The Nurse Practitioner and Home Care of the Diabetic Patient: The Role of Clinician and Educator

Abstract

Coordination of care for the elderly, homebound patient with diabetes and numerous comorbid medical problems has become increasingly challenging for the home care nurse. Complex treatment plans, exploding technology, and a myriad of new pharmacological agents can be overwhelming for even the most experienced nurse. Nurse practitioners, who are advanced practice nurses, have the ability to do in-depth physical exams, order diagnostics tests, make a diagnosis based on their assessment, and order medications and other medical interventions as needed. Overall, the nurse practitioner can provide timely, coordinated, and cost-effective care to the patient and can also be an educational resource for the home care nurse and other care providers in planning case management.