Outstanding Issues

A) THE CURRENT SITUATION:

The specialist environment in Diabetes has recognised formal advanced training structures since 1996:

• Higher Diploma in Nursing Studies (Diabetes Nursing) which is affiliated to University College Dublin and facilitated in the Mater Misericordiae Hospital Dublin.

Post registration education programmes provide nurses with an in depth knowledge or skills for particular practice fields.

Prior to this, expertise in diabetes nursing was achieved through working in collaboration with the Medical Consultant in the area and through ongoing professional development of knowledge and skills pertaining to the specialitv.

The Report of The Commission on Nursing 1998, page 110.6.56. states:

“It is important that Irish nurses and midwives, who have pioneered and led the development of nursing and midwifery without the benefit of advanced education (as it was not available at the time), are appreciated”

 

B) EDUCATION:
There is general concern that the structures available to facilitate further education are not standardized. The location of the accredited course currently running in Dublin is not accessible for everyone nationally.

 

SUMMARY OF SUBMISSION:
The Irish Diabetes Nurse Specialist Association has introduced the role of the nurse in diabetes care in the context of the continuum from a generalist to an advanced nurse practitioner. Within this submission diabetes nursing practice has been outlined in terms of professional accountability, managerial, clinical and educational responsibilities.

We have also identified Diabetes Nurses who have greater than 5 years experience in the speciality of diabetes care. Their clinical experience and their input to the development of the current service should be acknowledged as accredited training was not available prior to 1996. Those who have greater than 5 years experience should be considered for upgrading to CNM posts with a location allowance provided.

The Irish Diabetes Nurse Specialist Association is supportive of the Report of the Commission on Nursing in relation to specialisation. We would envisage that those who are appointed to diabetes nursing posts will in the future have accredited training, or give their commitment to undergo accredited specialist training.

However, as an association we are very concerned that some of our members are not acknowledged for their valuable contribution to the nursing care of persons with diabetes, prior to the recognition of specialisation within the nursing profession. We would hope that they would be suitably rewarded in terms of upgrading of their position in recognition of their experience and be provided with a location allowance.