Celebrating our nurses during National Nurses Week
National Nurses Week honours the unwavering dedication and compassion of our healthcare heroes.
The annual celebration from May 6 to May 12 recognises the invaluable contributions made by nurses, highlighting their profound impact on people, families, and communities.
May 12 is also International Nurses Day, celebrated on the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. International Nurses Day is a moment for nurses to celebrate being a part of the profession they love.
For people affected by diabetes, Diabetes Specialist Nurses (DSNs) and Diabetes Nurse Educators (DNEs) play a pivotal role in their diabetes management and wellbeing.
Hear from a few of Diabetes Victoria’s nurses in their own words.
Cath
Q. Why did you become a nurse?
A. My mum used to work inIntegrations a hospital caring for disabled children and I thought it would be lovely to work helping others.
Q. Why did you decide to specialise in diabetes education?
A. I loved the idea of blending education and nursing into one role and specialising in diabetes, as there is a strong family history of type 2 diabetes.
Q. What's your top diabetes education tip?
A. Get as much support as possible from different areas including health professionals, family, friends, and support groups. And don't forget to add stress management to support your diabetes management. It really does take a village.
Michelle
Jenny
Q. Why did you become a nurse?
A. As a child I loved babies and wanted to be a mothercraft nurse - a role that existed then. As time went on, I decided I wanted to look after all age groups.
Q. Why did you decide to specialise in diabetes education?
A. I trained in Coronary Care and while working there cared for a lot of people with diabetes. I realised I needed to know more so studied diabetes education. This became the area I was most passionate about.
Q. What’s your top diabetes education tip?
A. In addition to a supportive health care team, getting the support of other people with diabetes who know what you're going through. This could be via peer support groups, either online or in person or via social media.
Diana
Lisa
Q. Why did you become a nurse?
A. After having kids I decided I wanted to care for others in a broader context and having experienced amazing care from the wonderful nurses in our journey with diabetes, I decided that was the path I also wanted to follow.
Q. Why did you decide to specialise in diabetes education?
A. My partner and daughter both have type 1 diabetes. My daughter wasn't even two years old at diagnosis. I have seen firsthand how diabetes can affect both those living with the condition and the people who support them. We have done some amazing things like hiking to the base camp of Mount Everest with diabetes and I wanted to be part of that support network to help all people affected by diabetes.
Q. What’s your top diabetes education tip?
A. Diabetes is a long journey so make sure you look after your mental wellbeing as well as your physical health. Make sure you have a supportive team around you and remember even small changes can have a really big impact on your health. Finally, make sure you give yourself a pat on the back for your successes no matter how small you think they are.
Yung
Q. Why did you become a nurse?
A. When I was in refugee camp in Malaysia, I met with nurses who came to camp to help us. After that I wanted to become a nurse to help others.
Q. Why did you decide to specialise in diabetes education?
A. Diabetes is a condition close to my heart, as I have strong family history of type 2 diabetes. I thought I wanted to learn more about diabetes to help my mother with her condition but when I graduated she passed away (with diabetes complications), so now I dedicate my knowledge to helping others.
Q. What's your top diabetes education tip?
A. Understanding what is happening in our body helps to manage diabetes. People with diabetes can live a long healthy life as long as we know how to look after ourselves. Education is the key to the path of self-help.
Renae
Happy International Nurses Day and National Nurses Week to our wonderful nurses at Diabetes Victoria! We extend our appreciation to all nurses across the state.
