Indian National Health Service diabetes nurse honored with DAISY award

Nguh received DAISY Health Equity Award from the American Men in Nursing Association last yr.

During a recent interview with Amanda Simpson, BSN, RN, Mid-Market Account Executive, Government Division, Relias, Nguh — who oversees program sites in New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Utah — conveys her enjoyment of working with indigenous communities and special programs, that he developed to assist community members control their diabetes. His love for nursing is obvious as he shares his feelings after winning the DAISY Award. Here are some highlights from the interview. Watch the total interview Here or click on the image above.

Q: What made you select to grow to be a diabetes nurse educator?

My personal and skilled experience. As a nurse and from an ethnic minority myself, I see a high incidence of non-communicable diseases – chronic diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases. So when this chance arose, I used to be already prepared for it. Diving was simply a simple selection for me.

Q: What does the DAISY Health Equity Award mean to you?

I appreciate the incontrovertible fact that my work is appreciated. I’m so grateful that it isn’t nearly winning the award, but in addition about highlighting the health care disparities that many communities face and why we want to proceed to lift the bar. It also increases awareness amongst other healthcare professionals.

The DAISY Award could be very prestigious in nursing. In most cases, nurses don’t receive the praise and recognition that we deserve. I’m very grateful that the DAISY Foundation exists since it wants to offer back to those nurses who contribute and who push this system forward.

Q: Tell me slightly more in regards to the programs you oversee.

We offer every thing from patient education classes to diabetes-focused screenings and assessments to assist patients understand their condition. Then we’ve management and treatment programs. There are also community health programs where we conduct outreach activities, equivalent to health fairs.

We also train suppliers like me. When I arrived on the Navajo Nation, it was a brand new environment for me. We train suppliers to be culturally aware and socially sensitive. I needed to learn find out how to say “hello” and other key phrases of their language to give you the chance to attach with the population I serve.

It’s a really holistic and comprehensive set of programs, but we consider that by doing it this manner, we are able to higher meet the needs of society.

Q: What do you’re thinking that are the preferred classes within the Family Education Diabetes Series for Native Americans?

We attempt to make it a community and intergenerational event, in order that mom, dad, grandpa and kids can take part in the activities. We teach them find out how to cook food that’s consistent with their culture, but takes under consideration the fundamentals of nutrition – keeping track of calories, less sugar, and so forth. Then exercise and weight control. But we make it fun so it doesn’t grow to be an additional burden.

We also invite external speakers who understand the culture based on their very own experience. We’ve found this to be really necessary because people can relate after they see someone who looks like them or has undergone the same experience and is experiencing positive results.

Our overall message is that with easy lifestyle changes you’ll be able to live higher. We ask: “How can you improve the quality of your life? How can you improve your health for yourself and your family?” If you’ll be able to tie it to something tangible, like continuing to live and seeing their grandchildren graduate or get married, then they view diabetes management in a positive way.

Q: How do you’re feeling as a nurse and what have you ever achieved in your profession up to now?

I really like nursing! I believe for nurses and teachers, we do our job because we’re obsessed with it. As everyone knows, nurses and teachers aren’t millionaires. You don’t work in these professions to get wealthy. You get into it because you should make an impact. You want to vary something. And having been a nurse for over 28 years, I just find it irresistible! If I hadn’t done that, I would not have stayed so long as I did. I really like the work we do and the incontrovertible fact that it impacts people’s lives. You can see the change you are making.

Q: Do you’ve gotten any advice for other nurses?

My advice is, whatever the setting, find one thing where there may be a deficiency or gap and begin working on solving or improving it. I believe as nurses all of us have a responsibility to enhance the standard of life for people in our communities. I believe if each of us does one thing each day to realize this goal, we might help develop a healthier nation and improve the standard of health take care of all.

Imagine if every nurse could do that each day. We would have a huge effect that may improve health care. So I believe that is the one thing I’d tell any nurse: Find one thing you’ll be able to do each day to enhance the lives of others or the patients you serve.