Survey on the professional competency development and certification of nurse practitioners in the field of diabetes care
10.3760/cma.j.cn115682-20241215-06883
- VernacularTitle:糖尿病领域开业护士专业能力发展与认证的调查研究
- Author:
Ran SUN
1
;
Yanling WANG
;
Jianrong LI
Author Information
1. 首都医科大学附属北京同仁医院内分泌科，北京市糖尿病研究所（糖尿病防治办公室），北京 100176
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Diabetes mellitus;
Nurse practitioner;
Health management;
Certification;
Survey
- From:
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing
2025;31(16):2168-2174
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To explore and analyze the perceptions of endocrine nurses regarding the development and certification of nurse practitioners (NPs) in the field of diabetes care, and to provide theoretical support for establishing diabetes-specialized NP roles in China.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted from September 2022 to March 2023 using a self-designed questionnaire among 305 endocrine nurses selected via convenience sampling from 9 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. The questionnaire covered demographic data, awareness and training of diabetes-specialized NPs, perceived value and development prospects, prescribing rights, and expectations of professional practice. A total of 305 questionnaires were distributed, with 270 valid responses (effective response rate: 88.52%) .Results:Among the 270 respondents, only 13.70% (37/270) were familiar or somewhat familiar with the concept, duties, and scope of practice of nurse practitioners. Regarding qualification requirements, 70.00% (189/270) believed a bachelor's degree was necessary, 72.96% (197/270) supported a requirement of a senior nurse title, and 75.93% (205/270) suggested 5-10 years of specialty experience as the minimum work experience. The core competencies considered essential for diabetes NPs in patient management included: clinical core competency (90.74%, 245/270) , independent practice capability (81.48%, 220/270) , scientific literacy (76.30%, 206/270) , proficiency in information technology and health system optimization (72.22%, 195/270) , and clinical research ability (66.30%, 179/270) . A large majority (94.07%, 254/270) supported establishing NP roles in diabetes care. The most favored form of prescribing authority was protocol-based prescribing (83.33%, 225/270) . Accepted prescription types included: health education prescriptions (98.15%, 265/270) , medical supplies (e.g., dressings, syringes, insulin needles) (90.00%, 243/270) , over-the-counter medications (82.96%, 224/270) , and devices (e.g., insulin pens) (77.78%, 210/270) .Conclusions:Nurse practitioners specializing in diabetes care represent an emerging nursing role with strong developmental prospects and high recognition in China. However, the NP role remains in its exploratory phase. Endocrine nurses show limited awareness of the role, and a structured training system is lacking. Nonetheless, there is strong demand for prescribing rights and a clear willingness to practice in this capacity. It is recommended to proactively develop the role of diabetes NPs, enhance practical training and experience, and support specialty nursing development to improve the quality of health management for diabetes patients.
