Keywords

diabetes, inpatient diabetes management, mentoring, peer-to-peer teaching

 

Authors

  1. Modic, Mary Beth MSN, RN, CNS, CDE
  2. Canfield, Christina MSN, RN, ACNS-BC
  3. Kaser, Nancy MSN, RN, ACNS-BC
  4. Sauvey, Rebecca RN, RD/LD, CDE
  5. Kukla, Aniko MSN, RN

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to enhance the knowledge of the bedside nurse in diabetes management. A forum for ongoing support and exploration of clinical problems, along with the distribution of educational tools were the components of this program.

 

Background: Diabetes accounts for 30% of patients admitted to the hospital. It has become more challenging to manage as the treatment choices have increased. There are a number of researchers who have identified nurse and physician knowledge of diabetes management principles as suboptimal.

 

Description of the Innovation: Staff nurses are educated for a role as a Diabetes Management Mentor and are expected to educate/dialogue with peers monthly, model advocacy and diabetes patient education skills, facilitate referrals for diabetes education, and direct staff to resources for diabetes management.

 

Outcomes: Diabetes Management Mentors feel more confident in their knowledge of diabetes and their ability to resolve clinical issues as they arise.

 

Conclusion: The Diabetes Management Mentor role is another avenue for nurses to refine their clinical knowledge base and acquire skills to share with colleagues while remaining at the bedside.

 

Implications: The clinical nurse specialist is expertly prepared to foster the professional development of bedside nurses while simultaneously making a positive impact on disease management. Opportunity for future investigation includes efficacy of teaching tools on diabetes mastery, the effect of clinical nurse specialist mentoring on a select group of bedside nurses, and the Diabetes Management Mentor's impact on prevention of near-miss events.