Looking at this massive study guide before me thinking . . . is there any way I will really be able to know all of this information? That study guide sat on my desk for almost three years before I actually made the smart decision to take the leap and set a test date. I saw the value, the respect, and the culture of those who carried the title of CDE. It was time for me to make my diabetes education journey official.
Knowing I had wanted to become a CDE, I had been tracking my diabetes education hours for the past several years. With my type A personality, tracking all my hours in an Excel document made the most sense. I was able to see how many hours I had completed and determine how many I would need to finish out my 1000 hours. I had to maintain 10 hours of diabetes education each week to reach my goal. I was determined and my colleagues were very helpful. Lots of patients with diabetes were put on my schedule while my colleagues tackled the MNT and weight loss population. I was teaching as many diabetes classes as possible and even adding on an extra nutrition-focused diabetes class to our clinic to help with increased exposure.
I wanted to make sure to give myself enough study time. The summer of 2018, I reached out to our fabulous Montana Diabetes Program to obtain study materials. Marci Butcher and her team loaned me books, flashcards, and study guides. During that summer, slowly, but consistently, I reviewed the flashcards to determine areas of strength and weakness – focusing on 30 minutes per day. Realizing I would have my hours completed by October, I needed to increase my study time to be ready for the exam. Mid-September, I started to dedicate 1 -2 hours per day – I was not going to fail this exam after all the effort I put forth. In fact, I think I studied more for this exam than my RD exam. Finally, I was able to submit my application. Success . . . the date was set: November 13, 2019. Sending excited text messages to my mentor and praying I had done enough!
The night before the test, I closed my study materials and felt at peace that I was confident in what I knew. My nerves were on high alert the next morning, but excited to have this journey almost completed. I remember having to tell myself to breath as I sat at that computer screen. With one last click, the test was finished. Walking out to see my results felt like eternity. She handed me the paper . . scrambling to understand, I made out the word: PASSED! The hard work and dedicated studying time had paid off. I was officially a CDE!
Looking back, I wouldn’t change my study approach, but I do know the best learning comes from my every day work with my great patients, fabulous co-workers, and one fantastic mentor, Deb Bjorsness. I am forever grateful.
Christina Skinner, RD, CDE