Diabetes Educator

Major Responsibilities:

• Provides care following the National Standard for Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) as defined by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
• Assesses and evaluates patient needs in developing plan of care within the guidelines of established policies, procedures and regulatory standards. Within scope of practice, updates care plan as needed.
• Provides education regarding diabetes and treatment options, diabetes nutrition, exercise and activity, managing blood sugar, and diabetes medications which include skills related to the self-administration of injectable drugs.
• Under physician order with proven competencies and within departmental policy, may adjust diabetes medications from physician prescribed starting dosage and monitor insulin pump hookups. Evaluates and assesses insulin injections, without performing skin penetration injections.
• Acts as a resource for health care providers, patients and community.
• Serves as an educator and resource to the medical staff and hospital staff regarding diabetes management. Maintains communication with physicians and other health care providers regarding patient's plan of care.
• Assesses the educational needs and learning barriers of the designated population. Integrates health promotion and preventive aspects of care.
• Provides formal instruction on diabetes management to the patient (inpatient and outpatient).
• Serves as a health resource to the community by participating in community events and coordinating support group meetings. Participates in the development and evaluation of patient education program and materials.
• May participate as a member of the Diabetes Advisory Board Committee.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Registered Nurse license issued by the state in which the team member practices, or
• Dietitian certification issued by the state in which the team member practices, and
• Dietitian (RD) registration with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and
• Diabetes Educator (CDE)certification issued by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE) needs to be obtained within 3 years.

Education Required:

• Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent knowledge) in Nursing, or
• Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent knowledge) in Dietetics.

Experience Required:

• Typically requires 2 years of experience in a registered nurse or dietitian role with advanced clinical and technical knowledge of Diabetes.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Maintain credentialing and continuing education requirements for recognition and representation of accredited DSMT program.
• Excellent interpersonal and group communication skills.
• Maintains a high degree of professional competence by ongoing education and membership in professional organizations.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, public, medical facility staff, and physicians.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Requires physical activity - Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, carry, push/pull, bend, squat, twist, rotate, kneel, and reach occasionally throughout the workday.
• May be required to lift 10-25 lbs. occasionally when transporting education materials.
• Must have functional speech, vision and hearing.
• Generally exposed to a normal office environment.
• Position may require local travel. May be exposed to road and weather hazards.
• Hours will vary according to patients needs.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.