Diabetes Educator RN

Advocate Sherman Hospital

Part Time Days with some Weekends and early evenings.

Major Responsibilities:
Responsible for the coordination of education of patients, significant others, and the community related to diabetes self-management as part of the continuum of care.

1)Conducts and documents individualized assessment of pertinent medical, psychosocial, and educational history of patients.

2)Develops, implements, and documents teaching plan, educational interventions, and follow-up plan based on the learning needs assessment for patients, families, and/or significant others.

3)Collaborates with patients, families, and/or significant others in establishing mutual learning and behavior change goals.

4)Documents evaluation of outcomes, and revises interventions and follow-up plan for patients, families, and/or significant others.

5)Accesses resources to facilitate discharge planning and appropriate follow-up.

6)Assures education is based on current standards of practice with input from physicians.

7)Participates in planning and conducting community projects and programs.

8)Communicates education and follow-up recommendations to physicians and other health care providers within the multidisciplinary team.

9)Teaches "Survival Skills" and advises patients of short- and long-term complications. Teaches insulin administration and related skills.

10)Teaches blood glucose monitoring and interprets blood glucose results for the purpose of medication control and adjustment for both insulin and non-insulin dependent patients in collaboration with physicians.

Responsible for maintenance of Diabetes Self-Management Education program for patients, significant others, and the community. The Diabetes Self-Management Education program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association.
1)Ongoing identification of educational resources needed to achieve objectives for target population, including personnel, budget, and instructional materials.

2)Use of instructional methods and materials appropriate for the target population.

3)Responsible for enhancing the image of the department and the hospital through quality performance and marketing efforts.

4)Maintains and develops professional competency by participation in ongoing professional development.

5)Stays current and aware of opportunities to develop new evidenced based methods of patient assessment and treatment.

6)Participates in self-directed learning to ensure practice remains relevant by attending professional conferences, e-learning, and journal reviews.

Incorporate activities as appropriate to ensure positive patient outcomes.
1)Gather and analyze data related to quality outcomes for the diabetes education program. Evaluate results to identify trends in patient needs.

2)Collaborate with providers and patients to ensure appropriate management, referral, and responses to inquiries are provided.

3)Utilize information from individual patients to identify broader implications for health within the community.

4)Provide consultations as requested to community groups.

5)Participate in Diabetes Advisory Committee and other committees as appropriate to participate in development of policies, procedures, and protocols to improve patient care and promote efficient utilization of resources.

6)Recognize the opportunity to integrate research findings into nursing care and education of patients with diabetes.

Licensure:
Nurse, Registered (RN)

Education/Experience Required:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing with 3 years' experience is required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
Good computer skills. Good organizational skills. Ability to communicate and work cohesively with diverse groups. Problem solving skills. Clinically appropriate skills.
Current Illinois RN license required. Eligible for Certification as Diabetes Educator. Evidence of CPR course completion.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
Ability to work different hours in order to accommodate patient needs. Ability to recognize the needs and behaviors of specific age groups of patients treated. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and complete work at a fast pace. Ability to travel to outside meetings or community education offerings. Ability to cooperate and work well with others. May be exposed to hazardous materials and body substances. Must have normal or corrected vision in order to read necessary materials and charts. Ability to communicate in English in order to understand verbal instructions, ask questions, and give directions to and from co-workers, patients, visitors, and family members whether on the phone or in person.
If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.


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.