RN Diabetes Educator - Full Time Day Shift

The following information is designed to outline the functions and position requirements of this job. It does not identify all tasks that may be expected, nor address the performance standards that must be maintained.

General Position Summary: 

Responsible for developing and implementing strategies to improve the care of the Diabetes patients for Summit Healthcare Association.

Responsible for educating the patients of the diabetes Self-management course using the approved curriculum. Assesses individual needs in relation to the diabetes disease process in outpatient and inpatient setting.

Responsible for providing education to clinical staff regarding best practices in the care of diabetic patients.

Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) program at all sites. Ensures that the National Standards (NSDSME) are met and maintained at all times.

Essential Functions / Major Responsibilities:

·         Assists the Program Coordinator in planning, implementation and evaluation of the DSME program.

·         Assesses clinical and educational needs of patients with diabetes

·         Identifies educational needs and opportunities to improve patient care

·         Evaluates outcomes of patient care, consults with other specialists as needed and helps ensure optimal patient care. 

·         Participates in Interdisciplinary team meetings, collaborates and makes recommendations in the care of diabetic inpatients including medication change recommendations

·         Functions as organizational expert on issues relating to diabetes.

·         Maintains required education and certifications to fulfill American Diabetes Association accreditation requirements

·         Continuously updates knowledge and skills regarding the care of the diabetic patient

·         Develops and delivers instructions to meet patient needs either on an individual basis or in a classroom setting.

·         Collaborates with and serves as a resource for providers, nursing staff, laboratory staff, dietary staff ,quality staff, educators  and pharmacy staff to research, develop, and implement best practices in the care of patients with diabetes

·         Counsels clients and family members as needed in outpatient and inpatient setting

·         Records all care and communication in each patient’s medical record.

·         Participates in related events as needed (including support group meetings, Outpatient Wellness events, etc.).

·    Displays proper etiquette and mannerisms that reflect the Shine Behavior Standards.

·         Promotes the Patient Safety Standards as a core value of the organization.

Secondary Functions:

·   Participates in departmental and hospital wide informational meetings and in services, including staff meetings, hospital wide forums, and seminars.

·         Reviews department and hospital wide policies and procedures annually.

·         Participates in orientation as needed

·         All other duties as assigned.

Additional / Seasonal Responsibilities:

·         Usual increase in patients with diabetes population during summer months.

Job Scope:

This job involves:

·         Recurring work situations with frequent variations from the norm.

·         A high level of complexity.

·  Assist with development and maintenance of diabetes related policies and guidelines, inpatient and outpatient

·         Performance of duties under little supervision.

Supervisory Responsibility:

·         None

Interpersonal Contacts:

Contacts:

·         Are normally made with others both inside and outside the hospital.

·     Are usually made with own department staff and supervisor as well as with other departments or locations.

·       Frequently contain confidential/sensitive information necessitating discretion at all times.

·         Are usually face-to-face, with some contact by telephone and e-mail.

·         Includes contact with staff, patients, and physicians.

Specific Job Skills & Mental Activities:

This position requires general nursing skills and knowledge of general office equipment (including the telephone system, fax machine, copy machine, computer, and commonly used hospital programs) as well as excellent computer, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, leadership, supervisory, interpersonal skills, basic math skills, and be able to exercise independent judgment skills when necessary. This position also requires knowledge of hospital equipment and programs, including all Hospital Information Systems and department specific equipment. This position requires self-direction and self-motivation. Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English. Knowledge of insulin dosing, including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems.  Knowledge of American Diabetes Association Education Program Recognition (or American Association of Diabetes Educator Diabetes Education Accredited Program) requirements

Education, Licensure and Experience:

·         Current AZ RN license(required) Bachelor’s preferred

·         CPR/BLS Certification (required) within 30 days of start date.

·         Basic computer skills (required).

·         Must complete 15 CEUs in Diabetes Education annually (required).

·         Certified diabetic educator (CDE)  or be able to obtain CDE within 2 years of hire

·    Academic and/or experiential preparation in the care of people with a chronic disease.

Physical Demands & Job Conditions:

Exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those of sedentary work. Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree. The worker is subject to extensive close work, computer work, and contact with chemicals.

Physical motions include finger dexterity, standing, walking, stooping, talking, reaching, feeling, sitting, bending, kneeling, grasping, listening/hearing, handling, lifting up to 20 pounds, and repetitive motions of the hands, wrists, and feet.

This is a safety sensitive position.

OSHA Exposure Category:

Involves no regular exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues, but may require unplanned tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. Involves regular exposure to blood with multiple teaching opportunities for self-monitoring of blood glucose.