Although research has revealed important information about diabetes, allowing for better treatment options to be developed, this disease remains a very serious problem. Whether in the form of Type 1 or Type II Diabetes, proper medical care is essential, which is why the services of a qualified Diabetes Management Nurse are so vital. This individual works directly with patients and family members in getting the disease under control but also educating them to prevent future problems so the patient can live a long and healthy life.
Diabetes Management Nursing Career, Role of a Diabetes Management Nurse
For the person living with Diabetes, the body cannot produce insulin as it should. Because of this, blood sugar levels spiral out of control that if not properly managed, can lead to serious health problems to include limb amputation and even death. In the role of a Diabetes Management Nurse, along with patient and family education, this person would monitor the patient’s blood sugar, obtain testing equipment for the patient to use if needed, develop proper nutritional plans, and much more. In some cases, the Diabetes Management Nurse would also be qualified to administer medication as a part of the overall management plan.
In addition to the above-mentioned responsibilities, the best person to pursue a career as a Diabetes Management Nurse would be someone with compassion, a person who can build a trusting relationship with patients of all ages and various family members, and a person who loves working in the medical profession. All of this combined would ensure a gratifying and rewarding career.
Diabetes Management Nurse Educational Requirements
To become a Diabetes Management Nurse, the first thing a person would need is to earn an Associate of Science Nursing (ASN) degree so the proper tests could be taken to obtain a license as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). However, for better job opportunities and the highest paying salary, it would be worth completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree to become a licensed Registered Nurse.
In addition to the earned degree and nursing license, it would also be advantageous to obtain certification through the Advanced Diabetes Management Certification, as well as other ongoing education specific to nutrition and the body’s endocrine system. Because so many advances have been seen in the treatment of diabetes, staying on top of changes in medical care of this disease is essential.
Diabetes Management Nurse Salaries
Annual salary for a Diabetes Management Nurse is $53,000 as a Registered Nurse but for someone who has a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree or an Advanced Nursing Degree, salary would increase. One of the exciting aspects of working in a Diabetes Management Nursing career is that the individual could work with patients and their family on an individual basis or through completion of advanced education, other areas of practice could be added to the basic care plan or the individual could choose a different area entirely such as being a nursing consultant, advanced practitioner, researchers, manager, or educator. Regardless of the area in which a person chooses to work, assisting people with needs associated with diabetes is very honorable and rewarding.
Diabetes Management Nurse Opportunities
As mentioned, tremendous improvements have been made in the prevention, care, and management of diabetes but with this being one of the leading diseases in the United States, jobs as a Diabetes Management Nurse will continue to be in high demand for many years to come. Currently, positions are open in a number of healthcare settings such as hospital, clinic, schools, and others but these and other opportunities are expected to increase over the next few years, making this an excellent nursing field to consider.
