Introduction to An Integrated Career and Competency Framework for Adult Diabetes Nursing

Welcome to the 7th edition of the Integrated Career and Competency Framework for Adult Diabetes Nursing. 2005 saw the publication of the first version of competencies for nurses working in diabetes care. In the ensuing decades, subsequent editions of the framework have evolved to align with updates in diabetes care and contemporary nursing practice. With this in mind, it is essential to review and update the framework to provide a contemporary evidence-based resource for bench-marking skills and knowledge, aligned to defined contemporary levels of practice and proficiency. Additionally, this document provides a structured framework to plan career development in diabetes care. With increasing prevalence, it is safe to say diabetes is everybody’s business; the nursing community are essential in the provision of high-quality care and management of individuals at risk of or living with all types of diabetes, across varied healthcare settings. Person centred care is at the core of diabetes management, and practitioners working in diabetes care are central to this goal, providing support, education and advice. This 7th edition is updated to reflect current guidelines for proficiencies across nursing practice alongside the changing composition of the healthcare workforce which encompasses a wide spectrum of clinical skills, from the student nurse to the nurse prescriber and those working in advanced clinical practice. This framework continues to provide all nurses and unregistered practitioners, no matter where they work, with clear guidance on the proficiencies needed to meet professional standards of practice.