I have to formally share with you the wonderful experience I had working with staff nurse Christine Likar. During the last 2 days, Christine took time during her busy assignment to deliver the best patient education I have witnessed in a long time. Not only did she reach out to me to develop a plan of care for her patient in room 388, but she started the education process before I arrived!

This particular patient was a highly motivated, newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes gentleman who took extensive notes in a spiral notebook. He repeatedly asked question after question and appropriate ones, I must add. Christine knew he needed to talk with me. She paged me and we set up a time for me to see the patient.

When I arrived, I was thrilled to find that he had already self-administered one insulin injection using the pen needles from the Insulin Teaching Kit! In addition, she had already showed him how to use the One Touch Ultra 2 glucose meter! All I had to do was reinforce what she had already began teaching him. This gave me plenty of time to answer all of his questions which did take 1.5 hours. I did mention he took extensive notes!

After my visit, Christine did not miss an opportunity to pick up where I left off, reinforcing key points during "teachable moments" during the 2 days she cared for him. What was most refreshing was her interest in learning what other tools were available to help her teach patients about diabetes.

This was perfect example of how diabetes education should be performed in the hospital setting. I can confidently say that this patient was prepared for discharge thanks to the team work and initiative of Christine!