust with the patient and help to identify any problem areas. Safety procedures were discussed with the patient including changes in behavior that would improve their health. The patient was able to recognize that they were suffering from chronic kidney failure to some extent and began to accept the fact that dialysis was necessary. This reduced their feelings of anxiety as well as their fear of the dialysis technology. As a result, the patient began to carry out the peritoneal dialysis successfully and this was associated with feeling more confident and independent. This, in turn, allowed the patient to resume their life in a new context.