Introduction
Practical nursing is my program of study at ECPI University; majoring in diabetology. Thereafter I would like to become a certified diabetic educator. In this paper I will Define practical nursing, as well as define diabetes. I would also like to become a Registered Nurse.
Practical Nurse with a concentration in Diabetology
Practical nursing is an exciting and diverse field. Although hospitals have phased out LPN’s, there are many facilities an LPN can thrive and gain valuable experience in. Choosing the right career path, as well as what to specialize in can be overwhelming. One of my choices is educating patients about Diabetes; A Certified Diabetic Educator (CDE). The CDE candidate must work in the healthcare field currently such as a license physiologist / personal trainer, LPN, RN, physician etc. to qualify for the examination
Topic Diabetes Education: Defining and Defeating Diabetes
Defining Diabetology: is the study of clinical science of diabetes mellitus, its diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Diabetology is also understanding the disease and its contributing factors. “One in every three Americans currently has or is at risk to develop Diabetes Mellitus (1) Worldwide, the number of individuals with diabetes is growing at an unprecedented rate and is expected to surpass 550 million by 2030” (Press, 2019). Working closely with a Diabetologist and/or Endocrinologist, would allow me to gain valuable experience while preparing to become a CDE. I would like to study Diabetology in depth and become a certified Diabetes Educator. Then I can effectively educate patients suffering from this terrible disease. Ultimately the path to wellness begins by: lowering A1C numbers, proper medical care, connecting with a good Diabetologist. Also adapting better eating habits from a good dietitian will tremendously reduce the progression of the disease. Depending on how early the diagnosis of the disease, you may even reverse the disease. Using my personal experiences and my environment helped me make the choice easier. There are many variables that affect and contribute to Diabetes; manipulating these variables can produce positive results as a result.
Relation Between CDE Certification and Practical Nursing
The National Certified Board of Diabetic Educators NCBDE.org is where to find certification eligibility requirements based on your formal training (LPN, RN, Physician etc.) Diabeteseducators.org website will give you information on becoming certified as a diabetes educator. This website also will give you guidelines to eat individual person’s qualifications to become certified. Diabetology is defining and understanding the disease and its contributing factors. Using real life experiences, work experience in the health care field as a nursing assistant, and detailed research should help me choose a rewarding area of specialty as an LPN and major in Diabetology. To date, only a Physician (Endocrinologist) can become a Diabetologist, however all others can become a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE).
Clinical and Diabetes Experience
My experience includes becoming a certified nursing assistant, living with and caring for grandparents whom had Diabetes. Helping to advise and develop meal plans for relatives who were diagnosed with diabetes gave me more personal experience. Lots of researching the disease on my part has helped tremendously with the reversal process. In 2015 I was advised that I was pre-diabetic. Seeking the help from knowledgeable and licensed educators helped me to change my eating habits and modify day to day routines to utilize exercise more. I also learned how to read nutrition labels correctly. I try keep a low glycemic index every day. To this date, I am now classified as non-diabetic and I did it with no medication. With my personal and work experience coupled with a nursing degree; I could be a great asset to the nursing community.
References
- Burke, S. D., Sherr, D., & Lipman, R. D. (2014). Partnering with diabetes educators to improve patient outcomes. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy, 7, 45+. Retrieved from http://libproxy.ecpi.edu:2374/apps/doc/A400529192/HRCA?u=lirn55593&sid=HRCA&xid=2def304c
- A journey from patient to a Diabetes Educator. (2015). Pulse International, 16(4). Retrieved from http://libproxy.ecpi.edu:2374/apps/doc/A403599016/HRCA?u=lirn55593&sid=HRCA&xid=8d59fcb1
- Sy, V. (2016, September-October). Empowering staff nurses as primary educators to children with type 1 diabetes. Pediatric Nursing, 42(5), 247+. Retrieved from http://libproxy.ecpi.edu:2374/apps/doc/A470999366/HRCA?u=lirn55593&sid=HRCA&xid=b8c529e3
- Berry, J. (2018, June 12). Type 2 diabetes statistics: Facts and trends. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318472.php
- What is diabetes? (2013, April 19). Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/0/21704103
