Nurses' perception and comfort level with diabetes management practices in long-term care

Can J Diabetes. 2014 Oct;38(5):314-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2013.12.003. Epub 2014 Jul 16.

Abstract

Objective: Increasing numbers of elderly people in long-term care have diabetes mellitus. We explored nurses' perceptions and level of comfort with current diabetes management of patients in long-term care.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach using a cross-sectional survey design, including both quantitative and open-ended questions, was used. The licensed nurses employed in 9 long-term care homes in southwestern Ontario were surveyed. The survey explored nurses' comfort with managing diabetes, detecting hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, glucose monitoring guidelines, and insulin administration and training.

Results: Of 301 nurses invited (130 registered nurses [RNs], 171 registered practical nurses [RPNs]), 165 nurses (77 RNs and 88 RPNs) responded (165 of 280, 59% response rate). Nurses were female (93.3%); their mean age was 45.3 years (SD 11.7). Most noted that the medication administration system and guidelines regarding diabetes management were adequate; RPNs were more comfortable administering insulin than RNs (p=0.048).

Conclusions: The findings suggest RNs and RPNs have different comfort levels and perceptions of diabetes management.

Keywords: diabetes; diabète; infirmières autorisées et infirmiers autorisés; licensed nurses; long-term care; soins de longue durée.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Canada / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diabetes Mellitus / epidemiology
  • Diabetes Mellitus / nursing
  • Diabetes Mellitus / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Job Satisfaction*
  • Long-Term Care* / psychology
  • Long-Term Care* / standards
  • Male
  • Nurses / psychology*
  • Nursing Homes
  • Ontario / epidemiology
  • Practice Patterns, Nurses'*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Workforce