About me: Since 2015, I have worked directly with those living with diabetes within an adult diabetes education program at a Community Health Centre in South Niagara. I successfully obtained my CDE designation when I became eligible to write the Canadian Diabetes Educator's Certification Board (CDECB) exam in 2018. Seeing firsthand how diabetes self- management, and treatment options have evolved and improved has been inspiring and really emphasizes the significant role that nurses have in delivering excellent diabetes care. Often, this expanding knowledge base requires ongoing continuing education and DNIG aims to support its members, so please keep the funding forms in mind when pursuing any diabetes-related education or conferences.
Prior to my current role, I worked within acute medicine and long-term care, so I have seen the delivery of diabetes education and care from different perspectives. My nursing identity includes a strong focus on health equity; therefore, I have just completed a concurrent Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Health. I hope my own continuing education allows me to better advocate for improved access for diabetes care within Ontario. I sincerely look forward to being a part of DNIG’s executive membership, connecting with DNIG group members and advocating for both diabetes healthcare and the nurses that care for those living with diabetes in Ontario.
I’ve been working as a community-based diabetes educator since 2018 and joined the DNIG executive the same year. Seeing family members navigate the challenges of diabetes every day has fueled my passion for this field. My mom is my type 1 pumper shero! Previously, I worked in home care and community education, and completed an MA in Critical Disability Studies. I’m excited to be onboard with DNIG for another year and further strengthen support for our members.
About me: I have been a hemodialysis nurse for 10 years now. I am currently working at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital. Everyday, I am dealing with patients who have diabetes, as it is the leading cause of Kidney Failure. I am new to this position but I’m an open-minded, confident and dedicated person. Prior to this, I am also helping RNAO Chapter 6 as Workplace Liaison. Starting this September, I will start my Nurse Educator Program at Michener Institute. I believe this program will give me a better understanding about diabetes and provide education to my patients with expertise. I am excited to be part of DNIG and will dedicate my time to this new role. Also, can't wait to meet you all!
I am a registered nurse in Toronto working at a Level 1 trauma center in the Trauma & Neurosurgery program and in the Emergency Department. In the patient populations I serve, diabetes can make the healing of incisions and wounds and the treatment of infections more difficult; however, as a registered nurse, I am able to provide thorough education and care to my patients and help them recover from their illnesses and injuries. Furthermore, in such a diverse and multicultural space, I am able to better understand the impact of the social determinants of health and positively shape the experiences of my patients while being aware of my positionality in the space. I hope to one day become a nurse practitioner and work towards creating public healthcare policy that helps those who are stigmatized by the healthcare system and build a healthcare system that is more compassionate and efficient.
I am a registered nurse in Northwestern Ontario working at my local hospital, as well as the correctional facility in my region. In my community, we have a high prevalence of diabetes, especially in our Indigenous populations. In my nursing practice, I have plenty of opportunities to advocate for the care of diabetic patients and emphasize health teaching towards management of diabetes. I am also starting my Masters of Nursing with a research and teaching focus this year, in which I can use my education to further advocate for diabetic care and prevention.
I am currently pursuing a Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minor in Psychology. Given the prevalence of diabetes in my region, I am particularly interested in exploring the intersectionality between individuals with diabetes and factors such as sex and race, with the goal of promoting equitable, high-quality care across healthcare settings. Having been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus at the age of five, I have developed a deep passion for advocating diabetes management, research, prevention, and comprehensive patient care
Andrew Schembri is a Registered Nurse and a Master of Nursing student at Toronto Metropolitan University. He works across two distinct specialties: Cardiovascular Surgery and Forensic Psychiatry. Andrew's passion for evidence-based practice and leadership is reflected in his active role mentoring and supporting colleagues. His master's thesis focuses on uncovering strategies to enhance the adoption of diabetes best practices among nurses, aiming to improve the quality of care across diverse hospital settings and improve the translation of diabetes best practice knowledge into clinical application.
