Dear DNIG member,
We are sending you a message of appreciation during these unprecedented times. The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly changed our professional and personal lives. For nurses involved in diabetes care, the pandemic has dramatically changed many of our care delivery and teaching options. We have heard many stories from members of the Diabetes Nurse Interest Group (DNIG) who are using ingenuity to continue to meet clients’ health needs through technology, and excellent communication/collaboration skills. Below are a few resources that many have found helpful.
During this global public health emergency, it is important that we continue to support each other not only in the care activities for our clients but also in caring for ourselves. Taking time to be grateful for our loved ones and all things important in our personal lives helps keep us strong as we look outwards to provide care for those with complex needs who may be isolated and relying on us to support them as they struggle to find self management strategies that work in a world that does not look familiar any more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted attention from the World Health Organization’s proclamation of the Year of the Nurse and Midwife, but make no mistake, Nurses have been and continue to be health care role models. Nurses are adaptive and innovative. Whether on the front lines, on the phones from home or from the sidelines in mentoring roles or creating policy we are learning new ways to provide healthcare and contribute to our communities. Your stories count and DNIG invites you to share them. This work will not be forgotten.
We thank you for everything you do.
With warm and best wishes,
Your DNIG Executive,
Alwyn Moyer, Margaret Little, Toba Miller, Sanja Visekruna, Laura Mcbreairty, Morgan Lincoln and Lisa Herlehy
Your Stories Count
In celebration of Nursing innovation and the creative, often pragmatic, approaches we adapt in order to provide excellent for our clients, DNIG is inviting you to share your story for the next Newsletter. From simple re-organization of your day, anticipating and preparing for shortages of supplies or medications, modifying or being creative in the ways which you show love and support for the vulnerable, every story counts.
Five stories will be chosen from all submissions to be published in late May. Submissions are due May 15th. Chosen authors will be awarded with a gift card in the sum of $50.
Send submissions to DNIG.info@gmail.com.
Resources for Nurses and Clients
- Diabetes Canada's FAQ about COVID-19 and Diabetes: Includes information about planning ahead for possible illness and steps to consider if infected. In particular, this document on sick day management is an excellent resource to share with your patients living with diabetes.
- Diabetes Canada also recently sponsored a webinar by Dr. Peter Lin and Dr. Alice Cheng entitled COVID-19 and Diabetes: What Do We Know? It is intended for health care professionals and is highly informative.
- Diabetes Care Community is a Canadian network devoted to diabetes education and community building. They have published information on diabetes and coronavirus. Patients and professionals may register for their newsletters in the right-hand frame of their website.