Outpatient Diabetes Educator-RD; PRN - Redbank Diabetic Education - PRN

Job Description

A member of the multi-disciplinary health care team responsible for the design, coordination and implementation of optimal comprehensive diabetes care and education of diabetic clients in accordance with established ADA standards of care. In addition, the dietitian will be consulted on and provide specialized education on nutrition related care for diabetes.

Provides comprehensive Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT)

• Considering age-specific physiological, developmental, and cultural/socioeconomic parameters, assesses educational and nutritional needs of patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus.
• Assessment includes medical history, nutrition practices, physical activity, medications, health literacy, readiness to learn and readiness to change behaviors.
• Assists patients in determination of realistic and measurable goals or outcomes consistent with diabetes practice guidelines and appropriate to patient's state of health, resources, and needs.
• Guides patients in identification of behaviors necessary for goal attainment within a designated time frame.
• Monitors progress made toward achievement of pre-determined goals
• Provides DSMT in group and individual settings in accordance with nine content areas of the American Diabetes Association: diabetes pathophysiology, healthy eating, being active, taking medications, monitoring glucose, prevention/detections/treatment of acute and chronic complications, lifestyle and healthy coping, and diabetes distress and support.
• Provides Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to patients requiring in depth guidance and education to achieve nutritional behavioral goals.
• Utilizes clinical practice recommendations and standards of care of the American Diabetes Association (A.D.A.) – Responsible for designing the curriculum and assisting in the delivery of DSME
• Participates in the planning or implementation of educational programs for the community, or professional health care staff as needed

• Considering age-specific physiological, developmental, and cultural/socioeconomic parameters, assesses educational and nutritional needs of patients diagnosed with various diet-related diseases or conditions
• Assessment includes medical history, nutrition practices, physical activity, medications, health literacy, readiness to learn and readiness to change behaviors.
• Assists patients in determination of realistic and measurable goals or outcomes and appropriate to patient's state of health, resources, and needs.
• Guides patients in identification of behaviors necessary for goal attainment within a designated time frame.

Maintains ongoing communication with other pertinent departments and health care providers of The Christ Hospital Health Network.

• Communicates clearly, concisely, and accurately while considering others' needs and beliefs.
• Collaborates with clinical staff to develop plans of care to meet needs of patients with diabetes.
• Provides up-to-date information regarding diabetes and its management to various health care groups.
• Documents educational sessions and post program support plans in the EMR and communicates diabetes education plan and progress with referring providers.

• Participates as an active member of the multidisciplinary diabetes team.
• Literature favors the registered nurse, registered dietitian, and pharmacist serving both as the key primary instructors for diabetes education and as members of the multidisciplinary team
• Participates in department meetings and Annual Advisory meetings
• Work collaboratively with others in endeavor to meet customers' needs.

Expert consensus supports the need for specialized diabetes and educational training beyond academic preparation for the primary instructors on the diabetes team.

Develops high degree of competency through continued professional growth.

• Utilizes appropriate journals, books, websites/list servers and attendance of seminars, workshops, and meetings/conferences. Non CDEES dietitians must complete 15 hours of continuing education on diabetes topics each year.
• Participates in competency assessment process and self-evaluation to establish professional goals and development plan emphasizing area of specialization as appropriate.
• Participates in diabetes-related professional organizations such as DECA, the professional division of the A.D.A. or the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE). Now ADCES
• Maintains or is working towards Certification as a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist.

• Participates in interdepartmental and intradepartmental performance improvement activities related to patient care and service.
• Participates in data collection and development of the core curriculum for ADA recognition

• Evidence exists that The Christ Hospital staff considers the special needs and behaviors of the specific patient populations served. Evidence also exists that shows the…