CAREERS IN NURSING
DIABETES EDUCATOR : OKLAHOMA CITY INDIAN CLINIC
by Vickie Jenkins – Writer/Photographer
What is diabetes? Diabetes is the disease in which blood sugar levels are too high. This includes type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
The Oklahoma City Indian Clinic is a familiar place to many. Here, you will find professional doctors and nurses giving the utmost care. Meet, Rayni Lane, RN, BSN, a Diabetes Educator, educating patients on Diabetes Treatment and Prevention.
Starting out her nursing career, Rayni worked at the Heart Hospital. She enjoyed her job there but decided she would like to specialize in a particular field such as Diabetes. Currently, she educates patients on their diet, side effects of Diabetes and use of insulin. “There are a lot of people that have diabetes and I am here to educate them on the right way to take care of themselves,” she said.
Rayni grew up in Oklahoma City, OK. She was interested in the medical field while she was in high school and became a CNA at the age of 17. She continued her education, graduating nursing school at OU.
Asking Rayni if anyone influenced her to be a nurse, she replied, “When I was little, I remember my grandma working for a doctor; she was an accountant for him. When I was sick and had to stay home from school, I would go with her to work and I would talk to the nurses. I always admired them for the way they took care of people. When I went to college, I decided to go down the medical path and become a nurse,” she said. “I love where I am today,” she added.
What qualities make a good nurse? “I think a nurse needs to have a real drive and determination to care for others, a true passion for helping people,” Rayni said.
What is your biggest reward working here at the Indian clinic? “I love the fact that I get to help others. It makes me feel good. I liked my job at the Heart Hospital but I really like specializing in Diabetes and focusing on helping each individual, explaining what they need to do,” she replied. “There were quite a few patients at the Heart Hospital that had diabetes and I felt a real desire to do more. That’s when I became a Diabetes Educator here at the Indian Clinic. Right now, I am working on becoming a CDE, Certified Diabetes Educator,” she said.
If Rayni were to give advice to someone entering the medical field, she would let them know that they need to be ready for change. “Changes happen all the time, and so fast,” she commented. “Know that you are making a difference is someone’s life and they are putting their trust in you. No matter where you work in the medical field, there are many paths you can take and whatever you choose, it is very rewarding,” she added.
A typical day for Rayni is not so typical. “I wear a lot of hats here at the Indian clinic,” she smiles. “I love helping people at any time. Whatever I am doing, I know that I am doing my best. I work with dieticians and we educate the patients, telling them how they can prevent diabetes. I also work with life coaches that are in the pre-diabetes program. We teach classes that help the patients manage their diabetes on their own and work with the diabetes services, helping with the clinics dealing with the Indian health services,” she commented.
“My biggest asset at work is working with dieticians. We work well together. Sometimes, I feel like I can bring different information and knowledge from a nurse’s point of view. The dieticians and I provide as much information as we can discussing prevention of diabetes and side effects, proper foot care, how to use a meter and insulin. I feel like I can do so much more to help people under the scope of a dietician,” she said.
Rayni enjoys spending time with her husband and her son, Jonah, 2 ½ years old. Their pets consist of 2 dogs, a golden doodle and a boxer. Rayni’s hobbies include quite a bit of homemade projects and sewing. “I love making baby clothes and especially like giving a special gift of something I made when I go to a baby shower. It makes it that much more special,” she said.
“I have a real heart for people with Diabetes and I will continue to do my best to help them in any way I can,” she said.
