THE ROLE OF NURSES IN DIABETES CARE AND

EDUCATION

ByProf. Morsi Arab

IDF Chair EMME RegionUniversity of Alexandria

The Diabetes Care Team

The Nurse is a member of the Diabetes Health Care Team which requires: - complementation - integration - no contradictions - strict job description ( without overdoing)

A special Member The nurse is a privileged member of the team.

Why? 1 .Has more time ( to listen and to educate)

2 .can replace the doctor’s ‘orders’ by ‘instructions and guidance: ’

a psychol. value? 3 .Female nurses understand and

communicate better with ) a female pt. or mother of a diab. child (

Sympathy and Care is a feminine specialty……

Positive and Negative Aspects of Historical Significance in the ME 1. Islamic history supported the role of woman

nurses **. 2 .Cultural factors delayed women’s development .

In the region X 3 .Poor reputation about the standard of nursing in

Arab hospitals X 4.Establishment of Higher schools of Nursing

) Alexandria early 1960 ** ( 5 .First recognition & a parallel international

course (Alexandria 1991)**

Cont.(Historical …)

6 .Developing National Diab. Nurse Training Programs**

7 .A generation of high-standard specialized educators with a nursing background**

The Diabetes Nurse gets international recognition

Notional Programme for Nurses Training

Nurse Training Workshops

Requirements to PerfectThe General Requirements for a nurse to perfect

her role in diabetes care and education: I. Knowledge

- in diabetes and related sciences.- in basic principles in education

II. Skills - clinical : history taking , examination ,etc.

- educational :skills of teaching knowledge and skills , and changing attitudes of pts .

III. Special talents (Attitude): interest, team working, respecting limitations,etc

Specific Considerations Specific role in “ Acute complications”

1 .Knowledge of causes, symptoms and signs, diagnosis, prevention and principles of

management . 2 .Clinical Skills :e.g. history, exam. (P & BP,

urine test, bld sugar, acetone breath, etc( follow-up observations.…………

3 .Educational Skills e.g. instructing prevention, diagnosing and immediate management.

4 .Taking appropriate decisions

The Diabetes Nurse in Foot Care Knowledge : foot anatomy, vulnerability, types of

injuries (mechanical, thermal, chem.) weight bearing walking dynamics ,etc .

Clinical examination Skills : pulses, sensation, dryness, colour changes, points of stress , etc ,(

Management skills according to her training. Level I : e.g. dressings, nail cut, etc. Level II : e.g. ulcer debridement , etc

Education Skills for patients on : self inspection, shoes , stockings,, preventing mech., thermal and chemical

injuries, etc

In the Absence of the Physician

The Diabetes Nurse: -At School

- As Health Visitor to Homes - At Far Rural Centres

The Diabetes Nurse at School -Keeps records of children with diabetes

- checks times for insulin intake and snacks - manages acute episodes e.g. hypoglycemia

- educates school staff to-: - consider the needs of the diab child

- manage emergencies - avoid discrimination

The Diabetes Nurse at Homes -Encourages pt. compliance to: - regular check of glycem. Control

- periodic checks e.g. ,ophthalmoscopy, e.c.g. ,etc

- Monitors early develop. of complications - Guidance (Education) about special needs

of : the Elderly ,the Isolated , and the Handicapped diabetic.

The Diabetes Nurse at Far Rural Centres - Keeps sound balance between active

management of diab care or referral ) to physicians and specialists (in due time .

- Manages immediate care in emergencies - Checks sufficient stores of medications

and equipment for emergencies. - Checks readiness of fast means for

transportation in emergencies