Diabetic teaching & glucometers

[grinnurse, RN]

How do you as a nurse "realistically" teach diabetes to new dx? I am a new RN and was wondering if I should be doing more in relations to the glucometer.

Do ya'll teach the patient about the glucometer in depth or do you just explain the basics ie, how to set it up with the codes, how to load the pen with the needles, etc and tell them to read the directions for further instructions? Just wondering how in depth I need to go with that part of it. I have done it several times so far and I go into depth about the machine, how to load strips, keeping an electronic "book" of sticks.

Any and all info appreciated

[sgent]

For newly diagnosed patients, I suggest looking for a certified diabetic education program in your area. Check with your endicrinologists who will let you know.

The programs last for 8-16 hours, are usually done at night, and a nurse and a dietition, both with specialization in diabetes education, teach the progrom (that's the minimum standard).

Its covered by Medicare and most insurance programs... not sure about medicaid.

[KaroSnowQueen, RN]

At our facility, we do have a diabetic educator, but if she is out or a pt needs teaching on off hours/weekends/holidays, we do it.

We have several several several pages of diabetic teaching we print off our computers, and we give each newly diagnosed pt a glucometer. We teach them how to use it, how to do fingersticks, how to recall the memory, and to write down their sticks for a back up. We also do dietary teaching.

Thankfully, most new diabetics stay more than one or two days so usually SHE is there and can do all this, as it is a pretty lengthy session(s).

Also, it truly depends on the pt. Some people are very intelligent and anything you miss they can pick up out of the book. Some very intelligent people however are very technologically inept and wouldn't get anything out of the book. Some people who aren't as bright probably would do well just to get the basics.

[Bodap]

How do you as a nurse "realistically" teach diabetes to new dx? I am a new RN and was wondering if I should be doing more in relations to the glucometer.

Do ya'll teach the patient about the glucometer in depth or do you just explain the basics ie, how to set it up with the codes, how to load the pen with the needles, etc and tell them to read the directions for further instructions? Just wondering how in depth I need to go with that part of it. I have done it several times so far and I go into depth about the machine, how to load strips, keeping an electronic "book" of sticks.

Any and all info appreciated

Dear Grinnurse ,

It sounds like you are doing a very good job. I have been a diabetes nurse for a long time. How indepth I go about all of the functions of the meter depends on the patient. Some patients are techno junkies and I give them all of the "buttonology," others just want to test their blood and be done with it. It also depends on how involved the meter is. Some meters are very basic.

A few good tips:

1. Cold fingers don't bleed well. Have them rub the side of a finger on their pants or wash their hands in warm water first. This way they can use a shallow depth on their lancet. The alcohol wipe won't really cool off the finger. 2. The sides of the fingers bleed the best and they are the least painful. 3. Wait a second or two before you squeeze the finger. This always yields more blood.

I hope this helps

Blessings,

BoDap