I am an insulin dependent Type 2 diabetic. It has been some years since I did any diabetic teaching and am now preplexed at some of the information that I have received, both as an inpatient and as an outpatient. I am wondering just what inpatient, as well as out patient, nurses think is their responsibility in educating a new diabetic or adding to the education of a diabetic who has been one of a number of years. Do you feel that a hospitalized patient should be taught to know when and how to take his medications? To have consistent eating patterns? To have knowledge of symptoms and foods for hypoglycemia? To understand who and when to call for help? Do you believe that hospitalized patients are too ill to learn or retain information or skills? Do you believe that there are abundant resources for outpatient education? Are there diabetic educators available at your facility? Do you believe, as a staff nurse, that you have adequate knowledge to educate patients? Does your facility provide education sources for you the staff nurse, to update your knowledge? Do you believe that education is a lenghty, complex, and elective process? Do you bvelieve that the education, in the hospital, is essential? Do you believe that outpatient programs are not equiped to address such complex issues? Do you feel management supports your efforts and gives you the time? Are you aware that Medicare pays little for 're-education'? Are you aware of the programs available, in your community, at little or no cost? Does your facility offer such programs and do they charge for them?
Thank you for any who decide to answer my questions.
