Help on how to get required hours for CDE.

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Specializes in Certified Diabetes Educator.

I have been an RN for over 4 years in a hospital setting. I am interested in getting my CDE. I qualify on all levels: I just have to get the 1000 hours of diabetic teaching. I have searched for a preceptor, with no luck in my state. I have been in contact with my state BON, with no help. Seems I can't get any work doing diabetic teaching without the CDE and can't get the CDE without some teaching. I signed up for the preceptee prog with the NCBDE, but the closest person is 350 miles away that would be willing to be a preceptor, and that is not feasible. If there is anyone that has their CDE that would be willing to give me some other ideas, I would be so appreciative. Someone with a CDE on the opposite end of my state suggested I take the CoreConcepts course thru AADE. I have joined that organization and there is a course in Dallas in Sept, but it is pricy and I don't know if it is too soon to consider that. Any advice?

Charlee

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You might want to contact or attend a meeting of your local Diabetes Assoc. to see if they need volunteers or help with attendees. Many of the local chapters are eager to accept help and while you are there you can make some important connections with local MD's or other RN's, CDE's.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

Have you talked to any diabetic educators about how they managed this task?

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Specializes in Certified Diabetes Educator.

Just wanted to update you and thank you both for replying. There is one person in my area that is CDE certified. I have called and left a message and emailed her. She works for the same organization I do, except that she is in one of the clinics. She has yet to contact me. I have sent an email to the person that is over our state AADE organization about meetings etc. I have yet to hear from her.

However, in the mean time, the wound clinic that is run by the hospital that I work for just posted a PRN job for diabetic educator and I will be applying for that job on Monday. Hope that I get it. I know several of the nurses over there and I have asked if they would put in a good word for me. If I get it, then I will go part time on the floor. I would be getting the hours I need to become certified.

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Great News! :yeah:

I wish you all the best in getting the position, acquiring your CDE hours, and beginning your new career!!! :up: :redpinkhe :nurse:

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Specializes in Certified Diabetes Educator.

Thank you for the nice cheer! Keeping my fingers crossed.

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Specializes in Occupational health, Corrections, PACU.

If necessary, enroll in a college nursing course (unsure whether you are ADN or BSN) and use the nursing faculty to set you up with doing diabetic teaching with a preceptor. Nursing schools often have contacts no one else does, because people agree to be preceptors for the college, not individuals. OR, contact your county/city public health nurses, and see about attending a free county/city health clinic from which you can do your teaching. They are always looking for help in free clinics!

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I'm also trying to get my hours to take the CDE exam. The only volunteer hours that are accepted are the ones offered through NCBDE, otherwise the hours cannot be volunteer. The hours need to be in a paid position where you are working as a CDE and being paid a comparable salary. It's very hard to get your hours. I am like you the closest preceptor through NCBDE is 3.5 hours away. I will look into these suggestions though, networking is the way to go.:)

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Specializes in Certified Diabetes Educator.

I am at least glad that I'm not the only person out there having the problem. I read all this stuff from the government about how they are allotting more money for diabetes education, but there seems to be such a road block then to move forward. I have yet to hear anything or even get an interview on the PRN position at the clinic. Good luck to you.

Charlee

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I have been an RN for over 4 years in a hospital setting. I am interested in getting my CDE. I qualify on all levels: I just have to get the 1000 hours of diabetic teaching. I have searched for a preceptor, with no luck in my state. I have been in contact with my state BON, with no help. Seems I can't get any work doing diabetic teaching without the CDE and can't get the CDE without some teaching. I signed up for the preceptee prog with the NCBDE, but the closest person is 350 miles away that would be willing to be a preceptor, and that is not feasible. If there is anyone that has their CDE that would be willing to give me some other ideas, I would be so appreciative. Someone with a CDE on the opposite end of my state suggested I take the CoreConcepts course thru AADE. I have joined that organization and there is a course in Dallas in Sept, but it is pricy and I don't know if it is too soon to consider that. Any advice?

Charlee

Thanks for this post. I just started working in a clinic where we deal with lots of diabetics and do teaching; I thought "Oh, I'll become a Certified Diabetes Educator" and was floored by the number of hours required. I don't get it - it seems insurmountable for most people.

One thing I'm hoping to start is shared medical appointments (there's a PDF you can find put out by the VA on this); that would get me some hours, but a THOUSAND?? Jeez. . .

Good luck to you, and keep us posted.

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