Care is provided through the dynamic interaction of the critical care nurse and the critical care environment. The needs of the patients are met through use of the nursing process, administration of medications, implementation of necessary treatments and procedures, interpretation of cardiac monitors, and education and crisis intervention for patients and families. Courses run for four days at two hours per day. Courses are held both in the evening and in the afternoon to accommodate different patient's schedules. The classes are free and include literature on diabetes management.
Instruction is by a certified diabetes instructor and a registered dietitian.
Each participant is encouraged to bring one family member to the sessions in order that the family may better understand the diabetic's needs. A licensed, registered dietitian is available to counsel any outpatient about a physician-prescribed diet. Color Flow Doppler Study Echocardiography Echocardiography is useful in assessing cardiac function, changes, and abnormalities. Tests are performed by an experienced echocardiographer and interpreted by a cardiologist. The hospital's emergency department is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.