Diabetes Educator jobs in Ames, IA

Position Summary : The Diabetes Educator is integral to the development and improvement of patient care that affect inpatient and outpatient diabetes management and nutritional therapy needs.  Under general supervision, provides accessible and therapeutic learning experience for people with diabetes and/or nutritional needs.  The Diabetes Educator is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) program and ensures that the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (NSDSMES) are met and maintained at all times.

Education/Experience:

• Registered or Licensed as dietician  or registered nurse in State of Iowa.  Current and unrestricted Iowa license.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum two-year experience in educating patients with diabetes and nutritional needs.
• CDCES (Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist) or CDCES certification eligible and obtain within 3 months of hire.
• Professional certification as Certified Diabetes Educator preferred.
• Current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification

Essential Functions:

• Provides diabetes education and/or nutritional therapy to patients/clients in the inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Develops and implements an individualized plan of care based on assessment of the patient/caregiver learning needs, abilities, learning preferences, and readiness to learn.
• Educations patient and/or caregiver about all aspects of diabetes and diabetic health care, which could include:
  • diabetes disease processes and treatment options;
  • self-monitoring of blood glucose when appropriate and using results to improve control; 
  • incorporating appropriate nutritional management and physical activity into lifestyle;
  • management during pregnancy and gestational diabetes management (if applicable); 
  • goal setting to promote health and problem solving for daily living; and
  • available health and community resources.

• Provided nutritional care services based on assessing patient's needs, including:
  • counseling on good nutrition by assessing diet history and food habits;
  • developing and implementing individualized plans of care;
  • evaluating nutrient adequacies and making recommendations, and;
  • counseling on special diets.

• Provides follow up evaluation of the patient/caregiver's attainment of self-management goals.
• Consults with physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals as appropriate, concerning patient's progress.
• Maintains a timely flow of patients through the department, responds to referrals in a timely manner, and documents patient care in the electronic medical record within three days.
• Responsible for maintaining Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES) accreditation and State of Iowa certification and participating in the evaluation of the program's effectiveness.
  • Oversees the planning, implementation and evaluation of the DSMES program.
  • Assists with selection or development of Diabetes Education Accreditation Program (DEAP) approved curriculum and determining of goals and objectives for the program.
  • Participates in the annual planning/reviews of the program and collaborates with Quality Management in the evaluation of the program.
  • Participates in the development and maintenance of Diabetes Education Center's policies and procedures.
• Coordinates and facilitates the activities of the Diabetes Advisory Committee (program goals, data analysis and outcomes, and feedback from the medical providers).
• Participates in community diabetes and nutritional education projects, programs, and screenings.  Leads diabetes support group.
• Remains knowledgeable and competent in diabetes disease processes and treatment modalities and various medical conditions, dietary deficiencies, and nutritional principles as they relate to health maintenance.
• Serves on various hospital committees, if applicable.  Attends hospital wide in-service programs, as required.
• Participates in quality improvement, patient safety, and customer service activities.
• Participates in the preparation of the program budget.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.