Achieving tight glycemic control with new technology: the role of the advanced practice nurse

Cardiac surgery remains one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the world. Intensive insulin therapy has shown to reduce infection in patients undergoing open-heart surgery and is considered standard of care. New technologies are available to achieve and maintain recommended blood glucose goals. These include computer-driven intensive insulin protocols (vs paper-based algorithms) and continuous blood glucose monitors. Managing tight glucose control in cardiac surgery patients has been shown to decrease costs in terms of measurable outcomes including infection, mortality, and length of stay. The advanced practice nurse is uniquely qualified to implement new technologies and can be instrumental in increasing compliance with clinical practice guidelines while decreasing hospital costs.