Susan De Abate, RN, CDCES: A Visionary Leader in Diabetes Care and Education
Virginia Beach Nurse Champions Comprehensive Diabetes Management to Enhance Patient Outcomes
Susan De Abate, RN, CDCES, a dedicated Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, is making significant strides in the realm of diabetes care and education. With a robust background in nursing and a passion for improving patient outcomes, Susan currently serves as the Team Coordinator for Diabetes Education at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. Her leadership is pivotal in advancing initiatives that enhance diabetes education and support for patients across the healthcare continuum.
With an impressive portfolio, Susan also holds multiple roles within the Sentara Hampton Roads Healthcare System, including Diabetes Prevention Coordinator for four sites, Diabetes Outcomes Coordinator for eight sites, and Diabetes Quality Coordinator. Her visionary approach to diabetes care has established her as a prominent advocate for patients, ensuring that comprehensive management strategies are implemented to improve health outcomes.
Susan’s journey in healthcare began at the Jackson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Miami, Florida, where she laid the groundwork for her nursing career. She later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2004, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing/Education from the said establishment in 2009. In 2012, Susan completed a Post-Master’s Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner at Indiana State University, further enhancing her capability to provide holistic care to her patients.
Her extensive experience includes roles as an RN diabetes educator at Sentara Healthcare from 2008 to 2015 and valuable contributions to Maryview Nursing Care Center and Comfort Care Home Health Services. Throughout her career, Susan has demonstrated a commitment to improving diabetes education, ensuring that patients receive the support and resources they need to manage their condition effectively.
Civic engagement is a cornerstone of Susan’s professional ethos. She serves as the coordinating body chair for the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES) and has previously chaired the Local Chapter of ADCES. Her active involvement in the Virginia Diabetes Council underscores her dedication to fostering collaboration and innovation in diabetes care.
Susan’s remarkable contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed; she has been honored with an Ace Award for her exceptional work in diabetes education and management. She believes that effective diabetes management encompasses more than insulin administration and dietary advice; it requires a comprehensive understanding of patient needs and the healthcare system. Her leadership has empowered her team of diabetes educators to advocate for meaningful changes that elevate patient care standards.
One of Susan’s noteworthy achievements includes successfully advocating for improved inpatient education facilities at Sentara Virginia Beach. Through her efforts, she implemented better furniture and resources, creating a more conducive learning environment for patients. Susan’s commitment to exploring outcomes, scope of practice, and research continues to shape her influence in healthcare, making her a vital asset to the field of diabetes care.
As Susan De Abate continues her mission, her unwavering dedication to enhancing diabetes education and patient outcomes inspires those around her.
Learn More about Susan De Abate:
Through her online profile, https://todaysnurse.org/nurse/4149925
