Its so frustrating.

After reading the two articles on the lack of diabetes educators in the nation, I thought I would throw my hat into the ring. I am a DN, health educator, a member of the NDEP for 8 years currently enrolled in SAIST and waiting for placment at Stanford protocol. And I take over 12 hours of CMEs in diabetes a year. I am a member of the AHMA which covers health and wellness education. Also a First Responder, and pharmacy tech.  Basically I have many bases covered.

I am also a diabetic and I wrote Factoring Diabetes.

So With all that and more, why are so many palces only wanting RNS? Why not go for professionals that were trained only in health and wellness education for pateints?

 With the current shortage, why are so many places picky as to  wanting only specifics. I found older programs than NCBDE and AADE certs, that many states prefer only to be shot down because I am not an RN. You would think that someone who has had lifeling practice with self managment, and is a health and wellness  educator devoted to Diabetes they would welcome that person.

And I know of others who are like me, with massive experience, only to be forced into other work bcause of the RN thing. Some of us have considered going  to  be an RN, but it seems futile.

Any thoughts?

Julia Sherman DN,rPhT, AHMA

I have no health care background (other than as a recipient), but I do have a professional background in an education field and have a long history with type 1. It seems like I'd be able to contribute/help in some way. Anyone know what opportunities there might be, and what might be required?

"hello all,

I am a person who has worked in the health food stores for many years and talked with many diabetics. I am curious what kind of research has been done on the "pre-diabetics" story?

I think so many people with blood sugar issues are in fact pre diabetic and do not know about it. The North American diet is so full of sugars and not enough good fermented foods to keep the intestinal flora healthy.

clean air...

Julia,

I was looking for Diabetes educators jobs and in particular the Diabetes Association in Grand Rapids MI and I came across this site...your comment states how I feel today after spending the whole day looking for jobs.

Yes ...very frustrating........I am  a Type 1 Diabetes major since the age of 7. I have always done my own management of my Diabetes.  With out the conviction and love of my mother, I would not be alive today...I would love to be a health educator for Diabetes. The 50 years of experience I have, I feel I could help diabetes patients..I have helped my friends get their diets in order and tell them how to give their injections ...all the simple but complicated experiences of Diabetes. My pursuing an RN or bachelors degree is out of my cost management at this time...as I'm unemployed after 27 years with the Wine Industry. No Worker Behind is a help but it will not cover 4 years of college. ...will an LPN be considered enough medical education for such a job...according to your experience and jobs..I quess not???

Sooooo I have over 50 years of diabetes self management...and yes experience speaks for everything...The RN/educators and Doctors that I have encountered lack the experience. I have told them what needs to be done.

Education is overrated these days because even with the education ...experience is needed to do the job anyway. As a manager for 27 years, I have seen 10 managers come and go in the company.
All of them never had any experience...big ideas but no practical experience...and is it not what is needed?...on the job experience for Diabetes education..or any education or job. I never learned to take care of myself through a textbook....if you or anyone can point me in the right direction ...thank you

jimmysdevoted posted:

 Its so frustrating.

After reading the two articles on the lack of diabetes educators in the nation, I thought I would throw my hat into the ring. I am a DN, health educator, a member of the NDEP for 8 years currently enrolled in SAIST and waiting for placment at Stanford protocol. And I take over 12 hours of CMEs in diabetes a year. I am a member of the AHMA which covers health and wellness education. Also a First Responder, and pharmacy tech.  Basically I have many bases covered.

I am also a diabetic and I wrote Factoring Diabetes.

So With all that and more, why are so many palces only wanting RNS? Why not go for professionals that were trained only in health and wellness education for pateints?

 With the current shortage, why are so many places picky as to  wanting only specifics. I found older programs than NCBDE and AADE certs, that many states prefer only to be shot down because I am not an RN. You would think that someone who has had lifeling practice with self managment, and is a health and wellness  educator devoted to Diabetes they would welcome that person.

And I know of others who are like me, with massive experience, only to be forced into other work bcause of the RN thing. Some of us have considered going  to  be an RN, but it seems futile.

Any thoughts?

Julia Sherman DN,rPhT, AHMA