Deb’s Story

Clinical Nurse Specialist Transitions Role Through Diabetes in Pregnancy Program

An innovative patient care delivery model has expanded the role of clinical nurse specialist Deborah Avallone, MSN, APRN-CNS, CDE (CNS).

In an effort to develop high-quality, cost-effective care to a growing demographic area, Ms. Avallone, with the support of the department of Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM), created a multidisciplinary program for high-risk pregnancies complicated with diabetes.

The program incorporates recognized standards from the diabetes, obstetric and Centering Pregnancy authorities.

Aspects of the program include: telephone assessment and management of blood glucose, shared medical appointments, support groups, diabetes self-management education, telehealth and professional staff education to ensure consistent, high-quality care in all practice facilities.

The standardization of the APRN license has opened opportunities for the clinical nurse specialist role to transform into that of a non-traditional provider of care.

Using the CNS core competencies such as system-level thinking, evidence-based practice, research and clinical expertise ensures that the growing needs of our patient populations are met, as well as maintaining ongoing support for other healthcare providers.