Goal Certified Diabetes Educator

Published

Specializes in Pediatrics.

As having Type 1 Diabetes for over 25 years, I've moved to become an educator this past year. I'm almost done with my pre-reqs and am applying to CSUN's ABSN program next month. Just did step one by applying as a graduate student. (Yes, I'm in California)

Is anyone on here a CDE already and able to help me through this process? There is such a huge demand out there for this growing epidemic. My own clinic doesn't even have a full-time CDE on staff, they fly one in from NY for a week once a month!

Things I specifically need to know:

who are my best referral letter candidates at this point?

is the BSN the best way to go? I know I could do nutritionist, but heard from people in the field that if they did it again they would have gotten their RN first instead.

Will my ultimate goal help in the application process, in other words, do you think it help me get accepted? Do schools know that there is a shortage of CDEs?

Help with my personal statement. Am I playing up my personal experience with diabetes, too much?

I know a lot to ask, but I figured now is the best time to be asking and rather than come in with "help me", I thought if I came in with specific need to knows it would lead me to the right path a bit more efficiently.

Thanks for everyone's help.

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Specializes in Oncology.

You need experience working as a diabetes educator before you can sit for the CDE exam.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Thanks, however I do realize that I need I believe 1000 hours of experience before sitting for the CDE exam. I'm not even close to that point yet. I am just trying to get into nursing school. My path that I am laying out is to get my RN first through a BSN or ABSN program, since this will be my second degree.

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You have to have a Bachelor's degree in order to sit for the CDE exam. Also to address your other question, it is widely known that there is a big need for CDE's, but the problem is finding places that will employ them- the reimbursement for diabetes education is very poor, forcing many places to close their programs. The way that Medicare law stands now, RN's who are CDE's are not recognized providers, therefore cannot bill directly to Medicare on their own, they must work under another provider and bill throught that provider.

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Specializes in ICU.
Thanks, however I do realize that I need I believe 1000 hours of experience before sitting for the CDE exam. I'm not even close to that point yet. I am just trying to get into nursing school. My path that I am laying out is to get my RN first through a BSN or ABSN program, since this will be my second degree.

We are in the same boat. I have another degree but I want to help out diabetics too. I just starting my journey this week with A&P I.

You have to have a Bachelor's degree in order to sit for the CDE exam. Also to address your other question, it is widely known that there is a big need for CDE's, but the problem is finding places that will employ them- the reimbursement for diabetes education is very poor, forcing many places to close their programs. The way that Medicare law stands now, RN's who are CDE's are not recognized providers, therefore cannot bill directly to Medicare on their own, they must work under another provider and bill throught that provider.

That blows...hmm there must be a way to reverse this. I bet a physician assistant can.

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Specializes in medical/telemetry/IR.

why don't you ask Gary Scheiner author of Think Like a Pancreas

He has a clinic in Philly

He's a CDE. I think he must have a nutrition degree or its something else to do with sports too. I can't remember.

He has a clinic in Philly

called

Integrated Diabetes

I went up there once to see him for my dd and did his remote counseling.

He is just incredible. He's my fav CDE. I:redbeathehim

he's very accessable

He replied to my email when I first thought of going to him.

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You do not have to have a BSN to sit for the CDE exam. The eligibility requirements can be found here:

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

The highlights:

- Active, unrestricted RN license

- 2 years of experience as an RN

- 1000 hours of experience in diabetes self management education, with 400 of those hours in the last year prior to application to sit for the CDE exam.

- 15 hours of continuing ed related to diabetes in the two years prior to the exam.

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Too little funding for CDEs we are working on some programs in the Rio Grande Valley and the need far out paces the supply

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