Course content

This interactive education programme is designed to enhance nurses’ knowledge, confidence and practical skills in the management of residents living with diabetes

The programme consists of two components:

1. Online Pre-Course Module
Participants will complete an online learning module before attending the face-to-face session. This provides the essential foundation in diabetes management and allows the classroom session to focus on practical application and discussion.

2. Face-to-Face Classroom Session
The classroom session will include:

• Interactive lectures and discussion
• Practical diabetes management activities
• Case studies and real-life clinical scenarios
• Blood glucose monitoring and interpretation
• Recognition and management of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia
• Safe use and administration of diabetes medications and insulin
• Managing diabetes during illness and changes in oral intake
• Recognising when a resident requires medical review or escalation
• Diabetes management in older adults and residents with complex needs
• Prevention and recognition of diabetes-related complications
• Practical approaches to supporting residents with diabetes in residential care

The emphasis will be on practical, evidence-based diabetes management that can be applied directly to everyday nursing practice.

CPD Accreditation

Participants who successfully complete the required online module and attend the face-to-face education session will receive 8 CPD points, subject to the relevant CPD accreditation requirements.

Who is this course for?

This programme is specifically designed for Registered Nurses working in residential care, nursing homes and long-term care settings who are involved in caring for residents with diabetes.

It is particularly relevant for nurses who:

• Care for older adults living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
• Want to improve their confidence in diabetes management
• Encounter complex diabetes management in their daily practice
• Are responsible for blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration
• Want to strengthen their knowledge of recognising and responding to diabetes-related emergencies

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Participants should be Registered Nurses currently working in a residential or long-term care setting.

No specialist diabetes qualification is required. The course is designed to build on nurses’ existing clinical knowledge and provide practical diabetes education relevant to their role.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of the programme, participants will be able to:

• Describe the different types of diabetes and their relevance to older adults.
• Recognise the signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia and understand appropriate management.
• Demonstrate safe and effective blood glucose monitoring and interpretation.
• Explain the principles of insulin and other diabetes treatments commonly used in residential care.
• Identify factors that can affect blood glucose levels, including illness, nutrition, medication and changes in routine.
• Apply appropriate diabetes management principles to common clinical situations.
• Recognise diabetes-related deterioration and identify when escalation or medical review is required.
• Develop greater confidence in providing safe, person-centred diabetes care within a residential care setting.

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Programme Lead

Rexy George is an experienced Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Manager with over 20 years of nursing experience, specialising in acute medical care and diabetes management. Since 2019, she has provided clinical leadership within diabetes services, supporting evidence-based practice, staff development, service improvement, and high-quality patient-centred care.

She has extensive experience in inpatient and outpatient diabetes management, insulin pump therapy, diabetes education, nurse-led clinics, DAFNE, pre-conception care, and the management of complex diabetes.

Rexy holds a Master’s Degree and Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes from the University of South Wales, a Diploma in Acute Medical and Surgical Nursing from Trinity College Dublin and Tallaght University Hospital, and a Diploma in Health Service Management from the University of Limerick.

She is passionate about clinical excellence, education, leadership, and advancing diabetes care through innovative and evidence-based practice.

I am delighted to have this opportunity to deliver this vital programme, educating nurses and care givers about Diabetes Management who will in turn provide excellent care to Diabetes patients in residential care, helping to improve their health and wellbeing residential care units across Ireland.

At Hibernian Healthcare we are always striving to bring new  learning programmes that will ensure healthcare is being provided to patients to the highest of standards. We are thrilled to work with Rexi Joyce and believe this programme will have a major impact in the confidence of healthcare professionals working with Diabetes patients and help improve the overall health and wellbeing of Diabetes patients in Residential care settings.