Associate Degree in Nursing to Become Diabetes Nurse
Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to create or consume insulin. Diabetes nurses care for patients who suffer from diabetes by monitoring their blood sugar and other medications, giving nutritional therapy, lessening diabetic nerve damage, and educating patients and families on the proper way to care for someone with diabetes. Nurses who specialize in diabetes need to have extensive knowledge on the body making an Associate of Science in Nursing necessary.
Associate Degree in Nursing and Becoming a Diabetes Nurse
As a potential diabetes nurse, you may either enter a school program for an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, choose which one works best for you, and after completing your degree program, you may need to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in order to work in your state. For those of whom wish to continue with their career, a Master of Science in Nursing can be earned.
You may have to work 500 hours in diabetic medicine to earn your Advanced Diabetes Management Certification (BC-ADM) which can help move you forward to becoming an advanced diabetes nurse specialist.
Career and Salary Outlook for Associate Degree in Nursing and Becoming a Diabetes Nurse
With aging baby boomers entering the healthcare system, there has been an increase in the amount of patients with diabetes. 171 people suffered from diabetes as of 2000. As diabetes continues, nurses may be needed who are well-educated and informed about this disease.
In general, the nursing profession can be expected to increase, opening up positions for nurses interested in different specialties. On average, the annual salary of diabetes nurses can be $53,000 per year but factors such as geographic location, education, experience, and facility type can influence that. A benefit to working with diabetes patients may be the ability to build relationships with your patients as well as the chance to improve their quality of life.
