Our health education department wanted to become a magnet site for diabetes care and education. To achieve this, we decided to have our entire team work toward becoming CDCESs to showcase our dedication to providing the best diabetes care.
What or Who Motivated You to Become a CDCES?
My mentor and dietitian colleague, Carol Ko, encouraged me to get certified. We were study partners and organized study groups for our staff members.
On Opportunities Provided as a Result of Holding the CDCES Credential
Holding the CDCES credential has been the best professional decision of my career! I was hired as the Diabetes Nurse Specialist at Stanford Hospital in 1994 and led a successful ADA Diabetes Recognized Program at a local community hospital for over 20 years.
In 1998, I started my own company, Diabetes Education Services. My company is dedicated to helping healthcare professionals realize their dream of becoming Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. Without my CDCES credential, none of these life-changing opportunities would have been possible.
What Would You Say to Someone Who is Considering Becoming a CDCES?
Welcome to our incredible community. Every day that I show up to work as a diabetes care and education specialist, I feel that I am a part of something bigger. This community passionately and collectively works toward improving the care and quality of life for people living with diabetes. Diabetes care and education specialists also have the opportunity to work in various settings, to teach individuals or groups, or on a community level to advocate for excellence in diabetes care. Even though I have worked in this field for over 20 years, I am challenged. I have the opportunity to be a role model for compassionate care, and I love the people I work with!
Share an Achievement or Special Moment You’ve had as a CDCES
An achievement that I am particularly proud of is the LifeChanger of the Year Award. I was nominated by a person with diabetes who attended our hospital’s diabetes self-management program called “Diabetes Boot Camp.” She was an enthusiastic participant and brought her husband to each class.
After graduation, she started attending our monthly support group and shared a lot of helpful information. When I received the letter that she had nominated me for this prestigious national award, and I had won, I was overjoyed and deeply touched. Her nomination reminded me that the everyday work we do touches people profoundly. We listen, help with problem-solving, and lift discouraged people. We celebrate their victories and tell them through words and gestures that we believe in them. There is no better job in the world.
If you want to be featured in a future CDCES Story, please contact Susan Hall.