Preceptor????

It is definitely possible to be hired and work as a diabetes educator before becoming certified as a CDE! In fact, that's the only way to become certified! Below is a link to the eligibility page for the CDE exam. I have copied the practice experience info as well. You must have at least 1000 hours of experience in a job providing direct diabetes education over a 2 year period to even apply for the exam.

Don't give up hope, its the way all CDEs get certified. Large diabetes centers are almost always looking to hire nurses who are willing to work toward the CDE. If you are interested in pediatric diabetes, pm me for a job lead! In most cases, you do not need previous diabetes experience, after all, one must start somewhere!

Good luck, and hope this helps!

http://www.ncbde.org/eligibility.cfm

Professional Practice Experience
All professional practice experience is defined as employment for compensation as a diabetes educator in the United States or its territories within the past five years. Employment for compensation means to hold a job in which one is actively engaged in diabetes self-management education and for which paid income is comparable to other diabetes educators in the same area or region of the country. Only experience occurring AFTER completing the Discipline requirement can be counted toward the Professional Practice Experience requirement.
After meeting the Discipline requirement and before applying for the Examination, all (A through C) of the following requirements must be met:

A minimum of two years (to the day) of professional practice experience in diabetes self-management education.
AND

A minimum of 1,000 hours of diabetes self-management education experience.
AND

Current employment in a defined diabetes educator role providing diabetes self-management education a minimum of four hours per week, or its equivalent, at the time of application.

Another consideration - when you apply tell them you are willing to pay for the review course and certification exam. Maybe that will show how serious you are and make a positive impression.