Diabetes Educator/Registered Dietitian

Riverside Health System•Newport News, VA

8d•$34 - $47

About The Position

Responsible for teaching outpatient diabetes self-management skills and nutrition education in group classes and/or one-to-one settings. Provides basic inpatient diabetes self-management and/or nutrition education according to departmental criteria. The educator assesses patient needs, implements and evaluates treatments, and provides individualized recommendations in accordance with departmental policies and guidelines. The role includes collaboration with patients, families, nursing, providers, and the interdisciplinary team, along with maintaining timely documentation in the electronic medical record. Plans and delivers educational programs aligned with American Diabetes Association objectives, RDS guidelines, and identified needs. Contributes to curriculum development for DSMT, DSME, weight management, Ask the Educator, prediabetes, nutrition, CGM, and CDC DPP programs. The role also supports CGM procedures, prepump classes, and the Diabetes Prevention Program. Ongoing responsibilities include professional development, participation in team and community activities, and provision of patient-centered service and connections to community resources.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field, or graduation from a nursing program.
High school diploma or GED is required only for nursing diploma graduates.
Registered Dietitian (RD) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration upon hire, or Registered Nurse (RN) licensure through the Virginia Department of Health Professions in Virginia or a compact state upon hire.
Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) or Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist certification within three years.
Ability to perform and assess CGM insertions or downloads and provide diabetes self-management and nutrition education.

Nice To Haves

Two years of dietitian or nursing experience.

Responsibilities

Plan, prioritize, and implement educational programs compliant with American Diabetes Association objectives, RDS guidelines, and identified needs.
Present educational offerings clearly and complete curriculum within the designated time.
Perform at least one diabetes-related performance improvement activity.
Communicate effectively with clients, families, and the interdisciplinary team, incorporating client and family rights into practice.
Participate in developing DSMT, DSME, weight management, Ask the Educator, prediabetes, nutrition, CGM, and CDC DPP curricula.
Perform and assess two or more CGM insertions or downloads and assist with prepump classes.
Actively participate in the DPP program at least once per year.
Assess, implement, and evaluate treatments and provide individualized recommendations in accordance with departmental policies and guidelines.
Use evidence-based assessment and adapt care to individual patient needs; demonstrate professional competency.
Document in the electronic medical record within 24 hours.
Participate in diabetes community programs or health fairs, including the American Diabetes Tour de Cure; participate in one or more EVADE meetings per year and in Ask the Educator activities.
Complete the social accountability report monthly and submit monthly time and travel records according to policy and procedure.
Complete at least 15 hours of continuing education annually, attend client case conferences and staff meetings, and attend a local Certified Educator Conference yearly.
Provide basic inpatient diabetes self-management and nutrition education and documentation.
Use electronic records; complete the inpatient list and data search within one hour; use inpatient sheets to compile notes and next-day follow-ups.
Communicate and collaborate with nursing, providers, and team members about diabetes-related patient care and specialized patient needs.
Understand inpatient performance measures and teach inpatient units, staff, and providers about hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, A1c, and the importance of diabetes education documentation.
Respond to consults, high A1c results, and newly diagnosed patients as priorities, and use Riverside-approved educational materials.
Provide excellent service to patients, families, and other customers; connect patients and families with appropriate community resources and remain aware of community and Riverside Health System resources.