REPORT ON TRANSITION PLACEMENT - Essay Example

According to Hicks (2008), obesity is a major factor in developing diabetes. The latest trend in technology--automobiles as substitute for walking; video games in lieu of tag and hide and seek, has led more and more people to drop simple physical activities for machines that decrease work effort. In a study conducted across Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) nations, “.one in 2 adults is currently overweight and 1 in 6 is obese.” (Robb, 2010, n. pag.). Students working with specialist nursing specializing in diabetes will gain knowledge and understanding of the dynamics that surround the causes of diabetes.

Knowledge on prevention of the said disease will help the student educate others in the aim of raising awareness and decreasing the incidence of the disease. Education and information dissemination will be the first step towards this goal; eventually leading towards lifestyle modification among the participants. Apart from education, the skills learned while working with the nurse specialist can be used in monitoring the blood glucose level, as well as drug therapy, of those diagnosed with the said disease.

Blood sugar control and proper administration of drugs results in its desirable effects. These effects can range from symptom alleviation to prevention of complications such as heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease, nervous system disease, and amputation (ADA, 2011). In a study conducted by Edwall et al. (2008), constant follow-up by nurse specialist enabled the patient to foster understanding and acceptance of their disease; which demonstrated a desirable effect on the patients’ manner of coping with the struggles associated with the illness.

The positive outcome was brought about by the following aspects: “being confirmed, being guided within the disease process, becoming confident and independent and being relieved” (Edwall et al., 2008, n. pag.). The patients gained a sense of power over the disease and this gave them satisfaction. Knowledge of special care regimen will lead to a more effective nursing care. Specialization in this field will allow the student nurse to address the patients’ concern regarding their illness.

According to Heitkemper and Bond (2004), specialist nurses can provide support and guidance that can enhance patient care, refine nursing practice, and invigorate the healthcare delivery systems. Reference American Diabetes Association. (2011). Diabetes statistics. Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-statistics/ Boyer, B., & Paharia, I. (Eds.). (2007). Comprehensive handbook of clinical health psychology. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons. Edwall, L., Hellstrom, A., Ohrn, I.

, & Danielson, E. (2008). The lived experience of the diabetes nurse specialist regular check-ups, as narrated by patients with type 2 diabetes [Abstract]. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 17(6), 772-781. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2007.02015.x Heitkemper, M., & Bond, E. (2004). Clinical nurse specialist: State of profession and challenges ahead. Clinical Nurse Specialist: Journal for Advanced Nursing Practice, 18(3), 135-140. Retrieved from