From patient to diabetes educator for Westmead nurse
Nicholas Grech is a young adult educator in Diabetes, turning his personal experience into patient outcomes.
When Nicholas Grech started his career in nursing, he had no idea he had Type 1 diabetes.
On reflection, he says there were signs and symptoms that were easily dismissed by lifestyle.
“Looking back, I had every single symptom possible, but I just didn't put them together. I was drinking about four or five litres a day, I was getting really tired, but I thought, well, that's just shift work,” Nicholas said.
It was after a bike ride with a friend where he felt exhausted and decided to see his doctor, that he received a diagnoses of Type 1 diabetes.
He met with a diabetes educator, Geoge at his local hospital, who guided him through his diagnosis and managing the disease.
George encouraged Nicholas to volunteer at a diabetes kids camp, a suggestion that would completely changes Nicholas’ career trajectory.
“I knew I wanted to do some education but I never knew in what, but when I did that camp, I thought 100% this is what I want to do,” Nicholas said.
Nicholas said that his experience with his educator made him appreciate the value of that care and guidance at a time of uncertainty.
Nicholas now works as a young adult educator in diabetes at Westmead Hospital, supporting patients aged 16-25 who are transitioning out of paediatric care and into adult care at the Centre for Youth and Adolescent Health.
“It's a big transition from mum and dad controlling everything to suddenly, you're the one that's going to be kind of managing your diabetes from now on,” Nicholas says.
Nicholas says as an educator, and as a Type 1 diabetic himself, that managing Type 1 diabetes can be a steep learning curve.
He says his lived experience helps him to empathise with his patients, and provides them with confidence when he shares his story.
“I think for me, it helps me build a rapport a little bit faster with the young adults, knowing that I share the same condition as them,” Nicholas said.
He is passionate about helping to ease the burden on young people as they take the health learnings and adapt them to their lives.
“It's something that you need to live with, and it shouldn't overtake your life. Importantly, it doesn't define who you are,” Nicholas said.
For information about type 1 diabetes, click on this link.