The number of diabetic patients has significantly increased.
Registered nurses, clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners may specialize in helping patients manage their diabetes. Several organizations offer training in diabetes management through diabetes education programs, certification options and continuing education opportunities. Much of the training for diabetes management nurses revolves around helping patients adopt healthy behaviors that help control their diabetes, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Background
The number of diabetic individuals in the United States has drastically increased over the years. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of people with diabetes has approximately tripled over the past 30 years. In 1980, 5.6 million people had diabetes, whereas today more than 17.4 million people have the disease. With the growing numbers of people affected by the disease, the proper training of nurses in diabetes management has become more important.
Registered Nurses
Before you can specialize as a diabetic nurse, you must receive general nursing training. Typically this is done through attaining a license as a registered nurse. Registered nurse programs generally result in a diploma, an associate's degree in nursing or a bachelor's degree in nursing, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These programs have both in-class lectures and hands-on experience. Academic classes generally include material on anatomy and physiology, psychology, nursing basics, chemistry and nutrition.
National Curriculum Standards
Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) curriculums must meet several standards to successfully train diabetic nurses. These curriculums must cover the process of diabetes as a disease and treatment options; the incorporation of nutritional management and exercise into a patient's lifestyle; the appropriate use of medications; and monitor a patient's blood glucose levels and understanding the results. A DSME curriculum should also cover prevent, detect, and treat acute and chronic complications, according to American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE). Lastly, programs must address individualized strategies for psychosocial issues and the promotion of health and behavior changes.
Continuing Education
Just like many other nursing specialties, diabetic nurses generally continue training in the field through participating in extended educational opportunities. Many organizations, such as the ANCC, the ADDE and the American Diabetes Association (ADA), are strong producers of continuing education hours. The ADA offers several different self-assessment programs, diabetic courses and conferences on diabetes. The ANCC's opportunities include review seminars, workshops and volunteering prospects. They also have an annual conference.
Certification
As of June 2010, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is transferring its diabetes management certification program to the AADE. The AADE expects that certifications for diabetes management will be open in September 2010. Upon completing the certification program, a nurse will be awarded the Board Certified-Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM) credential. The AADE stipulates that prerequisites for the credential will remain the same. So as before, you will need a registered nurse license as well as a licensure or certification as a clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner and 500 hours of diabetes management experience.
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