naynay222 Posted May 28, 2012 Share Posted May 28, 2012 I'm a recent graduate. I've been at my first job for 3 months. I work in a busy private endocrinology practice. It has been very difficult for me for various reasons. I'm looking for help and advice regarding insulin pump therapy. I've taken over managing type 1 and type 2 diabetics on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, and it's been a trial and error, learn-as-I-go experience. I'm frequently uncomfortable with this daily (hourly...) aspect of my job. Are there any PAs out there who weren't naturals at managing pump pts? The PA that trained me (and I learned as much as I could from him before he left) was very knowledgeable and handled pump therapy with great efficiency; I have not mastered this skill at all! I feel and consider myself completely inadequate. I need help, and I've reached out to my SP and the clinical pump support reps that come into the office, but I'm not catching on as quickly as I need to. As a new graduate, I feel I've been given too much autonomy; I have expressed my concerns with my SP, and I am left trying to keep my head above water. I need help. Are there any resources out there for providers regarding management of patients on insulin pump therapy? There is so much I don't know, and I work 50-60 hours a week; I study when I can, but I need direction and resources. Please - pearls, tips, red flags - any input you want to give, I'm listening. I really appreciate any advice. Signed, Discouraged Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tyler Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Pumping Insulin by Walsh is a great book. What in particular are you struggling with? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naynay222 Posted June 10, 2012 Author Share Posted June 10, 2012 Managing Type 1's is intimidating, and I have some patients with severe hypoglycemic reactions. Slight changes to their rates, ratios or sensitivities throw their whole routine off. I'm having trouble relating expected physiologic trends to how I should adjust and optimize the pump settings. For example, how do I decipher that a patient is experiencing dawn phenomenon when they are on the pump? How do I adjust to prevent it? There are just some scenarios that I don't know where to find the answers. Thank you for the reference, I'll definitely pick it up. I'm still getting comfortable with MDI...do you recommend a particular book or site on insulin therapy for professionals? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naynay222 Posted June 10, 2012 Author Share Posted June 10, 2012 Managing Type 1's is intimidating, and I have some patients with severe hypoglycemic reactions. Slight changes to their rates, ratios or sensitivities throw their whole routine off. I'm having trouble relating expected physiologic trends to how I should adjust and optimize the pump settings. For example, how do I decipher that a patient is experiencing dawn phenomenon when they are on the pump? How do I adjust to prevent it? There are just some scenarios that I don't know where to find the answers. Thank you for the reference, I'll definitely pick it up. I'm still getting comfortable with MDI...do you recommend a particular book or site on insulin therapy for professionals? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naynay222 Posted June 10, 2012 Author Share Posted June 10, 2012 Managing Type 1's is intimidating, and I have some patients with severe hypoglycemic reactions. Slight changes to their rates, ratios or sensitivities throw their whole routine off. I'm having trouble relating expected physiologic trends to how I should adjust and optimize the pump settings. For example, how do I decipher that a patient is experiencing dawn phenomenon when they are on the pump? How do I adjust to prevent it? There are just some scenarios that I don't know where to find the answers. Thank you for the reference, I'll definitely pick it up. I'm still getting comfortable with MDI...do you recommend a particular book or site on insulin therapy for professionals? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neesy Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 have you ever considered becoming a pump trainer, you could simply contact the local medtronic or insulet rep for more knowledge, and certification on using those particular pumps. The American Association of Diabetes Educators offers a lot of information regarding all aspects of diabetes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neesy Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 have you ever considered becoming a pump trainer, you could simply contact the local medtronic or insulet rep for more knowledge, and certification on using those particular pumps. The American Association of Diabetes Educators offers a lot of information regarding all aspects of diabetes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neesy Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 have you ever considered becoming a pump trainer, you could simply contact the local medtronic or insulet rep for more knowledge, and certification on using those particular pumps. The American Association of Diabetes Educators offers a lot of information regarding all aspects of diabetes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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