Because of her strong family history of diabetes as well as a passion for teaching, Michele decided to become nationally certified as a Diabetes Educator.  This certification required 1500 clinical hours of direct contact with diabetes patients.  Once the clinical hours are achieved, an exam must be successfully completed to obtain the national certification as a CDE. 

After obtaining her certification, Michele worked at UPMC Diabetes Center for 3 years.  She then accepted a position at the Joslin Diabetes Center at Forbes Regional Hospital where she worked for 10 years.  The Joslin Diabetes Center is the largest provider of diabetes care in the United States.  It is internationally recognized as a diabetes treatment, research and education institution.  It is associated with the American Diabetes Association as well as Harvard University.  While at Joslin, Michele was the inpatient/outpatient clinical and education coordinator for both patients and staff.  Her focus was glycemic control and improving diabetes care for the patient both in the hospital and within the community.    

While at ACMH, Michele’s number one priority is to be an advocate for the diabetic patient.  Her focus will be to provide education to patients about their diabetes while monitoring to see that their glycemic control is disrupted as little as possible by the hospital stay. Michele will be working collaboratively with patients, physicians and nursing staff to promote improved glucose management and to facilitate patients safe transition home. 

 Diabetes patients make up 20-30% of our inpatient stays.  Hyperglycemia is a major contributing factor to infections and other complications that can result in an increase in the length of stay.  Michele believes that by improving the care of these patients across the spectrum from medications, meal delivery, medication timing, and education, we will be providing the best care possible.  This will assist our patients to return home and back to the community both healthy and safe. 

Michele’s goal for nursing is to improve our diabetes skill, knowledge and management of the disease.  She welcomes your questions and wants to know what your concerns are related to diabetes.  An open-line of communication is encouraged.  To contact Michele, please call 724-525-7248.