National diabetes nursing knowledge and skills framework written and launched at MidCentral Health

16/02/2009 | Diabetes nursing framework launched

A foundation document set to lead diabetes nursing into the future will be launched at Palmerston North Hospital tomorrow, Tuesday 17 February. MidCentral Health Nurse Practitioner Helen Snell has written the National Diabetes Nursing Knowledge and Skills Framework which sets guidelines for minimum preparation for a nurse providing care to a person with diabetes.

With endorsement from the three main national organisations, the framework is set to provide a platform for quality diabetes nursing in New Zealand. It will be used as a basis for curricula in polytechs and universities, shaping the ability of nurses providing diabetes care for the coming years.

The launch is the culmination of four years work for Helen who began the project while on part time secondment to the Primary Health Care Nursing Development Team in 2004. She continued on her return to full time placement at the MCH Diabetes Lifestyle Centre also putting many hours of her own time into the framework.

Helen says: “People with diabetes deserve a high standard of care and the framework will assist nurse educators and mentors to ensure nurses are thoroughly prepared.”

“Assistance from the project team, consultation with colleagues, and feedback after implementation of drafts, helped refine the framework leading to the adoption of a comprehensive and culturally responsive framework focused on improving the nurse’s ability to meet the health needs of the person with diabetes.” 

The National Diabetes Nursing Knowledge and Skills Framework is available from the Diabetes Lifestyle Centre at Palmerston North Hospital.