Abstract
Reflecting on highlights of the year I must say a surprising opportunity presented itself in 2009. I was contacted by an NABN member who lives in England. She was interested in preparing for the Certified Bariatric Nurse (CBN) exam offered in the United States. Initially unsure if I could be of assistance but intrigued and willing to help, I contacted said nurse, Ms. Nicky Green. We corresponded by e-mail throughout the year—sporadically, due to the time difference and work schedule conflicts—but we managed to get most of the burning questions answered. Although Nicky had questions about the CBN exam and bariatrics in the United States, I had questions of my own. How were things handled in England relating to the field of nursing in general and bariatrics in particular?
Nicky was qualified as a nurse in 1985 and has been working in a bariatric setting for over 3 years. She had been in her current position for 2 years and 9 months; her job title, much like that in the United States, is “Bariatric Specialist Nurse.” I was curious as to what sorts of things made up her daily routine. Nicky explained that she was involved in the preop assessment, actually responsible for drawing the preop labs, doing a physical assessment, EKG, visiting the patient in the hospital, and responsible after surgery for the various outpatient needs. She has clinic time set aside to answer patient questions, perform band “fills” (adjustments of the adjustable gastric bands, or AGBs). Nicky described her facility as a 40-plus hospital room, with 3 rooms designated as bariatric. To date more than 250 bariatric procedures have been performed at her facility.
Nicky visited the United States in July, with plans to take her exam midway through her stay. She wanted to tour facilities, observe our surgical procedures, spend time shadowing me in the outpatient clinic, observe the various patient education classes offered (Steps to Success, Preop, Staff Sensitivity Training), and gather information on patient support groups. Her week was full, but I think she left with lots of ideas to share back home.
Happily, a few months after returning to the United Kingdom, Nicky contacted me with the news “I've passed the exam!” For any who have taken the CBN exam, I think you can agree—it is tough enough when you know the U.S. healthcare system. It was a much greater task with trying not to let things get “lost in translation.” Congratulations Nicky—we are delighted to have you as part of our growing NABN organization.
In closing, I would encourage you, if and when the opportunity presents, to become a mentor, seek a mentor, forge a relationship that will serve to shape and improve the quality of nursing care for the bariatric patient population. As our organization grows and transcends the U.S. boundaries you might find the opportunity of reaching out to nurses wishing insight on how best to prepare for the Center of Excellence (COE) or the CBN exam. Not only will you be enriching the profession, you may find you have made a friend!
As always, please feel free to contact me with your comments, questions, and concerns.
Until next time—