St. Vincent Charity Hospital Nurse Dedicates Career to Diabetes

Joan Thoman named as one of VNA’s Distinguished Women in Healthcare

Cleveland (July 2005) - “What I do comes from the heart. This is more than a job, it’s a calling,” said Joan Thoman, RN, MSN, CNS, CDE, who has not only played a major role in the creation of the Joslin Diabetes Center - affiliate at St. Vincent Charity Hospital (SVCH), she also devotes her life and work to diabetes care.

As a result of her expertise and dedication to caring for individuals with diabetes, Thoman has been named the 2005 recipient of the Visiting Nurse Association’s (VNA) Distinguished Women in Healthcare award - Clinical Practice. “This accomplishment is one of many that have acknowledged Joan as one of the most knowledgeable educators for diabetes care in the region,” said Sharon Thomas, RN, BSN, MBA, Chief Nursing Officer, St. Vincent Charity Hospital.

Thoman’s dedication and commitment find their roots in her childhood - both of her parents struggled with Type II diabetes. Thoman used their struggles as an inspiration to help individuals with diabetes achieve a better quality of life by taking a proactive approach to diabetes care. Thoman will earn a Ph.D. in Philosophy and Nursing Research from Kent State University within the next year, further expanding her scope of care for her patients. “Earning this degree will give me the skills needed for evidence-based practice, and allow me to have the best of both worlds - science and research, along with clinical expertise,” said Thoman.

Thoman was instrumental in helping St. Vincent Charity Hospital to receive American Diabetes Association (ADA) recognition and to become an affiliate site of the Joslin Diabetes Center, an internationally and nationally recognized program for diabetes treatment, research and education.

The Joslin Diabetes Center- affiliate at St. Vincent Charity Hospital uses a multidisciplinary team approach for diabetes self-management that places patients in charge. Patients benefit from the comprehensive diabetes treatment that is based on the latest research and delivered in an educational and supportive environment. To address complications related to diabetes, the Joslin team works with SVCH medical and clinical specialists, ensuring patients receive a full continuum of care.

In Ohio, more than 700,000 people with diabetes. Of those, 12,000 die each year from diabetes-related complications, while approximately 200,000 are hospitalized.

“Joan and her team’s passion for ensuring that individuals who have diabetes receive the care and education they need is the driving force that makes the Joslin Diabetes Center - affiliate at St. Vincent Charity Hospital valuable to Cleveland-area residents,” said Thomas.

Thoman has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work with helping people learn about and live with their diabetes.

• Registered nurse for 25 years and has been a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) since 1993.
• Credited for implementing and maintaining the Diabetes Self Management Skills and Training Program, which received recognition from the American Diabetes Association in August 2002.
• In 2003, Thoman was selected by her nursing peers to receive the Outstanding Excellence in Clinical Nursing award from St. Vincent Charity Hospital.
• In her efforts to exemplify the Hospital’s mission and values in her daily role as a Caregiver, Thoman was recognized as St. Vincent Charity Hospital’s Caregiver of the Month in October 2004.

Thoman was presented with the VNA Distinguished Women in Healthcare award during an awards ceremony and dinner on June 16 at the Ford Conference Center.