Shay Holbrook, RN, BSN, CDCES

A diagnosis of diabetes can be daunting. It can feel overwhelming because there is so much to understand about living with diabetes. Yet, having someone in the patient’s corner like Shay Holbrook can make a significant difference.

After graduating from Gothenburg High School, Shay (Wear) Holbrook became a registered nurse. However, she didn’t stop there. Holbrook saw a need for specialized care for people with a new or old diagnosis of diabetes in the area, which led her to become a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)

The closest endocrinologist is in North Platte, and the closest Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is in Kearney. It is hard for the older population as well as those with busy lifestyles to travel for the assistance they need. “Diabetes is ever changing, and it’s a life-long situation that requires a lot of adjusting,” Holbrook said. “It is very individualized, and I am often learning with the patients as we go.”

Holbrook said she assists with Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and helps patients to reach A1C goals and appropriate glucose levels. She is also able to bring in modern options through updated education and online classes.

“The more that we can make the patients a partner in the health process and the more they understand, the more they can feel confident in helping them find solutions that are right for them,” Holbrook said.

To be able to assist patients as a CDCES, Holbrook said she had to be working actively as an RN, accumulate 1,000 hours working with patients in the clinic, take 20 credit hours of education through an accredited diabetic (ADA) education source, apply, and take a 200-question test in 4 hours. It took a few tries, Holbrook said, but she didn’t give up.

Holbrook also manages the patient assistance program for medication to work with patients to get free or reduced cost insulin or oral medication. Looking toward the future, Holbrook hopes to get certified in insulin pump therapies.