Diabetes Educator-RN​/Dietitian

Overview

We ve made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate remains. At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference. Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today.

This job works with organizational management to implement and maintain a nationally recognized Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) program for the health system. Works closely with diabetic patients to perform an assessment of physical health, medications, psychosocial issues and identifies areas for education and clinical interventions based on current national diabetes care standards and guidelines. Collaborates with the patient, medical provider team, and other care team specialists to develop and implement diabetes care plans and maintain medical records.

Provides education to patients and caregivers on necessary self-care practices involved in a diabetes diagnosis, such as the disease process, acute and chronic complications, nutrition, medications, exercise, special self-care needs such as foot care, and glucose testing. Serves as a diabetes care resource to healthcare professionals, including staff, clinicians and the community.

Education, experience and KSAs will be evaluated to determine qualifications for this role.

• Guides persons with diabetes in establishing individualized behavioral and clinical goals to address identified needs, develops success parameters, and uses behavior change methodology to facilitate patient participation in the education process.

• Develops an education plan to address behavioral goals, creates a learning plan to address knowledge gaps, collaborates with patients to plan strategies for addressing barriers, and refers to the prescriber as needed.

• Consults and coordinates with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care plans to enhance patient satisfaction, care, and safety.

• Instructs individuals, families and other groups on topics related to diabetes education, disease prevention and management, and develops health improvement programs.

• Recommends pharmacological treatment options, medical devices or other forms of treatment as needed, such as insulin pumps and glucose monitors, and notes alternatives due to financial, ambulatory, or disability needs.

• Adapts communication and services to the specific patient population, including privacy respect, introduction methods, and tailored explanations.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education

• Required — Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition, Dietetics or related field Accredited by the Commission on Dietetic Registration OR Associate/bachelor’s degree in nursing OR bachelor’s degree and/or license/certification required by the Certification Board of Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE) or Registered nurse diploma or bachelor’s degree in related field

• Preferred — Master’s degree in related field

Work Experience

• Required — 3 years of experience with direct patient contact

Certifications

• Preferred — Certification as a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) by the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CBDCES)

Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

(KSAs)

• Proficiency in using computers, software, and web-based applications.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to present information clearly and professionally.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly to varying levels of individuals.

• Ability to maintain reliable transportation.

• Ability to work outside normal hours, including evenings and weekends.

• Ability to adapt to changes in systems, practices, technology and fluctuating variables in practice settings.

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met to perform essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Light work; possible exposure to blood, body fluids and tissues in a patient care environment; occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases and hazardous materials as applicable to role.

Compliance – The employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct; the employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Note – This description is a summary and may be amended at any time. For accessibility or accommodation inquiries, contact HR.