Diabetes nurse educator course:from develop to perform

Introduction:The first short term special course was held named as “diabetes educator nurse”. This article brifely reavealed the process of designing, performing and executive challenges of the course. Methods: Due to lack of previous history of courses for training diabetes nurse educator in Iran, wide literature review was done on credible sources. Mission, goals, course content, and training methods was determined based on obtained information from literature review, several meetings with endocrinology and metabolism specialists and faculty members of school of nursing and midwifery and considering the job description specified for the diabetes nurse in the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. Course was designed as a six-month course (280 hours including 100 hours theoretical issues, 180 hours practical issues). Accepting 30 volunteers were estimated in each course. A registration criterion was at least holding BSc in nursing. Passing criteria was gaining at least 16 score in theoretical and practical exam. Prepared core curriculum was send to department of continuing education in the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. Results: Department of continuing education assessed prepared core curriculum, and then experts’ recommendations was done. Finally, curriculum was approved and allowed to be implemented. Considering challenges that First specialized course would be faced, course was hold by eight participants. The best teachers of endocrinology and metabolism specialists and best teachers of school of nursing and midwifery (Isfahan University of Medical Sciences) were used in teaching theoretical and practical topics. All learners could successfully finish the course. Conclusion: The successful holding of specialized training course in diabetes nurse educator increased motivation to hold this course again. However, holding this course again requires more support of health authorities in the province and country. In addition, there is need to revise executive principle of course in order to facilitate and attract more learner.